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CHRISTMAS IS FOR EVERYBODY

significance of christmas decorations &how to share love and light to others this season…

” the true spirit of christmas is love ”

Every year we celebrate, busting jingles all over the place Christmas lights shining bright sitting so gracefully on the evergreen tree or maybe white you decide your vibe which ever,

We look forward to the warmth of reuniting with family, the excitement of unboxing presents, finally after days of trying to guess and wondering what’s inside the box with your name.

The presents make the atmosphere merry but the variety of food, cookies , cakes and christmas candies are too tasty to resist. I always look forward to that too no doubt…

But…. what is the reason for the season The simple answer is the celebration of love and redemption which we have freely received from our ever loving father. This redemption is not biased therefore the redemption is for everybody, thus christmas is for everybody and no one should be excluded because we as individuals have all being redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus.

In this season we are to share love, positivity, kindness and joy. Reach out to someone next to you and be a blessing. It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford a present ‘its not what’s under the tree that matters it’s who’s gathered around it’. You may not even have a tree but don’t let that stop you keep your spirits up, be merry and spread love it’s what’s really in your heart that matters.

Almost every place you go to now has a hint of christmas decorations, i always grew up with the idea that during christmas decorations had to be hung up it was the ‘Christmas tradition’ but i didn’t really have a clear idea of the significance of those decorations. so we will briefly scheme through some very Common symbols in Christmas decor and get to know their significance.

The star which is usually placed on the top most part of the tree signifies the prophecy of Jesus coming as a star, a Scepter which will rise from Isreal.( numbers 24;17)

The holly which is placed on the tree signifies the crown of thorns which was worn on Jesus head. And the berries attached to the holly are usually toxic signifies christ salvation for us ( Redeemption). we sing the common Christmas song deck the halls with boughs of holly…..

The socks which are very common items for decoration signifies gifts which we will receive. actually the origin of this story was from a man named saint nick who was very rich and lost his parents and gave most of his wealth to those in need and it was said that he would usually drop money into the socks of children hanging on the line.

The J candy very nice and common Christmas candy and decor signifies the staff of a shepherd(which is Jesus) to lead.

The evergreen tree this is actually the most used Christmas decor and its called evergreen because of its unchanging nature it signifies the unchanging nature of christ

. The Christmas light this signifies the light that jesus brings into the world to eradicate every darkness.

CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF A NEW BORN KING AS YOU GRACEFULLY ENTER A NEW YEAR POSITIVELY.
Happy holidays….

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Mans search for meaning

Welcome to the first episode of bryony post . If you are reading this you probably have read what this blog is about but for those who haven’t seen it yet. Just sit back and listen I’ll tell you all about it in a bit.Bryony post is centered at helping individuals including children in their day to day lives and to inspire them to achieve their dreams and never give up and no matter what life throws at their faces they should always come back stronger and ready to take up any challenge.

Our motto in the bryony fam is to“ live to inspire “ As you read this blog I want you to be inspired everyday to never give up on yourself and always aim high.

You may be wondering what is mans search for meaning? As individuals we have different things that give us meaning in our lives some may say God,money, career accomplishment, family, happiness,children or even a spouse.

I am not disputing any of this answers because they are things which some people actually hold close to their hearts. But take a few minutes and really think about it what actually in your life do you have or are you still searching for that gives your life meaning. This is a very personal question but most often a lot of people miss the relevance of it in their lives that is why most times some people have no purpose in their lives and end up becoming people pleasers. As they don’t know their purpose in life they just follow others blindly.

Now we need to establish the fact that man ( an individual whether male or female) needs a purpose in their life to give them meaning. Often if you see someone who knows their purpose in life, you notice that that person is focused on their set target and they are not easily swayed by the activities of other people. However when he/she looses focus of their purpose they are now easy targets and are prone to follow destructive paths paved by others. Luckily some of them end up following people who have a purpose and with time they begin to find themselves again and possibly their purpose but sadly this is not always the case.

Also parents have a huge role to play in helping their children discover and achieve their purpose. However parents who impose certain things on their children like career or sport are not helping their kids but rather they are killing the true potential of their child rather parents role is to observe their children from when they are young and notice their abilities and as they grow they should encourage their kids to go into activities of their strong areas and from there they can guide them and help nurture them until they find their own purpose.

Also put into consideration that loss of hope and courage could have a deadly effect on an individual. No matter what know that you are worth it and if you have come this far reading this thank you for taking out time to read this post. I hope this inspires you to think about your purpose if you have not discovered it yet: you just really need to spend them to reflect on yourself as a person and set out a plan for your life, what you want to achieve and where you see yourself in the nearest future. Also if you have discovered your’s I encourage you to keep your focus on your target you can make it. And also having a role model who you look up to can help shape your purpose in life and keep you in check.

