Do YOU feel YOU have a Voice?

Do YOU feel YOU are sometimes not Heard?

Do YOU feel that Your Opinion seems not to matter?

Well, welcome to the Real World!

On this Renaissance Journey, I have been given so many unwarranted suggestions:

  • An example was  – ‘as a woman, I’m meant to be seen and not heard (well, I had to laugh out loud cause the other response would have been ungodly).
  • Another unwarranted suggestion was that I can talk for ‘adam’ (again, another laughter cause I didn’t study communication at college to be silent – I’m always pregnant with motivational tales).

Those that know can testify 🗣🗣🗣

But it got me thinking that I can be seen and can talk to be heard but Am I really being Listened to!🤔🤔🤔

  • Are my words being used to further apply to your life or situations around You?
  • Are my words of Added Value or Impactful?
  • Are my words contributing to the growth of Self, People & Society as a whole?
  • Are my words of Substance?

So now, I reflect on my spoken words and how crucial/impactful it will be before it gets out but best believe;

  • I will Speak
  • I will Be Heard
  • I will be Listened To
  • And I will be Impactful ✊🏾

(Can’t shut this Queen down!!!)

What About You?

The Renaissance Journey continues …

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

What’s in a NAME? After watching the attached video clip by Hollywood Actress – Uzoamaka Nwanneka Aduba, I felt the need to showcase the extraordinary meaning of my Nigerian name and salute my amazing African heritage. But also emphasise, why all African parents give their children NAMES which somewhat connotes their future. It’s hard to really put it into content but do read on …

Primarily, I am known by my European name, Yvonne (which by the way is unique and soooo ‘French‘) but I never cease to also state my Nigerian name which is ‘Ndidiamaka‘ (from the beautiful Igbo tribe of Nigeria), which means ‘Patience is a Virtue’ or ‘Patience is Key’.

I remember when I was younger, telling my parents that it was such an irony for them to give me such a name as I was the least qualified to be identified as ‘Ndidiamaka’ because ‘Patience’ (its meaning) certainly did not apply to any part of my life (my family and friends can attest to that ???). My constant joke was that God had a funny sense of humour when He gave my parents the wisdom to name me as my temperament was far opposite to what the name denotes.

Like Uzoamaka stated: I too tried to change my name to either: Di, DiDi, Ndy, Ndyamaka – just to make it easier for other people to pronounce it but that actually lost the true essence and meaning and as I got older & wiser, I realised that Ndidiamaka was and has always been attached to my Life Journey, I had to ‘damn’ any excuse of pronunciation difficulties from people and insist that it is pronounced correctly as this name helped define who I am and where I am going.

I decided to search ‘google’ for their interpretation of the name, ‘Ndidiamaka‘ and the response below was shocking (as it actually defined my character to the point) which again, I am sure those close to me will attest to:

Meaning: Patience is the key; patience is a virtue (Igbo, Nigeria).

Soul Urge: People with the name Ndidiamaka have a deep inner desire for love and companionship, and want to work with others to achieve peace and harmony.

Expression: People with the name Ndidiamaka tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely. They are often the center of attention and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight. They tend to become involved in many different activities and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money.

Well, let’s just say that over time with the birth of my son, who forcefully taught me the real meaning, coupled with subsequent events that have happened throughout my life, I grew into that name and can proudly testify that the name ‘Ndidiamaka’ was & is predestined to be part of my Life’s Journey… It’s my identity.

My Name! My Story!!

So here’s to accepting your NAME, no matter how unique or weird people might think it is. It is YOURS to Wear, Carry & Own with pride!!!

Happy Thursday Beloveds ❤️

The Renaissance Journey continues …

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

Hello Beloveds, we all know that October is also known as the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ which is very dear to us at The Renaissance Lady. It’s that time of the year where we will be having our 3rd Annual 5k Walk 🚶🏾‍♀️🚶🏾‍♀️🚶🏾‍♀️, of which I am one of the UK Brand Ambassador for Breast Health Angels Foundation (BHAF). 

