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My Only Crime Was Being a Slim Girl Sitting beneath the silver glow of the moon, Anita exhaled softly, fighting back the tears swelling in her eyes. She ran a hand through her thick, curly hair as her mind drifted back to the events of the day. The morning had started with a wave of nausea—it felt like her period was around the corner. “Ugh,” she groaned, stepping carefully down the brown wooden staircase. Her family was already seated at the breakfast table. “Good morning, everyone,” she greeted quietly, sliding into the seat beside her father. “I feel sick,” she muttered. “Well, if you ate more, maybe you wouldn’t feel that way. Look at you—you’re all bones and skeleton,” her sister Janice said, casually. The room fell silent. “Janice!” their mother snapped, eyes wide. “That’s a very rude thing to say to your younger sister. Apologize now.” She passed the golden Penny butter to Anita, whose face had already fallen. “I’m sorry. I was only joking. Anita knows that,” Janice mumbled with a nervous chuckle. Anita forced a smile and shrugged, but those words clung to her like a shadow. The rest of the day dragged by. She kept to herself, brushing off her friends’ attempts to cheer her up. At school, things only got worse. Amarachi, the class bully, didn’t hold back. “Anita, this your cloth no fit you at all. You be like broom wey dem dress up. You sure say breeze no go carry you one day?” she sneered. Laughter exploded around her. Anita didn’t flinch, but her heart did. Now, under the calm night sky, Anita sat in silence. She licked her lips, wondering why the world could be so cruel to someone who had done nothing wrong—except exist in her own skin. But as the breeze touched her cheek, she made a silent vow: she would no longer give anyone the power to define her worth. No more shrinking back. No more tears. No more allowing people to body-shame her into silence. She would love herself—slim body and all. Her only crime was being a slim girl. And that was no crime at all. --- Dear Reader, Have you ever been judged or body-shamed for being too slim, too fat, too short, too tall—just too something? You're not alone. Let’s speak up and lift each other. Drop a comment below if you've ever experienced body shaming and how you overcame it. Tag someone who needs to hear this. Share to spread love, not judgment. © Juliet Chinenyenwa Alex #grace #julietchinenyenwaalex

A Barrow Pusher Became Rich After Public Insults and Abandonment Episode 1 The sun was merciless that afternoon, pouring its heat down like punishment on the busy streets of Onitsha. Chijioke’s skin was browned from years of exposure, his hands calloused from pushing his barrow through tight markets and uphill roads. He had just finished delivering a load of yams to a woman in Ose Market and was making his way back, tired but hopeful. Business had been rough, but today, he had made a little more than usual. It was enough to buy garri, sugar and a little amount to send to his mother in the village. As he paused by a roadside kiosk to buy pure water, he heard a voice he hadn’t heard in years — sharp, familiar, and once dear. “Is that not Chijioke?” the voice echoed. He turned, and his heart thudded. Ada. Beautiful, proud Ada. The same Ada he had once given his heart to in their village school. Now she stood radiant in makeup and fancy clothes, flanked by two other girls. He smiled awkwardly, lifting his hand in greeting. “Ada, long time—” She cut him off with a mocking laugh. “Chijioke! You still dey push barrow? Haba! Na wa o. Look at your mates! They drive cars, they wear suits. And you?” Her friends burst into laughter. One even took out her phone to snap a picture. A small crowd began to gather. Traders stopped. Bus conductors paused their chants. People stared. Chijioke’s heart sank. He felt like the ground should open and swallow him. “I used to like you before,” Ada continued, “but now I thank God I said no to you. See your life!” He stood rooted, too stunned to speak. The bottle of water slipped from his hand. His eyes burned with unshed tears, but he wouldn’t let them fall. Instead, he picked up his barrow slowly, nodded once, and pushed it forward. Each step felt like a hundred lashes to his pride. People whispered, others laughed, some just watched. It was the longest walk of his life. By the time he reached the edge of the market, his legs were shaking. He veered off the main road, found a quiet spot behind an abandoned shop, and sat on a broken cement slab. For the first time in years, he let the tears come. He cried for his dreams, for his shame, for his father who had died too soon, for the mother whose body was fading from sickness. He cried for being mocked, for being poor, for being helpless. But somewhere in the middle of the tears, a thought began to grow. What if this was not the end? What if her insult was a mirror showing him who he’d become — and who he could still be? The pain turned into fire. A quiet vow formed in his heart: They will never laugh at me like this again. #worldwide #africanfolktales #Discipline #nakupenda