Thank you for reading see you in my next blog,I would love to see your comments on this blog, like and share

Quote of the day:

“He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how” – Dr Viktor.E. Frankl

FINDING STRENGTH IN LOSS:

 'How grief has shaped me'

As a new quarter of the year begins, I will go down memory lane and share the biggest loss I have encountered. The high’s, lows and everything in-between .

Before I dive in, this isn’t a story to make you feel bad or get sympathy—it’s just me sharing my journey in hopes that it encourages someone in a similar situation. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s a little backstory: I grew up in Nigeria, often called the giant of Africa, it is one of the most diverse nations in the world; rich in culture and natural resources. Despite all these a lot of inconsistencies such as insecurity is a deep-rooted issue that Nigeria as a country is still facing up on till today, I would expatiate further how this plays an important role in the point I am driving towards.

I spent most of my childhood in Northern Nigeria, a region unfortunately known for insurgency and the presence of bandit groups that continuously wreak havoc kidnapping, mutilating, and killing innocent people.

Growing up in such an environment exposed me to lots of insecurity, fear and uprising, I can remember having to be rushed home from school because a bomb blast occurred, and it was unsafe to even remain in school until closing hours.

The news constantly echoes the number of lives lost; the endless cries of vulnerable people who have lost a child, a father, a mother, a brother, or a sister. Everywhere you turn is a reminder of the atrocities that have occurred, the burnt houses, the charred roads, the lingering scars of devastation. This was the reality of living in the northern part of Nigeria. I became used to the chaos and lived through it until I left the country to pursue my dream of studying medicine. But even then, my story didn’t end there. Although it was not all gloom, Northern Nigeria is blessed with rich agriculture, lush green fields, and fresh vegetables. The mountain views are breathtaking, and the land is undeniably beautiful. But even more remarkable are its people despite the circumstances, they remain vibrant, welcoming, and full of love contrary to what others may think. I witnessed and experienced this throughout my childhood.

In 2019, I left Nigeria and began a new chapter of my life in Ukraine. Everything was different from the life I had known, but with time, I adjusted, and Ukraine slowly became home. That sense of stability came crashing down on February 24th, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and war broke out. There’s a story etched in my memory; the day Russia invaded Ukraine I’ll share it someday, but not today. In that moment, I was reminded of the scared little girl I once was the one who had to be rushed home midway through classes because danger was near it all felt like Deja vu.

Not relenting, I left Ukraine and started all over again from scratch leaving all that was once familiar to me and basically starting over. It was not a smooth journey there were more lows than highs, but I was able to keep moving forward. I had to take a break from school because of the instability in Ukraine and eventually I found a sense of normalcy and continued my education.

Everything was gradually falling into to place, or so I thought.

On the 14th of March 2024, I received news that altered my brain chemistry: news that still echoes in my mind to this very moment: the death of my father.

I still recall the emotions I felt that morning when I woke up to the news. At first, I was in denial, unable to make sense of it all. How could this happen? I kept asking myself and redirecting the question to God. There was this ache in my stomach that wouldn’t go away, no matter how much I cried, prayed, or simply existed. My heart was shattered, the thought that I would never see him again or hear his voice ever again.

As the days passed, I slowly accepted that he wasn’t coming back. I reminisced about our last conversations and wished I could go back in time, talk to him longer, and tell him all the things we never got the chance to discuss. He wasn’t just a father to me; he was my unwavering support, my compass, my confidant, and the reason I chose to study medicine.

A selfless, hardworking doctor, he wasn’t just a blessing to us, his children he dedicated his life to helping others. In the end, he lost his life to the very thing he dedicated himself to : his patients. He contracted Lassa fever while caring for those in need, and it ultimately took him from us. His unwavering support is why I’m here today, and I know he’s looking down, proud of the person I’m becoming.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into a year. Yet even now, the pain remains. There were moments when I felt numb, uncertain whether I was truly happy. I felt guilty for moving on too quickly, as if I wasn’t honouring his memory enough.

During this time, some things helped me cope: reflecting on the promises of God over my life, surrounding myself with a supportive community, listening to worship music, and simply allowing myself to grieve. I stopped trying to be a “superwoman” and gave myself permission to be vulnerable. I learned that strength doesn’t always mean holding it together—it’s also in letting the tears fall when needed. I encouraged myself with many scriptures especially this one

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
philippians 4:7

Hidden behind my smiles are lots of stories to tell but God has been with me all through the way, this experience has shaped me to be the person I am now. Grief is a language I never wanted to learn but it’s taught me more about life, love, and strength than I ever imagined. So to anyone reading this and to those who know someone in need of these words remember: ”When loss knocks on your door, it doesn’t ask for permission. It enters, it stays, and somehow—somehow—you learn to breathe again”.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. If you’ve experienced grief, how did you manage it? See you in my next post remember , to Always live to inspire you can get back on your feet too.