So on Saturday, 20th of October across 13 cities worldwide

  • USA: ATLANTA – Shorty Howell Park located at 2750 Pleasant hill road Duluth, Georgia
  • USA: HOUSTON – Sugar Land Memorial Park located at 15300 University Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas
  • USA: NEW YORK – BrookVille Park – 149 Ave &S Conduit Ave, Springfield Gardens, New York
  • USA: DALLAS – Bachman Lake Park 2750 Bachma Dr, Dallas Texas
  • USA: HERCULES, CALIFORNIA – Refugio Valley Park, 1515 Refugio Valley Rd, Hercules California
  • USA: MIAMI – TBD
  • UK: LONDON – Green Park, London, SW1A 1BW 
  • BAHAMAS – Designated Resort Beach
  • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Designated Resort Beach –  Punta Cana
  • NIGERIA: PORT HARCOURT – Take off GRA Junction
  • NIGERIA: LAGOS – IMB Building, Akin
  • NIGERIA: ABUJA – Jabi Park

Every one of us knows someone – either a loved one or another experience cancer. Back in 2017, I had so many people passed onto glory from this dreadful disease both old and young, so you see this cancer is no respecter of age or race and words cannot explain how I much I detest it. Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues. 

I have seen and known some loved ones have one of the worst cases of cancer – ‘breast cancer’ which starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

One survivor is a dear sista-friend by the name of Chika Akwiwu otherwise known as The African Barbie, who is a passionate advocate is on a mission to educate us women on how to detect breast cancer very early and ensure that we get treatment and follow the course of a good and healthy lifestyle.

As a result of her new sense of purpose, she founded a non-profit organization BHAF (Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc.).  BHAF has Advocacy deeply embedded in its core and is unique because it combines Chika’s experience as a Breast Cancer Survivor alongside her training as a healthcare provider to Educate, Empower and Engage women worldwide. She is a strong advocate for Early Detection because it can make the difference between life and death. BHAF’s mission is to Empower, Encourage, Educate and Engage women to Embrace their breast health and overall well-being through Early Detection and Support Services. 

They say: ‘It takes a Village to SLAY this Cancer so what are YOU waiting for!

Join the MOVEMENT and let’s make a Difference

SHARE, DONATE, REGISTER OR SPONSOR. Be an Advocate!

Let’s do this…💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

The Renaissance Journey continues … 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

Yesterday, I celebrated my beloved 🇳🇬 NIGERIA 🇳🇬 on their awesome Independence Day. 58 years ago, Nigeria gained her freedom and has impacted the world at large (whether negatively through ‘bad or fake press’ or positively); but IT is a country so unique and rare of which I’m proud to be associated with.

There is a trait (one of many) amongst Nigerians worldwide and that is RESILIENCE. We strive to make the best out of any situation and aim to excel even the odds are against us.

Nowadays, you can’t mention any field without having a Nigerian in it: be it TV & Film, Music, Medicine, Sports, Law, Finance, Fashion, Beauty, Government and the rest goes on.

It is well stated that if you go to a country and there’s no Nigerian there, you better find somewhere else as that initial place ain’t happening (lol). Either way, Nigerians have made their mark worldwide and more impactful deeds are being manifested daily.

So again, Happy 58th Birthday NIGERIA and here’s to more amazing breakthrough years ahead 🇳🇬🍾🥂🍹🍸🍷🍾🇳🇬

The Renaissance Journey continues …

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

Borrowed this quote from @realtorshameeka:

“Mirror what You admire! Attract what You desire! Become what You respect!”

And that’s a preach right there 👊🏾

When you start viewing YOURSELF as the Unique Being that You were created to be and recognise Your Gift and Calling, then nothing else really matters. We were all created to fulfil a PURPOSE and that is Yours to Achieve.

Truly Focused this 2018! Are You?