Curve a smile on someone's face 😊 #passion #trending

"A tender moment frozen in time, a mother's loving gaze meets her child's innocent smile, radiating warmth, comfort, and unconditional love that transcends words." #feelinglove #Nakupenda

Benefits of Smiling Smiling offers numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. Here are some of the key advantages of smiling: Mental Health Benefits - *Boosts Mood*: Smiling releases endorphins, natural mood boosters that can help reduce stress and anxiety. - *Reduces Stress*: Smiling can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. - *Improves Approachability*: Smiling makes you appear more approachable and trustworthy, making it easier to connect with others. Physical Health Benefits - *Lowers Stress Levels*: Smiling can help lower cortisol production and reduce the risk of heart disease. - *Boosts Immune System*: Smiling can help release immune-boosting hormones and improve the function of infection-fighting antibodies. - *Relieves Pain*: Smiling can release endorphins, natural painkillers that can help reduce pain and improve mood. - *Improves Cardiovascular Health*: Smiling can help improve blood flow to the brain and lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Social Benefits - *Contagious*: Smiling is contagious and can brighten up a room, making everyone feel more welcome. - *Improves Relationships*: Smiling can communicate positive feelings and intentions towards others, strengthening relationships and building trust. - *Makes You More Attractive*: Smiling can make you look younger, more attractive, and more confident. Additional Benefits - *Looks Younger*: Smiling can help tone facial muscles and improve complexion, making you look younger and more radiant. - *Improves Confidence*: Smiling can boost self-confidence and make you feel more approachable and attractive to others. Overall, smiling is a simple yet powerful way to improve both mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Culled from: https://lovethatsmile.com/dental-articles/benefits-of-smiling-8-unbelievable-reasons-to-smile-more #Chinosky #grace

A smile is the most beautiful thing you can wear. No matter how fancy your outfit is, it’s your smile that truly completes your look. It adds warmth, confidence, and a touch of joy that no designer label can offer. #Happiness

Title: Adira and the Heart of the Storm Years had passed since Adira first became the Keeper of the Echoes. The village had grown, but the forests around it had grown even wilder, and the ancient trees whispered more often than ever. Adira, now a young woman, had learned to communicate with the forest, guiding it to balance the fragile boundary between the realms of magic and men. One evening, as dusk fell and the sky pulsed with a thousand hues of gold and lavender, a strange thing happened. The forest fell silent. Not a single leaf stirred, not a breath of wind rustled the branches. The quiet was so profound, it pressed against Adira's chest. A low rumble shook the ground beneath her feet. Before she could move, the sky split with a roar, and a storm unlike any she'd seen descended upon the forest. Dark clouds, swirling like a tempest of shadows, spun violently above the trees. The air crackled with magic, and strange lights flickered within the storm. It was not just weather—it was an omen. Adira ran toward the heart of the disturbance, following the pulse of magic she felt beneath her skin. The storm's fury grew with each step, but she was not afraid. She had faced the unknown before. At the center of the storm stood a figure cloaked in shadow, their form shimmering like a silhouette made of night itself. The ground around them was scorched, the earth warped with unnatural energy. "I've come to claim what is mine," the shadowed figure spoke, their voice like thunder rolling through the sky. Adira stepped forward, her hand instinctively reaching for the vine-and-silver necklace that hung from her neck. The forest hummed in response, a soft, reassuring pulse. "You don't belong here," Adira said, her voice steady. "This is the realm of balance, of peace. You will destroy it." The figure laughed, the sound echoing like a crack of thunder. "I was born of chaos. The forest cannot keep me out forever. You are too late, Keeper." With a flick of the figure’s hand, the storm raged harder, lashing out with winds that could tear trees from their roots. Adira's eyes glowed with determination. “No,” she said. “I am the Keeper of Echoes. And I will protect this place.” The forest answered her call, its ancient power flowing through her veins. Adira raised her arms, and the vines around her swelled, twisting into forms of protection. The ground beneath her feet rumbled as the trees responded, their roots awakening, reaching deep into the earth. The shadowed figure faltered as the earth itself began to push back, the magic of the forest encircling them, constricting. "You are bound by the forest's power, just as I am," Adira said. "But I am not alone." The figure hissed in fury, but the storm began to recede, the winds lessening. Adira pressed forward, not with force, but with the unity of the forest’s heart. Slowly, the figure began to dissipate, its form turning to mist as the magic of the forest sealed the rift they had created. The storm calmed, and the sky cleared, revealing a single star that gleamed brighter than the others—a sign that the balance had been restored. Adira, though exhausted, smiled softly. The forest was safe for now. The echo of the wild magic pulsed beneath her feet, always there, waiting to guide her when needed. #ADIRA #nakupenda #Discipline