THE POWER OF STARTING OVER.

After a five-year hiatus from blogging, I’ve decided to start afresh. That’s why I’m reviving Bryony Post to reconnect with this space and share my journey with you. As I step back into writing, I want to reflect on what I’ve learned from taking a long break and why sometimes, starting over is exactly what we need.

Starting over simply means to begin to do something again but in a different way, more like a new beginning. It may seem daunting to start over because often times we are scared to try again because of the looming fear of failure which holds many of us back, including me but not anymore. As humans, we naturally seek validation from the world and those around us, often driven by the fear of disappointment and the desire to meet others’ expectations. While striving for success is important, there must be a balance one that allows us to pursue our goals without fearing failure or seeing setbacks as defeat. This isn’t about settling for mediocrity, but about understanding that growth comes from both wins and losses.

Here’s why…

In the past five years, I have grown in every aspect, much like an insect undergoing metamorphosis : transforming from one stage of life to another, emerging stronger, wiser, and more refined. I had to adapt to life and everything it threw at me.

In the months after my last blog post, my focus shifted entirely to my studies. Life got much busier, and I kept procrastinating my return to writing. When 2022 arrived, I realized I had been making excuses—I just needed to start. Like many people, I set new year goals, hoping to regain structure and balance in my life. But just when I thought I was getting back on track, everything changed.

A war broke out in the country I was living in. For context, I had been studying in Ukraine since 2019. That period was chaotic—I had to relocate, my medical education was put on hold, and my entire life was disrupted. But that’s a story for another day.

What matters here is that over the past five years, I’ve experienced both wins and losses. I had to rebuild my life from scratch in a completely different country and environment. Did I have doubts? Absolutely. I fought internal battles more times than I can count. But I refused to let them stop me, and that’s why I’m here today, writing this.

Power, in its broadest sense, is the ability to influence, control, or create change in oneself, others, or the world.

It takes many forms – physical, intellectual, emotional, social, political, financial, and spiritual. All of these forms of power played a role during this period especially the spiritual form, without God I would not be here today he was very instrumental in leading me during this period.

I have so much to share, but before I dive into the lessons I’ve learned, I want to highlight one thing, “how power played a significant role in helping me start over“. I had to let God take control of my life in order to gain normalcy. Mind you, I tried to take matters into my own hands, but I gradually realized that it was a futile effort.

” A man’s mind plans his way (as he journeys through life), But the lord directs his steps and establishes them. ” Proverbs 16:9

12 Lessons I learnt

Whatever is, has already been; whatever will be, already is. So don’t stress over things you can’t control.
The time to start is now. You don’t have to wait for a new year, a new month, or the start of a new week to begin again.
Life happens in stages—don’t rush. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.
Uncertainty is not always a bad thing; it can be God’s way of telling you to wait.
Life is temporary; make the most of every opportunity presented to you to avoid saying, ‘Had I known.
Less talk, more action—that’s how you become a person of excellence.
Fear is not your future—God is. No matter the setbacks and difficulties, trust in Him.
Trust that every disappoint is God ordering your steps.
Take time out for quiet reflections without any distractions. Use it to journal, pray, set realistic goals, learn a new skill or give something you once failed at a second chance.
Ask for help when you need it, never think you’re a burden. Be open to learning from others.
Spend more time with God by reading your Bible. There are life lessons hidden in His word that will equip you for this journey called life.
Be happy.

The journey was steep, and I encountered hurdles along the way. But remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Don’t be too quick to throw in the towel when things get tough there’s always an opportunity to start afresh and become better.

These were some of the lessons that helped me start afresh, and I hope you can implement them too. Let me know in the comments which lesson resonated with you the most, and feel free to share your own. I’m rooting for you, and I believe in you!

Always remember to live to inspire😊.

A NEW BEGINNING: REINTRODUCING BRYONYPOST

Hey there! It’s been a while… actually, it’s been more like five years! I know I’ve totally abandoned this blog, but I’m back and ready to reconnect. But allow me to reintroduce myself.

Welcome to Bryony Post! I started this blog back in June 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Honestly, it was a mix of my love for writing and let’s be real, a bit of boredom. But I’ve always wanted to create something meaningful, something that might leave impact on others. So, what better way than to share my ideas, life experiences, and all the things I’m learning as I navigate my journey in medicine.

