Category:

EXPRESS~SHUN

AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort storiesWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

My Lockdown Story: Efe Blessing Ogboru

by Efe Blessing Ogboru

A Lockdown Story

By: Efe Blessing Ogboru

The nature of my job didn’t give me the opportunity to observe the lockdown. Waking up very early on a daily basis to get prepared for work took another turn. I had to be at a particular junction in time in order for one of my colleagues to convey me in his car to the office. This was due to the fact that commercial bus owners weren’t working.

There were some days I just wanted to take my time and get prepared for work, but the thought of not getting to see any commercial vehicle left me frustrated…

My paramilitary job came with its own burden. Getting to talk with different people was almost inevitable.

Sometimes I felt my colleagues and I are more vulnerable due to the exposure, because as humans one cannot be hundred percent careful in trying to stay safe.

Also, as a part-time fashion designer, sticking with clients former body measurements is definitely not a wise idea, because there is a possibility of them adding more weight… I was stuck between utilizing those periods to make their clothes or pausing for a while…

Through it all, I experienced fireworks of God’s faithfulness. And I am overtly grateful to God, families and friends who deemed it fit to check on me! 😊

A Note From Eden: Dear Blessing

Firstly,  let me take this time to ‘say’, from your heart, to your words and your actions, – You  Are Everything  Beautiful. You are  your name personified. A blessing, you are, in deeds and indeed. Your lockdown story is simply a reflection of the Superwoman that you are, and I cannot but love you dearly, for the resplendence you carry. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

5 comments
2 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Onyeanakwe Isioma

by Isioma Onyeanakwe

A Lockdown Story

By: Onyeanakwe Isioma

When the lockdown started, at first I was not bothered. I had not done much research on the pandemic, so I saw it as something that would come and go before long,

As time went by, I started to panic, what was going to happen? When will this whole Coronavirus saga come to an end? Then and only then did I realize it was more serious than I had earlier thought. Depression started to set in for real. I felt at a point like I was going to die. Seized by fear and doubt, I worried about a whole lot of things. I would just start crying for no reason. I knew I was on a downward spiral. I couldn’t focus on anything. And then, God told me to take a deep breath.

Afterwards, it changed to mood swing. Happy today, sad tomorrow. Nice today, annoying tomorrow. It felt like my hands were tied, I felt stagnant, it was not a good feeling at all. I felt useless because I ran out of ideas, nothing to do. It just seemed like I had to be busy, even if it meant busy doing nothing. I just had to be busy. I was restless, always on the go, not even knowing where I was going. The lockdown period was a terrible one for me at first.

And then, all of a sudden things changed. I did not want to rot with worry and anxiety anymore. And I was tired of the rut I was in, something just had to give. I had to fight off this thing. I determined that everyday, I had to do something I had not done before. I was on the road to being better and I did not want the journey to end. I started signing up for online classes, taking all I could, taking them all in, one after the other. I wanted to be busy like I felt everyone else was and so I was signing up for free online classes, those I was interested in and those I thought I was interested in.

I stepped all out and nothing was going to stop me. Then it hit me in the face! You know what happens when you try to fit in your mouth more than you can chew? Force down your throat more morsels of food than you should. You choke!
The problem was not signing up for the classes but staying in them. It was funny how I was finding it difficult to keep up with them. I will start with one, drop that one and move to another, I had so many unfinished courses. How could I finish them when I had misplaced priorities? I was not committed to anything, slowly, I was hitting rock bottom. Sadly, I went back to square one, exactly the point where I started.
And then, I had to go back to God for Him to help me. Because it seemed like I was losing it. He told me I needed to calm down, the world was not going anywhere and time was not “flying” like I was thinking. Everything was going at the pace He wanted, I was alright. He made me understand that I was not a failure because I wasn’t doing anything, I had to relax so I don’t breakdown. I took His advice and I calmed down. I had to learn that because others were busy making things happen does not mean I was less. When He gives me the idea, then will be the time to run with it. And so, I relaxed enough, and noticed an iota of sanity. I sat still and started thinking only right thoughts And when negativity tried to force it’s way inside me, I did all I could to make it stay at the door of my life. Stayed so long that it got tired and went back to where it came from.