Happy Sunday Beloveds ❤️

The Renaissance Journey continues …

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

 

Living my LIFE like it’s golden. The Queen sits on her throne and she LOVES it ❤️

The Renaissance Journey continues …

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

About a week ago, I stumbled upon a ‘challenge’ post by Dakore Akande and Feyi Luther Mbanugo called the ‘Stepping out in Faith Challenge’ – #steppingoutinfaithchallenge and it got me inspired to participate as I have discovered that these days, people lack belief in themselves and the power that is assigned to them. This was a 5-day challenge that ended on Saturday but I would still encourage everyone to participate as this will give you all Food for Thought at the end on what affects and also reflects in your life and how to make the change to allow positivity and also productivity!

Day 1 focused on Gratitude and what we are grateful for: I am grateful for still standing in spite of the adversities that I have faced this year and the previous years. I am grateful for His grace upon my life and the new journey that I am currently on. I am grateful for my son and family who have my back. I am grateful for consistency in my career. I am grateful for my blog and the opportunities that have come for expressing my thoughts on paper. I am grateful for friends who have stood by me with truth and love. I am grateful for much more coming my way so I stand and pose with Style, Grace, and Confidence…

Day 2 focused on being Mindful and turning negativity into positivity. I decided to post a quote which speaks a lot about how I choose to tackle life situations these days: “If It doesn’t CHALLENGE You, It doesn’t CHANGE YOU.” That has been my go-to affirmation on life challenges and negative thoughts. Besides, there is a popular quote by the famous philosopher – Friedrich Nietzsche: ‘What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger!

Day 3 focused on Forgiveness: letting go of hurt and pain. Boy, can I relate to hurt and pain? But through it all, I realised through experience that I should never give another person the power to control my emotions so I forgive them and move on (but with wisdom and caution). Besides I’m a LEO and we Queens can’t allow that kind of toxins into our lives now, can we ??!

Day 4 focused on MANTRA which is positive words of affirmation to inspire and encourage us in our daily lives. I have so many affirmations to go by and have written various blog posts on the importance of affirmations like: ‘The Gratitude Challenge’ or Be the CEO of Your Life. My favourite bible verse is from Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” & this has been my daily mantra in all situations. When Travis Greene bought the song ‘Intentional’ – it was as if he took my thoughts and made it into a motivating song… And I end up by saying that the power of affirmations bring us closer to what we want by feeling that they’re already in our reach.

Day 5 focused on Letting Go and Letting Our Light Shine. This challenge has taught me that life does have its ups and downs but through it all; it makes us stronger and we should always see the brighter side in the midst of the storm (yea, I know it is easier said than done). But I truly believe in that concept and that is what has kept me going through the challenges of life… I allow myself to always see the good and brighter side thus it has kept me looking much younger than my true age and I ain’t stopping for no-one. Just Live: Let Go and Let GOD!

Well, the challenge ended on Saturday and all participants were told to wait for an announcement advising of the best inspiring posts. Well today, I got to work only to get a notification from @flm_mamak that I have been given a ‘special recognition’ for my posts on the #steppingoutinfaithchallenge which has been enlightening for me.

Drum ? roll !!!!!! Wow, we had so many amazing posts during the #steppingoutinfaithchallenge and honestly, I would have chosen each and every one of you. Well @dakoreea and I came together and chose the 5 best posts and then we just had to give special recognition to two other followers who just blew us away!! So without further ado !!!

The 5 best posts go to:

And special recognition goes to @therenaissancelady and @oluwalonirosay !! Ladies, your stories, and delivery touched our hearts. We are so blessed that the #steppingoutinfaithchallenge touched you all !! I will be announcing a special event on Friday and hope you guys look out for it!! Much love ? cc @dakoreea ™@flm_mamak

As previously said: I would still encourage everyone to participate as this will give you all Food for Thought at the end on what affects and also reflects in your life and how to make the change to allow positivity and also productivity!

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

In light of all the mayhem happening worldwide in terms of disasters, hate and violence, especially the terrifying recent Las Vegas shootings, I am yet again reminded of the now famous tweet by Barack Obama shared on the 13th of August 2017: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion…” pic.twitter.com/InZ58zkoAm  – Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 13, 2017.