So how did I end up with the name Bryony post? well, let me tell a little bit about myself and how it connects with ”bryony ”, my actual name ”Sharon” means a fertile plain and it also symbolizes beauty. ”Bryony” on the other hand originates from a Greek word “Bryon”, which means to grow symbolizing growth, nature, and healing. Just like the name, this blog was created to be a digital collection of my growth, experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I started this blog right after finishing my first year of medical school. Then, COVID-19 hit like a storm and totally flipped the world upside down. My usual routine turned into spending all day in bed watching movies or scribbling in my journal, just me and my thoughts. That’s when I had the bright idea to start blogging!

Back in 2020, I started this blog with a purpose to challenge everyone, regardless of age or gender, to chase their dreams fearlessly and never give up. No matter what life throws at you, I believe in coming back stronger, ready to take on the next challenge. That’s the heart of Bryony Post. The mantra here is simple: Live to Inspire.

In the past five years, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve gone from being the girl scribbling in her journal, full of dreams and uncertainty, to a clueless first-year medical student just beginning to find herself. And now? I’m in my 5th year of medical school—more confident, more resilient, and with a voice I’m ready to share. The lessons, experiences, and hurdles I’ve faced along the way. Too many to fit into just one post. But trust me, they’ve shaped me, and I can’t wait to reflect on them here.

So, as Bryony Post makes its comeback, expect stories of growth, med school realities, lifestyle, creativity, and everything in between. Whether you’ve been here from the start or you’re just discovering this space welcome! Let’s embrace the journey, keep pushing forward, and most of all, live to inspire.

Here’s to new beginnings and fearless dreams! 💫

TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

How to interact and accept people with living with this condition…..

WHAT IS TOURETTE SYNDROME ?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition of the nervous system, that causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things example, a person might keep blinking over and over. Having tics is a little bit like having hiccups, even though you might not want to hiccup, your body does it anyway.

CAUSE OF TOURETTE SYNDROME

It’s a spectrum disorder likely caused by a combination of inherited and environmental factors. Chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses , including dopamine and serotonin, might play a role. environmental factors like pregnancy and birth related problems such as premature low birth weight children can contribute too.

CONDITIONS THAT COEXIST WITH TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

As i said earlier TS is a spectrum disorder therefore it co-relates with other conditions, approximately half of the people with Tourette’s also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder, Anxiety, panic attacks, depression and separation anxiety are common. Even mood swings and behavioural difficulties like bedwetting, Trichotillomania ( involuntary hair pulling ) .

DIAGNOSIS

There’s no single test for TS. Tests and scans, such as an MRI scan, may be used to rule out other conditions. Preschool children can experience TS as can elderly. Males are 3 or 4 times more likely to receive the diagnosis than females and all ethnic groups can be affected.

To be diagnosed with TS a person must :

have two or more motor tics (like, blinking or shrugging the shoulders) and at least one vocal tic (like , humming, clearing the throat, or yelling out a word ).
have had tics for at least a year. The tics can occur many times a day nearly every day or off and on.
have tics that begin before age 18 years.
have symptoms that are not due to taking medicine due to having another medical condition (like seizures, Huntington disease, post viral encephalitis).

COMMON OVER SIGHTS OF TOURETTE

Ignoring environmental factors : As stated earlier TS has been found to be primarily genetic, factors like diet, allergens such as dust, mold, pollens, scented products, toxic chemicals can be potential causes of TS.
Failure to identify subgroups and individual cases : most times when a person shows signs of certain conditions that coexists with Tourette’s. so therefore TS is often overlooked and mis diagnosed as another condition.

HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WITH TS AROUND YOU

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Try to understand that they can’t control what is happening, so don’t get mad at them.
Don’t try to pretend to spaz and twitch next to someone suffering from TS
Try to be considerate and find out the real person behind those walls, TS is just a condition there’s a person deep down give them a chance.
Don’t try to be nice to them only because you feel sorry or pity towards them , they’re humans too.
They’re humans like us all and don’t deserve to be labelled ‘un datetable ‘ or ‘bullied ‘ because of their condition.
Don’t try or think that having the condition is funny be reasonable
They’re self conscious and don’t need you to point out that they’re twitching or about to have a tic, They’re not creeps.
Lastly, they need love not pity treat them like every other person and don’t try to do everything for them making them seem handicap.