Photo By: IB

Sometimes, when it succeeds and gets in, I just try all I can until I force it out. It is a struggle.
The lockdown was a struggling time for me until I listened, sat back, took a deep breath and calmed down. That was when my best results started showing. I could think straight and bring to life projects in my head.

These days, before I go online or to any of the social media platforms, I give myself a pep talk. I tell myself, “Isioma, when you get ‘there’, you will see people that have achieved a lot during this period. Do not feel like you don’t have it in you. Celebrate them, take your life one step at a time and see the plans God has for you taking form” and it works. Big time!

Image By: Namnso Ukpanah

The lockdown helped me realize I could be busy and not achieving anything because I was going at it with the wrong mindset. The lockdown helped me realize the value of taking a pause and thinking right. It gave me the opportunity to draw closer to God and the reward is mind blowing. I have peace of mind, the one I will not trade for anything. Some days, I don’t do anything but my positive mindset keeps me going. I know I will have bad days sometimes but I will not let the days end that way. They can start bad all they want, but they sure will not end bad, I won’t let them. My name is Isioma and this is my lockdown story.

 

A Note From Eden: Dear Issy,
Firstly, I am sending multiple virtual hugs to you right now. I do this a lot when I’m short of words, and that’s exactly how your story made me feel. Amazing. You’re simply a Superwoman. – This, is, only but the least description of you. My hand quivered after I read your story. How you shine so much light in the lives of others is inexplicable. Because you do this even during the darkest moments of your life. You should know the magnitude of your essence already! You ain’t just an element of the sky. You are the whole of it.
They say joy comes in the morning, but my dear Queen, you no longer have to wait, because YOU ARE THE MORNING. Sooner than you expect, your life will become a display of the brightness it carries. And when the darkness ever seems to come, release your brightest smile, you’ll find the nights were only shadows. I Love You, Sis! Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

8 comments
5 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Oge Chi

by Oge Chi

A Lockdown Story

By: Oge Chi

Eden has asked me to write a lock down story more like doing a “short on life” with me as a creative. The church geh in me would say right back to her that “I’ll live long in the land of the living”, I’ll never short live life. But I have already tweeted that God should remove 2020 from my age, as I did not use it. So yeah the life has been cut short(in the year 2020).

A Glimpse of How I Feel
She also said I should write on how I’ve been coping (good, bad and ugly), if there’s a word called goodbadugly that’s how the motivational speakers are making me feel. The motivational speakers of our time are doing their best to make me productive this period. It’s one thing to have to stay at home, its another thing to be told to stay at home and it’s even greater when you’re told to use the opportunity to expand your home.

Hope You Understand Me, Because…
( Eden said I should let it flow as it comes). As a struggling creative(yes I’m struggling because you’re reading bits of what I would have said better and you haven’t read my thoughts on okada books or you would say that there are better ways to say this).

Like I was saying, the motivational speakers are having me watch webinars, attend zoom meetings and pin messages on telegram. They are going heads on trying to convince me that the money that I pay for their thoughts are worthwhile(don’t tell me it’s about the money) but I also know that they are sitting at home too. It’s not easy trying to put ideas, knowledge and words together to try and encourage, teach and advice us as the Corinthians to upgrade our knowledge and be better.

Different Type of Hearts In Colours And Shapes
A certain category of people feel that nothing in this world can make them work or learn during this period. They’d rather drink mojito and listen to us that listen to motivational speakers than hear directly…


Having people tell you the way to think is very easy, I mean what is difficult in having a 3D angle to writing a story? Is it a problem learning animation and graphics to help your work? What do you need a publisher for? You can create an eBook and become an author in 7days!! ..the list goes on and on.

Life
And there goes life, I begin to hustle. I pay for all the letters of the speakers. Romans is speaking. Corinthians is spatting. Philippians is dropping Mic, and Thessalonians is teaching us to chill and still glow, lol.

