THE TORCH OF IMPACT

Welcome to SEPTEMBER!!!

*Drum beats* *Cymbals clashing* Hurraaaaaaaaaaayyy!!!! The first online episode of #InspirationalmomentswithOlla is here at last! My excitement knows no bounds and I believe it’s a great way to begin the 9^th month. I feel like I was pregnant with a baby and just delivered it. *Takes a deep breath and whispers, *“keep calm girl”* Now to the business of the day! Happy new month and welcome to the first online episode of #InspirationalmomentswithOlla.

According to Wikipedia, a torch is a stick with combustible material at one end, which is ignited and used as a light source. The Cambridge Advanced Learn
er’s Dictionary defines it as a stick with material which burns tied to the top of it in order to give light. The torch is a common emblem of both enlightenment and hope and being a torch-bearer is considered an honour.

However, a torch does not burn on its own; it must be lit before it can burn. When it is lit, it has the capacity to torch (burn) things around it and in a twinkling of an eye, the fire spreads very fast. For instance, when fire torches a piece of cloth in a room, it spreads to other things within that room. That little fire that starts with just a piece of cloth spreads to the whole building and if not quenched, spreads to another, and then another, and yet another…

Everyone is a torch and has a torch. However, each one has the responsibility to light his torch by pursuing his dreams, vision, purpose and passion. Note that destinies/lives are tied to your blazing torch. When your torch is lit and you torch (Impact) people with it, they also go on to light the torch of others. This is actually a continuous cycle of impact. Someone is waiting for you to light your torch! Life is all about impact and destinies/lives are tied to you! Light your torch!

When a torch is lit, the fire is so fierce that it can be seen by all. Likewise, when you light your torch (purpose, vision), your impact will be visible by
all. In fact, you won’t have to speak before people take note of your impact. This is because, just as the fire on a torch cannot be hidden but it is always noticeable by all, it is impossible to bear the torch of impact and not positively affect the people we meet daily. However, we must keep our torch blazing by lighting the torch of others, thereby preventing the fire on our torch from fading out.

Somebody somewhere is depending on you to do what God has called you to do. Therefore, light your torch and let it light the torch of others! The Bible says that you are the light of the world; therefore, let your light shine through lives all over the world. I’ve resolved to let others shine as I light my torch so they can also light others torch. As I meet people on the journey of life, I’m determined to ensure that their torch of impact is lit.

Don’t be a flashlight, be a TORCH!

Have a most fruitful and productive month!

P:S-Don’t forget to share and leave your comments below; they serve as a propeller for the flight. Thanks!

My social media handles: @ollamipoh

YOU ARE A BRAND!

The term ‘branding’ has always been associated with companies, but every individual is a brand. However, many are unaware of this and as a result, they allow themselves to be branded (defined) by people and the society at large.
Your brand is who you are and what you stand for. Until you know who you are, a positive esteem is not in-view.
When you interact with people, they build an image (positive or negative) of who you are overtime. Those images are mere opinions of others, not the real YOU. That is why you must not allow yourself to be defined (branded) by them. Hence, the need for positive self-branding.
Until you brand yourself positively, you will likely live on the negative branding (perception) of others. Even the positive branding of others about you, is not enough to define your person because nobody knows you like YOU. Therefore, define your brand and live it daily!
#Selfbrandingseries#Iamabrand#Whoareyou#Knowyourworth#IamOllamipoh#Iamsalt#Ibearthetorchofimpact#