™ I went to Jeremy's school yesterday. I went and parked in front of the school. It was the same spot I parked on Tuesday when I came to look for him. When the school had closed, I stepped down from the car, I was anxiously watching to see Jeremy walk out of the gate. I waited for a while and suddenly, I saw him amongst a group of friends strolling out. One of his friends tapped him on his back and pointed to me. Jeremy screamed in excitement. "Daddy..." And ran to me. He embraced me warmly. His friends came to say hello to me. I greeted each of them, brought out some change, and gave to them to buy something for themselves on their way home. They were so happy. Jeremy looked at me. "You came to pick me up?" "Yes. I did." He grinned in excitement and waved at his friends. "Bye, everyone. See you tomorrow." And he entered the car. While we were driving I noticed a finger mark on Jeremy's cheek. It was like a cut. It had the shape of a fingernail. "Who gave you this cut on your face, Jeremy?" He touched it with his hands. "My mum. She slapped me this morning." "Why?" He looked at me and turned his gaze back to the road. "My mum insists that I should take the public bus to school from now on. She doesn't want me to follow you anymore." "Why?" "I do not know." "Before now, did she know I dropped you off at school?" "Sometimes. I told her." "And she is not happy I do that?" He nodded his head and turned to look at the road. "I came by at your house today and heard her shouting at you. I am sorry I could not intervene. I was scared it would make things worse for you." He was speechless. While driving past Kilimanjaro, an eatery at the old airport, he kept staring at the place. I saw his face and knew he'd want to go in. So I took a turn into the building. I told him to come down so we could buy some snacks together. He smiled. We walked in, picked some snacks and ice cream and both walked out. While we were driving home, Jeremy said to me. "Thank you, Dad. My friends have told me about about how they visited this place. Today I visited it too and will tell them the story. Tomorrow they'll also be telling me how rich my dad is because of the money you gave them today." I laughed. I dropped off Jeremy at home and drove back to work. This morning I waited until 7:15 and when I didn't see Jeremy come to my house as he usually does, I drove off to work. I knew he had taken the bus just like his mother instructed. I am at work now, and considering the second option. I want to meet Jeremy's mum tonight. I am not evil. I am just a young man who loves her son as much as she does. That's all. My name is #Chibuzo Eze and I am the best at what I do. #Discipline #nakupenda

Smile is an antidote to sadness. Put smile on someone face before the end of the week #Favour #ForTUNate_2016

Peace begins with a smile 😁😊 #ForTUNate_2016

Tonight, my heart is full! I received a beautiful a tip and gift, and it made my day. I’m going to bed with a big smile and the peace that comes with feeling loved. Grateful for the little things that bring so much joy. Sleeping like a baby tonight! Goodnight, fam. #GratefulHeart #FeelingBlessed #SpreadTheLove on #NakupendaVibes #PeaceOfMind

Hope you smiled 😊 today? #SpreadTheLove #PeaceOfMind