The Zigzag Of Life
I am not really serious neither am I stating anything that is official. I just want to tell the creative person in you that even though they say Rome was not built in a day, it really wasn’t built in a day.
Life just keeps buzzing, and right now the motivational speakers are at one end thinking they are doing too much. The drinkers of mojito are searching for other tastes. Eden is receiving more submissions than she asked for and I’m here, seriously talking in the ‘not creative’. Shouldn’t we all just breath? And don’t tell me to keep on keeping on, is that not what I’m doing? Let’s all just breath abeg.

A Note From Eden: Dear Oge,
You did it! You let it flow as it came. The bugs. The weights. The good. The bad and the ugly. You brought them all out in a quite terrific way. You stormed. You thundered. And you still left a rainbow in the end. Only a few may relate. What more is freedom than the ability to pour out your heart from all angles. Besides, I chuckled every now and then, as I saw my name splashed here and there in this outpour. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

8 comments
8 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Odion Kadiri

by Odion Kadiri

A Lockdown Story

By: Odion Kadiri

When April reached midpoint, I was reaching a breaking point. I wanted, like everybody else, the virus to bade goodbye. I yearned for normalcy, holding hope by its waist.

Until I realized, it was never about when the lockdown will open up or when the virus will bow to eureka solutions. What really mattered was our ability to make the best use of each day.

Since the midpoint of April, with God’s help, I began to pay more attention to other important things, other than a vaccine. Core things like learning, loving and spiritual growth.

It’s never easy and it’s still uncertain, but I hope I will be proud I never went on lockdown in my heart and mind.

A Note From Eden: Dear Odion,
Your words are identical to the stars at night. They twinkle through the dark, always! You carry so much sunshine in you, and knowingly or unknowingly, you never fail to pour this glow into the lives of others.
In all, here’s my little note to you, today: SHINE THROUGH YOUR LIGHT. Soak yourself in the brightness you carry. Break the glass, inside out. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

7 comments
4 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Jaachi Mbanu 

by Jaachi Mbanu

A Lockdown Story:

By: Jaachi Mbanu 

Life before the pandemic was regular, busy and eventful. In fact, at some point it felt like the 24 hours in the day was never enough to get things done and then boom! It hit…

Jaachi aka Asian Butterfly and Family

It’s so funny how something that is invisible can bring about such tremendous changes in all of our lives.

Even though there hasn’t been any lock down of any sort here in Sweden, businesses have generally been slow. Well, this means more sleep hours for me. 😁 Multiple feeding times. 🤪 No school for the kids, which in turn means more work for me.

Smile, mummy loves you.

Also, more than enough time to develop myself. To study. 🤓 To pray, 🙏🏻and catch up on really cool movies.😎🎥

I guess it’s not entirely been a bad time, and we remain grateful in it all. 😊

A Note From Eden: Dear Sis Jaachi,
From start to finish, your story is one that is wrapped in glee. And even when you described the little ‘downsides’ here and there, the story still remains one that makes a smile crawl onto the readers face in every 1-2 lines read. You’ve always been an expert in not just multitasking, but also, in creating multiple colors of joy, love and peace in the lives of everyone around you. You make a rainbow out of every storm. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

7 comments
2 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Onyinye Henry – Anatogu

by Onyinye Henry - Anatogu

A Lockdown Story

By: Onyinye Henry – Anatogu

As hard as I tried, I couldn’t tell my lockdown story without saying the position it put me in. Deciding to get married is one big decision that will have you damn varying/contradictory opinions of loved ones all with good intentions as I like to believe. But deciding again if to postpone or not is another big feat.

Right from the start of the year, I had envisioned a lot for the big day. I had shopped. Negotiated and made payments. Suddenly, from nowhere. From not even the slightest thought, here came something that no one could possibly do anything to manage. In all of these I learnt courage. I learnt again that most of the times, the WILL is all you need. As I watched my Hubby lose hope on the Monday of our wedding week, I learnt that the strongest of men is still a man.

Weeks into the lockdown I had panicked, he (my fiancé) was so optimistic and here we were, the strong man needing his own words as a booster. Of course I learnt immediately to feed him his favourite words, and he chewed nicely.