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HURDLES TO GREATNESS

HURDLES TO GREATNESS
It was the second year of my post-NYSC and the search for my dream job was in progress. I woke up to a beautiful day, prayed and was hopeful about the outcome of another aptitude test.
While brainstorming about what to wear, I picked a skirt. *No, don’t put on that; na Lagos you dey and you go still bike* So, I settled for a pant trouser (Though I still felt undecided). Then, I wore a Jean trouser and it felt just right. Oh my! I remembered I needed a comfortable top. Short sleeve? *No!* Long sleeve? Check!
Little did I know that my dressing that day was to avoid havoc on my smooth, beautiful, & chocolate skin (Not blowing my horns; just being prudent).
Anyways, typical of naija (there’s hope for my country), the queue at the venue of the test was longer than the longest bridge (No exaggerations, na fact)! I told myself, “Na Oil Company test, what were you expecting?” The sun didn’t help matters at all; it had the capacity to melt fats off an overweight (LOL).
Then, the delay of writing the test itself―a test that was to start at 12 noon didn’t commence until 3p.m. That’s why I respect entrepreneurs with the zeal and zest to start-up their business. Anyways, by this time, I was tired and famished. All I wanted was to quickly get into a bus and purchase the Lagos traffic hunger deflator―Gala & Lacasera. However, that dream was soon short-lived!
As I tried to cross the road, I was hit by a bike. I fell flat right in the middle of the expressway. Thank God no vehicle was coming behind that bike. I felt life going out of me but I spoke life-enhancing words to myself (in my mind because I couldn’t talk).
Remember how I dressed that morning―the long sleeve shirt protected my fresh arm from bruises. The shirt tore (Imagine if I had worn a short sleeve). The jeans I wore also tore to my thigh; it was so straight and neatly torn. No ruler needed! Again, imagine if I had worn a skirt or trousers. Mehn! Oya, stop the imagination! Enough! Since then, I learnt to give thanks to God and cherish the privilege of life. Hence my name, ONAOPEMIPO!
I flashback to that day and I concluded that the ‘winchies’ know that my destiny is great. That day, I was convinced that my greatness is sure because I conquered. In fact, the devil and his ‘winchies’ know that I’m born to trample them under feet.
Presently, the search for a job is over (plans in progress to be an employer). Though my present job wasn’t what I initially wanted, but it has birth a conglomerate. In fact, I do not earn as much as I desire, but I’ve enjoyed countless life-changing & destiny moulding privileges worth much more than the most valued currency in the world. These privileges are always stored (if not for immediate use) in my destiny power bank and I can easily withdraw from them when needed. Again, the most valuable currency in the world can’t buy that!
Currently, I may not be where I want to be, but definitely, I’m not where I used to be. The joy of tomorrow propels me because I know that though my beginning was small, my latter end will greatly increase.
In our daily lives, we encounter certain difficulties and conquer hurdles. However, I’ve understood that without these hurdles, we won’t be stronger or wiser. That’s why we must see the hurdles on our path as stepping stones to greatness and laugh through it all. Only then will the challenges & negativities step aside, take a bow and give you a standing ovation! STAY INSPIRED!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS…ONAOPEMIPO

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS…ONAOPEMIPO
Over the years, every challenging & negative situation has moulded and shaped me into who I am today―Spiritually, socially, financially, career-wise, etc.
The saying that if you can think well, you will thank well has prompted me to reminisce about previous years. Through my short life journey, I recall the situations that has shaped and taught me.
 I remember when I died in my room in my early teens. I knew my spirit was out of my body, but His mercy brought me back.
 I remember the times God told me, “I want to use you but you are hindering Me.” I thought I heard myself those years but now… *sighs*
 I remember the years when I was seriously ill and I would thrash the drugs; I wonder how I got well. Divine healing is real!
 I remember when I had C6 in maths; my mum danced and ‘hug-carried’ me like I had an ‘A’ (she knew I didn’t have a flare for it). I thank God for the blessings of an understanding & supportive mum of life.
 I remember the accident of March 27, 2010 that did not claim my life. God preserved me, because I must indeed fulfil destiny in grand style.
 I remember when I rejected His plans for me, but His mercies always brought me into His will. Indeed, He is a patient and merciful Father.
 I remember the times God proved Himself as a very present help in time of need.
 I remember the day I went blank in an examination hall, but still excelled. God proved to me that He truly has a pen.
 I remember when an interviewer made me feel incapable & unintelligent. That day, God’s vision for my life became clearer and passion was reignited.
 I remember in my early teens when God helped me to realize the vanity of man’s help.
 I remember the people God has brought my way over the years. I learnt that there is a reason for everyone I meet and a lesson to be derived.
 I remember the times when God revealed future happenings (He still does) via the pages of scriptures and I wondered how they would be fulfilled. It taught me to be patient, built my faith and a closer relationship with God.
 I remember the diverse relationships from cradle till now that taught me diverse lessons―positive and negative.
 I remember my plans that failed because it helped me to stand upon my watch for His plans and plug into them.
…And many more!
Through it all, I thank God for loving me in spite of my excesses. Truly, God has not dealt or judged me through my thoughts, actions or behaviour.
Today, I remember so many things―the good, bad and ugly, but they all worked together for my good. Indeed, I can boldly say ONAOPEMIPO (I have many reasons to give thanks).