TRIGGERS OF TOURETTE’S SYNDROME

Their senses are over stimulated easily when there’s loud noises and flashing lights occurring non- stop. Long exposure to any of these can cause tics.
When there’s an aching pain or injury , they feel the need to tic as though they can stop the pain but they can’t,
Carrying heavy backpacks or bags of any sort can cause them to tic even more if it weighs down on their body or arms too much.
Being in a crowded area stiffed with people, buses, trains, Queues makes tics unbearable.
Uncomfortable clothes can make them tic non stop because they keep obsessing about it.

This is the end of today’s post, Thank you for reading up to this point 😊 just a kind reminder when next you see someone who has Tourette’s or any other condition. Don’t forget to implement some of the tips here treat them as any normal person would want to be treated.

I know it’s been a while but stay tuned for more posts coming soon. And remember to live to inspire others around you.

HOW TO LIVE A NEW YEAR WITH PURPOSE AND ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS…

Hey, bryony fam welcome to a new year it’s literally just 26 days into the year 2021….

Welcome to a new year once again, the year has literally just began and everyone is still trying to figure out how to start their journey into the year.
It's definitely normal to have a list of things you need to accomplish in a new year it can really be anything possibly you want to improve on yourself, be healthier, get a contract , get better grades in school, get a job, start a business or even a youtube channel. It can be literally anything you want some may call it 'new year resolution' but i believe in setting goals rather than tagging them as resolutions because when they are tagged most times we just can't seem to accomplish them obviously you can't expect to get them all accomplished because most people tend to set overly high 'expections' for themselves as new year resolutions.
A better approach instead is to set reasonable goals which you think are realistic and not too overboard. Doing this instead you will have higher chances of completing the things you set to achieve.
The previous year wasn't exactly a walk around the park it was indeed full of lots of roller coasters but we made it through and in the light of that we will make purposeful decisions this year and accomplish the goals we have set in our hearts to achieve some may have been hindered in the previous year but don't give up on it yet you still have a second chance.
That's why i'll be sharing how you can live a purposeful year plus accomplishing your goals let's get into it....

First off you need to approach life purposefully: you can’t just rush into doing things or making decisions without really considering it first before you do do anything ‘stop and think’
Don’t just have any purpose: to have a purpose you need to have a vision of what exactly you want to accomplish. when i say vision i mean a clear mental picture of something you want to achieve. if you’re a christian God can give you a vision that he desires for your life. A vision grows out of the need you see around you, something so strong you just can’t get out of your mind. As it continues to grow in your heart and mind you want to just accomplish it as soon as you can.
you need to be smart and wise focusing on only significant things
prayerfully make plans and follow God’s direction
Make SMART goals: Make:
Specific goals( general goals are fuzzy make your goals as specific as possible for example suppose you make a goal i want to loose weight this is just general but if you say i want to loose 10kg in 3 weeks thats specific. the more specific you are the higher your chances of completing it and being accountable to the goal.
Measurable goals: your goals should be measurable in order for you to be able to monitor your progress like in the previous example i gave if you have a goal to loose 10kg in 3 weeks at the end of the time you set for yourself you should be able to measure if you hit your target on not.
Actionable goals: goals should involve action. when you talk of action you aren’t just going to scribble down your goals on some piece of paper and just abandon it and expect it to achieve itself you gotta put in some work not just by merely speaking it into existence but working towards it.
Realistic goals: goals should involve faith yes definitely but also they must be in touch with reality. I can’t even over emphasize this enough never ever set unrealistic goals which you clearly can’t accomplish. it’s good to set good goals for yourself i’m not disputing that fact but there comes a point where it crosses the fence and becomes unrealistic and highly unachievable, start by accomplishing small goals first before reaching into bigger ones.
Time targeted goals: this is quite similar to measurable goals but every goal should have a deadline. A time for it to be completed and evaluated, where you able to achieve the goal ? what hindered your progress? evaluating questions like this should be answered.
It is not just about achieving goals you must pay attention to it day by day. put it somewhere close as a reminder for you every day, hang it up on the wall in your room so you see it every time you wake up.

THINGS TO FOCUS ON IF YOU WANT TO LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE

Remember your vision : vision breeds purpose , provides direction, fuels passion. remembering it daily helps you to live intentionally.
Review your goals : reviewing your goals daily helps to make sure you are moving toward your vision and not wasting your days and time.
Make a list : Everyday make it a habit to take time and focus and determine what is most important for you to accomplish that day which will move you closer towards your goal.
Begin each day with prayer: this is the most important of all always make sure you take time to pray about your vision, goals, needs and even your day commit everything into God’s hands.

That’s it for todays post, i hope this post was informative thank you for reading. i’ll try to be more consistent and hope to bring y’all more inspiring and educational content. welcome to a new year once again always remember ‘as you make subsequent goals ensure you make smart goals’. Don’t forget to stay safe and be healthy. Much love bryony.