We wedded against all odds. I went to the church dressed in jeans…OK this story is pretty long… To be told another day. 

Life In The Lockdown

I had plans to set up my studio in my matrimonial home and jump right into painting but it’s not quite working as I envisaged. I really have to get used to the world here first. It’s different. While the lockdown isn’t for a good course, it’s helped me settle in without feeling the pressure of home and work demands.

Our World
I watch the news and I’m also coincidentally on a series titled “The Last Ship”. A movie on how a pandemic hit the world. It’s frightening to learn from the movie that all of these could have politics playing underground at the expense of people’s lives. It’s frightening to think that even when there is a cure, people would still die because the cure would be hoarded. Food. The increasing rate of poverty. While the world is collectively worrying over COVID-19 and Post COVID- 19, I learnt from the news that the Shabirus were marking Leah Shabiru’s 17th birthday in captive. She was abducted when she was 14. In this world, It’s not one bad news at a time, it’s multiple! How much more harm can the world system do to its unsuspecting victims- Humans. it’s scary!

Pure Bliss

Hope
In all, rather than fear we choose courage and light. We choose to keep hope alive. We choose to spread love in the little ways we can. (while we still can) We choose to watch and pray, which I feel is a lot at this time.

To Our Heroes
To the medical personnel, the force men and all those playing one role or the other at the forefront of this battle, while we stay safe at home and dance to cameras, watch movies, wait for PHCN to restore light to charge our gadgets and continue the circle.
We see you. God sees you. Our hearts and prayers are with you, always.

A Note From Eden: Dear Onyinye,

Effortlessly you inspire. In your words. In your actions and even in your inactions.
Beauty, strength, brilliance are merely attempts of your description. Beyond all you have ever been, you just added more feathers to you cap. Your crown. The one you wear on the inside.
You looked COVID-19 in the eyes, winked at it, and went ahead to get married! You frightened fear. You’ve left your mark. And this is just the beginning of your legendary story. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

8 comments
6 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Light Jachike

by Light Jachike

A  Lockdown Story

By: Light Jachike

My take on this lockdown might surprise many because I was super excited about it. Now don’t be too quick to throw a stone. Here’s what I mean, I was so excited to get a break like a real break. No work. No going to school. No demands of everyday movement, just me alone!

Phew! that’s heaven to me right there. Before all this, my routine happened to be: Go to work early in the morning, rush down to catch up with my classes that are always about to end when I get there, go to church or meetings in the evenings
get home, eat, do assignments, read and on and on …like this everyday.

Breathe

Hopefully, you would understand why I was so excited to get a break!
I’m definitely sad about this virus incidence and the negative impacts it has on people. No source of livelihood anymore, and so much pressure with fear everywhere.

But this COVID-19 pandemic really gave me a platform to breathe. I mean, my relationship with God got so better. I’ve been able to plan and strategise on a lot of things. Like I’m finally going to start a business I’ve posted off for so long: ZOMA SUYA.

Queen of Suya

I can attend classes from the comfort of my home. Just go out to buy the necessary things and come back home.

For me, it’s the best break ever! And really a part of me wishes it won’t end. Lol! Not the COVID-19 of course.

I’m so convinced that these period is a gift to humanity. A time to reflect, build solid relationship with God and family, make positive changes going forward.

Truth is, after all these is over, which is not far from now, a lot of things will change. The world and its system won’t be the same ever. So how prepared are you to go back to the world?

A Note From Eden: Dear Light,

I could end this note here, because your name says it all. The brightness you carry. The aura of positivity. The resplendence of your brilliance. This and more are simply the inside out reflections of your kind of heart. A kind that comes with a fragrance perceived even from afar! Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. Thanks for pouring out your heart in all sincerity and relatability. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

11 comments
5 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Odirionye Chiagoziem

by Chiagoziem Odirionye

A Lockdown Story

By: Odirionye Chiagoziem

The Coronavirus pandemic was both promising and absurd in duality. I was petrified as days passed by with the news of numerous deaths. Humans entangled within the clutch of the virus.

At my end, I took no chance and posited precautionary measures in ensuring I don’t become a victim of circumstance.