The former US president followed the tweet with more from Mandela’s autobiographical Long Walk to Freedom: “People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. “…For love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela  – Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 13, 2017

The shootings, killings, hate, racial segregation, discrimination, anti-Semitism, gender equality, genocide, acts of crime and violence all needs to STOP!  And it starts when WE collectively SPEAK OUT and make a STAND!

If we all Learn and Experience what it feels to totally and completely love People without judgement, we will surely learn and experience what it means to be FREE!

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

The #BloggersFestival is back for a FOURTH consecutive year taking place at Conrad London St. James, 22-28 Broadway. London, SW1H 0BH.

Scarlett London Digital presents a celebration of all things blog related, with fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands from all over Europe showcasing their latest collections, sampling product and hosting social media giveaways!

Whether you want to relax with a glass of fizz in our lounge area, or mingle with fellow bloggers and brands – the event is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful and very hard-working blogging community, as well as meeting those you chat to online all the time, only this time, you’ll connect IRL!

– Gifting lounge

– Goody bags

– Cupcakes

– Canapes

– Networking

– Photo Opportunities

– Welcome drinks

Bloggers of all genres are welcome (we often find many people come to network and meet like-minded creators) however please bear in mind that most of the showcasing brands are mostly fashion, beauty, food and health related.

I am proud to announce that as a Brand Ambassador for Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc. (BHAF) and foundation member of the London Branch, we are having our 2nd Annual 5k Walk ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️on the same day of 30th of September across 10 cities worldwide: London, England; Lagos, Nigeria, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria, Atlanta, United States, Dallas, United States, New York, United States, Houston, United States, Arkansas, United States and California, United States

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Everyone of us knows someone – either a loved one or another experience cancer. In the past few months of 2017, I have known so many people passed onto glory from this dreadful disease both old and young, so you see this cancer is no respecter of age or race and words cannot explain how I much I detest it.

Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues. I have seen and known some loved ones have one of the worst cases of cancer – ‘breast cancer’ which starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

One survivor is a dear sista-friend by the name of Chika Akwiwu otherwise known as The African Barbie, who is a passionate advocate is on a mission to educate us women on how to detect breast cancer very early and ensure that we get treatment and follow the course of a good and healthy lifestyle.

As a result of her new sense of purpose, she founded a non-profit organization BHAF (Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc.).  BHAF has Advocacy deeply embedded in its core and is unique because it combines Chika’s experience as a Breast Cancer Survivor alongside her training as a healthcare provider to Educate, Empower and Engage women worldwide. She is a strong advocate for Early Detection because it can make the difference between life and death. BHAF’s mission is to Empower, Encourage, Educate and Engage women to Embrace their breast health and overall well-being through Early Detection and Support Services.

Last October, Chika organised the very first annual 5k Advocacy Walk held in various cities worldwide like London, England; Port-Harcourt & Abuja in Nigeria; Atlanta, LA, Houston, and other states in the US amongst other countries and it was a great and successful movement which helped raise awareness amongst our various communities…  

They say: ‘It takes a Village to SLAY this Cancer so what are YOU waiting for!

Join the MOVEMENT and let’s make a Difference

SHARE, DONATE, REGISTER OR SPONSOR. Be an Advocate!

Let’s do this…💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 #TimetoSLAYCancer

The Renaissance Journey continues … 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

Ages ago, it was perceived that blogging was long-form, serious, and crafted whilst Social media was short-form, personal, and spontaneous. … Now blogging and social media not only amicably coexist; they complement each other. The world we live in consists and is somewhat controlled by the use of social media.

As bloggers, it is has been said that we use our blogs to enrich our social media with long-form posts, and to use social media to promote our blog and that is true. There are numerous social media channels around of which we are very active on and today’s highlight is INSTAGRAM. 

I tend to be more active on instagram as I express myself more through creative visuals. I like to think that instagram compliments my blog but can never replace it. Don’t get me wrong because as a blogger, I put much more effort in my work and provide quality content but my instagram photos are a little more relaxed and brings readers further into my life. You can see more of my daily life, thoughts and much more of which you can get a sense of how I live – like a journal through photos, so why not follow us (click on the link): @therenaissancelady. 

Also, do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©