Blogger recognition Award

How I started my blog…
Advice for upcoming bloggers….

It’s been a while since I’ve been on here. And if I’m being honest I got so busy with school and I just kept on making excuses as to why I haven’t written these past days. So getting nominated for this award by Infirmier and Geraldine really just brought back the thoughts of the reasons I decided to start blogging. I actually feel beyond honored and I’m super excited that others read my blog and feel like I should be recognized. I highly recommend you check out Infirmier’s and Geraldine’s blogs they are both amazing writers who channel positivity and faith in their works to help others.

Visit: https://infirmierishimwe.com/ and https://odysseybuddy.wordpress.com

How I started blogging:

Honestly I was just a girl who wrote occasionally in my journal. And I began to understand that writing was kind of like a therapy for me, it made me happy and it always got my brain excited cause I’ll just have so many ideas and feelings I want to put down on paper. And I decided to start a blog not just to share my ideas but to inspire others too. Also I had just started my medical journey as a doctor I’m aspiring to be a pediatrician so I decided to focus my blog on children, family and healthy lifestyle and share my experiences and research on things regarding that aspect. I fell in love with poetry so I began to write bits of poetry too. I hope one day I’ll be able to achieve my goals and encourage others to “live to inspire” and never give up!

Advice for new bloggers:

My advice for new bloggers is that if your passionate about starting a blog just do it! The longer you keep putting the idea away you may eventually never start. I actually did that too but I realized I just had to give it a shot and start regardless. Just make your research find the niche of the kind of blog you want to start and I’ll advice you go for one that you have interest in.

Also as an upcoming blogger I’ll advice that you don’t get discouraged by the audience viewing your blog although some days you may feel like giving up blogging. But don’t give up yet just keep on improving your blog you will get there. I also hope to be able to reach a large audience someday but it’s all a gradual process.

My nominations:

These are the links to other amazing writers I really enjoy reading their works. Reading your works motivates me to do better.

1) http://keithgarrettpoetry.com

2) https://aarvii.wordpress.com

3) http://phoebemd.com

4) http://staciereflects.com

5) https://myserenewords.wordpress.com

6) http://herrychiccounsels.com

7) http://becomingandbeholding.com

8) https://my2ndheartbeat.wordpress.com

9) https://snowheart0529.wordpress.com

10) https://naturalskincarelove.com

11) https://mdlifeblog.com

12) https://lastreetsagesteev.wordpress.com

13) https://autisticsciencelady.wordpress.com

14) http://fitambitiousblonde.com

15) http://manenoz.com

The Rules:

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and give a link to their site.
2. Do a post to show your award.
3. Give a summary of how your blog started.
4. Give two pieces of advice for any new bloggers.
5. Select at least 15 other bloggers for this award.
6. Let each nominee know you have nominated them and give a link to your post.

AUTISM

You’re just been too dramatic...
It’s only just a sound ...
You’re been spoilt and difficult...
Stop acting out...
You’re so insensitive...
Princess and the pea..
You have spoilt brat syndrome!!

You’re probably wondering how do these 🙄 relate with autism. well just hold on you’re about to find out.

Generally as children grow up they tend to be difficult, annoying and stress their parents and those looking after them a lot. Which is quite normal and seen as just a phase they will grow out of eventually and most often parents fail to realize that these behaviors might be pointing towards autism. You will get to understand why 🤔….

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction,communication and repetitive behavior. It is a “spectrum disorder” with wide variations of types and symptoms experienced by individuals. Usually symptoms appear in the first two years of life but most times it can be discovered later in life.

The causes are unknown but genetics and environmental factors play a huge role too.

RISK FACTORS THAT INCREASE ASD CHANCES

Having siblings with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Having older parents
Having genetic conditions(individuals with Down syndrome,fragile X syndrome, Rhett syndrome are most likely to be affected by ASD
Very low birth weight

INTERACTIVE BEHAVIORS

Making little or no eye contacts ( parents and others may think the child is jut being shy)
Tending not to look or listen to people ( interpreted as still being shy)
Failing to,or being slow to respond to someone calling their name or attempts to gain their attention.
Having facial expressions movements and gestures that don’t match what is being said
Having unusual voice tune that may sound sing-song or flat and robot like.
Not understanding others point of view.