Truth be told, I was able to learn a few skills and personally, I had undergone a moment of self growth and development. Moments of solitude to reflect. Moments to meditate and pray for the affected countries worldwide. Presently, I am believing it resolves.

A Note From Eden: Dear Chiagoziem,

You carry a golden aura that can be felt beyond time and distance. You’re one of the persons I know with an extremely beautiful heart. I guess it runs in the blood. Your one of a kind personality is simply the citadel of the goldenness you carry. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

4 comments
3 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Theresa Onyilo

by Theresa Onyilo

A Lockdown Story:

By: Theresa Onyilo

To start with, the lockdown met me in a far away land where I was sent to serve my dear country. 😊
Away from my siblings and my lovely family. When the whole CoronaVirus news started flying in the air I was frightened. I spent the first few days reminiscing on how things have changed so drastically within a twinkle of an eye. For the first time in my life I saw the emptiness of life evident in the emptiness of our streets . I heard the sound of silence echoing ceaselessly in my head. As I looked through my window, I wondered how a single virus could place the entire world at a halt, forcing the weak and the strong to retreat without the sound of war. Many times I wept whenever I read the death tolls on the news and said some silent prayers for the souls of the deceased as well as their loved ones, hoping that this virus would leave humanity alone.


I hoped so strongly that life would return to normal, but gradually, I came to understand that as homo sapiens, we have the power to create normality from abnormalities and that somewhat comforted me.

When it first started, I felt there was no big deal since I’m used to staying indoors.
I said to myself ” I would only miss going to church and school”. I was so hopeful that things would get back to normal in a matter of 14 days. Little did I know that it wasn’t as easy as I thought.
In about one week, I was getting tired already.
How I missed the presence of my students around me. I missed the sounds they made. Their running around and their child-like show of love.
But on the other hand, Seeing that God has granted me the serenity I had always longed for through the lock down as a result of COVID-19, I made up my mind to make the best of this priceless opportunity.
Then I wrote a list of all I wanted to achieve during the lockdown.

First, I made a decision to device a stronger means of communicating with God in order to better my walk with Him and gratefully, I was able to achieve this through an online prayer session tagged ” prophetic morning ” with Rev. Oyiks Alfred. The prayer time was 3:00am every morning via an organized conference call for the first one week, then it became a weekly activity.
After which I began an online Bible study challenge with my friends on What’sapp. With this, I can state boldly that although the lock down brought about the close down of churches but on the other hand, it opened up new channels an entirely new ways for God to reach out to His people.

Secondly, during this lock down, I read one of the most influencing books in my life; it’s titled “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck.
Although the book talks about many interesting topics around life, my breakthrough emanated from the page focusing on how to kill procrastination.
Life is indeed too short to procrastinate.
As I ponder upon the entire COVID-19 saga, one thing kept jumping into my heard.
It is the certainty of uncertainties. Life is characterized by so much unpredictable events. So, the lockdown down has taught me to always include uncertainty as an option whenever there is a need to make plans. This is not a sign of lack of faith. It is the recognition of our fate as humans and the acceptance of some of the hard truths about life.

In all, the lockdown down has helped me to realize that nobody is too poor to give. I have learnt aside from sharing my food with the needy, I can also share my time. Hence, I set out two hours everyday to offer voluntary lesson to an only child of a single mother who lives not too far from my lodge and I am thankful to God for helping to help others.

To me, this lockdown is a blessing in disguise and an eye opener to a lot of things I would have never known should the world remain normal. I have found normality in an abnormal situation.
Thank you so much Eden, for giving me this rare privilege despite all and all.
Theresa Onyilo.
Warri.

A Note From Eden: Dear Theresa,
“Wow!” Was the first word that flew out of my mouth after reading your story. I can only but call it brilliance in depths. DEPTHS. The depths of the beauty that flows from your heart. The depths of your maturity in its length and breadth. The depth of your empathy in critical times like this. And the very depths of this brilliance boxed in the simplicity of cherished moments. Thank you for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

9 comments
5 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Florence Omorogbe

by Florence Omorogbe

A Lockdown Story

By: Florence Omorogbe

Well, when I heard about the pandemic and the effect it could have on every thing including causing a worldwide lockdown, I really didn’t believe. Until gradually, I saw everything changing. Schools shutdown. Movements restricted. Shops closed. And even worship centers closed down too.

I woke up each day telling myself it was a phase that would pass soon, but days turned into weeks and now it’s a month plus…

Before now, I used to have imaginations about something that could actually cause a worldwide holiday, but I never thought it would be something like this.
My first Sunday during the lock down felt so strange. Waking up on a Sunday morning and not preparing for service at my church like I usually do. It was weird.

In all these, I have learnt that all the many life activities are really not worth killing ourselves for in the end.

We can really live a simple life and choose to be happy.

Now I know that money isn’t the main source of happiness and sound health, because even the rich suffer from this pandemic and lockdown.

I also learnt what it means to love people, to be loved by them. What it means to value friendships because being around people could be a source of joy, regardless.

A Note From Eden: Dear Florence,
From the sincerity silently screaming, to the empathy it emits, your story is simply sage in all ramifications.
It is a reflection of the beauty you possess inside out. In duality, you have pointed out lessons and blessings in the times we are in. You are strength! Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

7 comments
3 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Emem Ibanga

by Emem

A Lockdown Story 

By: Emem Ibanga

It all began with the demise of someone in East Asia,
many of us thought it would never get to us.
Well, it cannot, because we wear a shield stronger than a mask, healthier to our flesh than a bucketful of vitamins, potent to kill more than ninety-nine point nine percent germs, and still lash fear in the butt.

I have been indoors, because mum wants me safe. My skin has not felt the pricking hot sun, making it shrink and fade.

The world is having a costume party, but there’s no category for whose, ‘best dressed’. Many have been rudely kicked out of the party, pulled and dragged by hands beyond their control.

Many are afraid of taking off their costume, lest they too are seen by COVID’s unseen eyes.

“This thing just dey do me somehow. Na as I wear am I dey comot am”, I heard one typical Nigerian boy say.
I could relate. It always feels like wearing a thick sweater in hot season. That’s why the breeze I feel on my face when I take it off is soothing.

I was out the other day when the lockdown was lifted. A little girl struggled to sell all that was in her tray, because when the doors to the average man means to survive are shut, she too will have only one meal a day or nothing at all.

Today, the market is open. Tomorrow stores are shut.
The crowd is alarming and the dangerous COVID is not giving a thought.
So, it has become the survival of the fittest for many.

Some will learn to check and balance. Some don’t really care anymore. They would say, “it’s either I die of hunger or the scary arms of COVID”

What About Me?
I’ll live in the ease of His promise. Devoid of the fear that’s chasing many and still haunting. I would help someone in need, but I’ll put on a mask, because I’m dancing at the party too.

And finally, here’s my message to the hunter –
COVID, you suck!
You have no sting!!
you have no Victory!!!

A Note From Eden: Dear Emem,
You are one of a kind. Your ability to lift a story full of negativities, and filter all the darkness away, is awe-inspiring. You carry so much light and never hesitate to leave a mark of the brightness in you. Your love for God is glaring and this is made evident in all you do, with no exception to the story just told. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!!

 

7 comments
4 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Anita Oronsaye

by Anita Oronsaye

A Lockdown Story

By: Anita Oronsaye

Some see this pandemic situation as a plague sent by God to punish us for our sins. Some see it as carelessness from the Chinese. And many others see in various different ways. To me, I see it as an opportunity to turn a new live. To shut my mind from the negativity it brings and accept the positivity only.

Although when I listen to the news and hear the number of cases rapidly increasing, the question ‘what’s going on?’ fills my mind. And all it leaves is fear deep down my heart.

However, I believe this will pass because it hasn’t come to stay. I believe this pandemic has just come to show us the many faults we have been living with and help us right our wrongs, in between all.

Let’s all fill our hearts with positivity and live rightly. The sun shall soon shine.