RESTRICTIVE/REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS

Repeating certain behaviors for example repeating words (known as echolalia)
Having lasting interests on certain topics like numbers,details or facts ( this is one strength area of ASD individuals their usually very smart)
Getting upset by slight changes in routine
Being less sensitive to other people sensory input like light,sound,noise,temperature
Sleep problems

DIAGNOSIS:

STAGES FOR YOUNG

General developmental screening: this is usually done during child checkups.It is recommended by the American Academy of pediatrics that all children be screened for developmental delays at their 9-,18-,24-,30 months (for a well child,the visits are usually in 18-24 months) but these checkups are really crucial for children surrounded by “risk factors”. And the parents experiences are also evaluated via questionnaires to help come up with diagnosis of their child’s condition.
Additional Evaluation: A team of doctors and other professionals come together to assess cognitive level/thinking skills, language abilities,age appropriate skills needed to complete daily activities independently like eating,dressing ,toileting.

Also due to the complexity of ASD other tests like blood and hearing tests are also conducted.

OLDER CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS DIAGNOSIS

Usually they are first recognized by their parents and teachers in school.And then evaluated by their schools special education team before they are referred to a primary health doctor for further diagnosis.

ADULT DIAGNOSIS

Most times diagnosis in adulthood is difficult because most symptoms are overlapping with other mental disorders like anxiety,attention-deficit disorder,bipolar disorder,obsessive compulsive disorder,depression,schizophrenia,psychotic features, cyclythemic disorder,borderline personality disorder,schizo-typal disorder,avoidant personality disorder, complex post traumatic stress and lots more and often times ASD patients are misdiagnosed with these ☝️

Getting the right diagnosis helps adults understand past difficulties when they were younger also to know their strengths in order to obtain the right help. And help their parents/care givers understand the reason why they acted they way they did. It wasn’t because they were spoilt( or all those names I listed at the beginning) they too didn’t know that they were sick.

TREATMENT

ASD is a life long disorder but treatments and services like behavioral,psychological and educational therapy can help. Also certain medications can be prescribed to reduce irritability,Aggression,hyperactivity, attention problems and anxiety.

So when next you notice certain behaviors in your children or just people around don’t be quick to judge them and give them names they may have ASD

Autistic individuals are people too learn to show them love and try to understand them. ❤️

FACTS ABOUT DIABETES.

A lot of people have properly heard the word diabetes and most often people just have the the idea that diabetes is just a condition that results from consumption of lots of sugar but that idea is not far fetched from what really diabetes represents. So let’s discuss more about this condition and get to find out the facts about this condition read along as we dive into this discussion….

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time. It is also known as “ diabetes mellitus”.

It occurs as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to insulin. (NB: insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of pancreatic islets which regulate metabolism of carbohydrates,fats and protein by promoting absorption of glucose from blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells.) when insulin is low in blood it acts opposite and causes catabolism especially reserve body fats.

Symptoms: frequent urination(polyuria), increased thirst, increased appetite (polyphagia),unintended weight loss.

Signs: Blurred vision, headache,fatigue,slow healing of cuts,itchy skin.

Types:

Prediabetes: this condition occurs when an individual’s blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes mellitus.
Type 1: this condition results from pancreas failure to produce enough insulin due to beta cell loss. It must be managed with insulin injections it mostly occurs in children as it’s sometimes called “juvenile diabetes”. It is partly inherited with multiple genes ( HLA genotypes) it usually occurs at any age, the body size of individuals are usually normal size or thin.
Type 2: this condition begins with insulin resistance, cells fail to respond to insulin properly, it’s also called “adult–onset diabetes mellitus”. Most common cause is combination excessive body weight and insufficient exercise. prediabetes which is impaired glucose fasting or glucose tolerance usually progresses to type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes mellitus: this condition is similar to type 2 condition occurs in pregnant women it is a combination of relatively inadequate insulin severe ruin and responsiveness. It may be transient but can affect fetus( risks like high birth weight,congenital heart and central nervous system abnormalities and mother ( usually after pregnancy Diabetes improves after delivery but mostly type 2 and another form might be found.)

Other types are: Maturity onset diabetes mellitus of the young (MODY) which is a rare autosomal dominant disease.

Lifestyle of Diabetic individuals: Type 2 can be caused due to lifestyle factors and genetics like obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet,stress and urbanization. Dietary factors like sugar-sweetened drink is an increased risk, fats In diets such as saturated fats( in animal fat products ) and trans fat ( in peanut butter, margarine, creamers and frozen dinners) are high risk, while polyunsaturated fat( in nuts,vegetable oil,fish) and monosaturated fat ( in olive oil, animal flesh,whole milk products) are reduced risks.

Complications: in type 1 when blood does not move well through legs and feet, if left untreated it might lead to amputation, coma and even death also it can affect the eyes,kidneys,nerves and the heart.

Prevention: there is no known measure for prevention of type 1 but type 2 which occurs 85-90% cases world wide 🌎 can be prevented/delayed by maintaining normal body weight, engaging in physical activity,eating healthy,dietary changes( more whole grains and fiber), choose good fats,limiting sugar beverages,eating less red meat and smoking cessation. Also diabetic patients should be careful when doing physical activities as even just a little injury will require a longer healing process and might have complications.

Treatment and management: The main goal is to focus on keeping blood sugar levels close to normal without causing low sugar level. And taking appropriate medications such as insulin and oral medications like metformin. Weight loss surgery can be done on those with type 2, pancreas transplant can be considered for type 1 also kidney transplant.

People with type 1 might experience episodes of diabetic ketacidosis( DKA) characterized by nausea, abdominal pain,vomiting, the smell of acetone on breath. In sever cases low level of consciousness. low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is common in type 1 & 2 patients in mild cases sweating, trembling,seizures, changes in behavior ( aggressiveness), pale skin can occur and can be self treated by drinking something high in sugar. Severe cases can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and even death and must be treated with intravenous glucose or injections with glucagon.

- fruit flavored yogurts and fruit juice rather choose plain youghurts.
- sugar sweetened beverages rather take water and a slice of lemon.
- white bread,pasta and rice rather choose high fiber bread
- sweeten cereals for breakfast rather choose protein based breakfasts 
- flavored coffee drinks rather take plain coffee/espresso with a tablespoon of creame 
- Honey/maple syrup rather use natural-low carb sugar
- Dried fruits rather eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- packaged snacks rather snack on nuts and veggies.

It has also been discovered that people with Adverse childhood experiences(ACE’s) like abuse, neglect and household difficulties tend to suffer diabetes not in all cases though. Also type 2 diabetes can be hereditary so if either your parents or previous generation has history of diabetes there is the tendency of inheriting the condition so you have to be cautious. If you already have diabetes your main goal is to stay away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugar, processed grains and other food that contain refined carbs.

It might be tough but following the guidelines makes it easier

**Remember to Check your blood sugar regularly** 😉

And if you don’t have diabetes you should still reduce your intake of too much sugar because remember “ diabetes begins when something disrupts your body’s ability to turn the food you eat into energy”.

FACE BLINDNESS AND PROSOPAGNOSIA “why you may be face blind”

I’m sure most people have no idea that face blindness is an actual condition. personally I was oblivious about this disease too but I came across this condition In a movie and I decided to learn more about it. So no worries if you were like me in the beginning you will get to know everything about “face blindness”. Let’s get into it …..

Face blindness is a brain disorder characterized by the inability to recognize “faces” it’s also called prosopagnosia ( which is derived from Greek words “prosopon” meaning face and “agnosia” meaning non-knowledge). Normally it is a cognitive disorder in which the ability to recognize familiar faces including ones own face ( self recognition) is not possible but other areas like their visual processing like object discrimination and intellectual functioning like decision making are intact.

Affected area: The fusiform gyrus of the temporal lobe which allows people recognize faces in more detail than they do similarly complex inanimate objects is affected. The right hemisphere fusiform gyrus is more involved in familiar face recognition than the left.

Causes: it can be a “congenital” or “ developmental” form. But if acquired; prosopagnosia can develop as a result of neurologically damaging causes like: vascular causes ( e.g posterior cerebral artery infarcts (PCA’s) , hemorrhage in infero-medial part of temporal areas. Other etiologies are: FFA damaging stroke,carbon monoxide poisoning, injury from an accident, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Coping mechanism: the acquired form is most often found in adults and such individuals might have been able to recognize faces earlier though in the congenital form the individual the individual never adequately develops the ability to recognize faces.The developmental form affects children and it’s very difficult for them to cope. Affected individuals tend to cope by using clues to identify others like their hair, dressing style , gait(walking posture), voice and facial features like teeth,jawline.

Symptoms: social anxiety, trouble with movie characters, difficulty remembering names.

Treatment and tests: there is no cure for face blindness but individuals can be helped to recognize faces better. Tests like computer trading programs, famous faces test( individuals are asked to recognize famous people’s faces). Also Benton facial recognition test ( BFRT) access face recognition skill.

Most of the time children with this condition are overlooked because they might appear to be “very shy” and slightly odd but this is due to their inability , they might not be able to follow plots of Tv so “cartoons” are more preferable as characters tend to wear the same clothes. Also they have difficulty in school socializing with their classmates too as most teachers may be unaware. Individuals with this condition tend to pretend to know what’s going on trusting they will eventually figure it out. They may be misunderstood as being snubs, self centered, cold or intentionally being forgetful. But truthfully it’s not their fault, they are mostly lonely and loose friends a lot which hurts and embarrasses them. Be more sensitive to people around you 😃