#StaySafe

A Note From Eden: Dear Annie,
You paint reality in vivid colours peculiar to us as individuals. Your ability to not just shine a light, but also become that light through the dark is topnotch. You are a masterpiece of strength, resilience, brilliance, truth and light. All these pearls you carry effortlessly, were clearly reflected in your short but didactic lockdown story. Thank you for sharing your truth at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

21 comments
3 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Munachi Adanna Samson

by Munachi Adanna Samson

A Lockdown Story

By: Munachi Adanna Samson

A pandemic has forced us away from the cacophony of our regular outside world.

Now, we are constantly warned to stay away from people to prevent the spread of the virus.

Basically, being at home through out the whole day hasn’t been an easy one.
Waking up in the morning with the thoughts “When would this end”? “When can I see my friends again”? When! When! When!
We keep asking ourselves questions that seemingly have no answers right now.
The struggle of standing up from bed alone is actually a tough one, knowing fully well your day is still going to be as it has always been.

However, I am hopeful that one day, all this will be over and we would be able to look back and see how our lives have changed, and how things are important to us.

This phase has made us learn more on gratitude, knowing how much situations can change so fast.

In all, we need to continually appreciate the things and people around us.♥️

A Note From Eden: Dear Munachi,
In all beauty and brilliance, I love the young lady you are becoming. You’re a total package of goodness, blended in awesomeness. And I look forward to how bright your essence will illuminate the world, soon! Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

7 comments
2 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story – Margaret Nnakwue

by Margaret Nnakwue

A Lockdown Story

By: Margaret Nnakwue

Earlier, when school sent all undergraduates home, I ranted. Like every other average Nigerian, I blamed the government for its ridiculous decisions. I blamed the government for nothing and for everything. I thought, “what exactly would I do with myself now that there’s no school? How would I survive indoors ALL DAY? For how long sef?” For a girl like me whose life revolves around home, school and church, when you take away school and church, I am left with just my home.

Gradually time rolled by, until one faithful morning, gbam! I woke up and 3 weeks gone just like that! Unaccounted for. It was then reality dawned on me. I did not live these past 3 weeks, I merely existed.
All I did was sleep, wake up, eat , watch TV, eat, and sleep, over and over again. I realized that I have made no conscious effort towards progress, I did things to just pass time, and truly, time flew.

So, I decided to turn things around. I planned. I went online, followed up groups with similar interests and got motivated. I reviewed my short and long term goals, drafted my to-do list and started acting. I refused to let this crisis put my life on hold. I continued living my life from where I seemingly stopped. I refused to be on freeze mode because time doesn’t pause. Time goes, days into weeks and eventually, months. I continued connecting with my Creator, continued studying, even playing games and exercising. This time, not unconsciously or merely to pass time but consciously with set goals for every action and inaction. I want to enjoy every single moment while at home.
In fact, I have overcome my mental laziness towards the game of chess. For the first time, I completed the game, even though I obviously lost to my opponent. I also made my hair myself! Something I didn’t think I would ever be able to do, even in my next life- I did it!! Yes, the hair do was nothing to write home about, but I carried it with enough grace, knowing it was my handwork.

This crisis affects us ALL. We truly are in this TOGETHER. How the lockdown affects YOU, either positively or negatively, is left to YOU ALONE.
Do something you love. Try something new. Reconnect with you. So that when all these pass, remembering now would make you smile. My story does not end here, it continues. Would love to hear yours too.
Cheers! To life and its hurdles!!

A Note From Eden: Dear Margaret,
Beyond time and distance, for me it’s been wonderful watching you blossom into a young champ full of resplendence, wit and a rare type of courage to thrive. You have a specialty in turning dust into gold, looking defeat in the eyes, and rising above it all. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

8 comments
6 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Uche Eric L.

by Uche Eric L.

 

When the pandemic hit, I wasn’t surprised at all. It changed civilization as it were. Many Economies failed and crashed due to this crisis. But in my Country Nigeria, many still take it as joke. Funds that were raised by the “Nigerian Elites” have become a lost ball in the high weeds.

Yet, it’s sad most families do not have enough food. Personally, I fear for our very existence on this planet. Earlier this year, the news of World War III was everywhere and this triggered so much fears, now, a virus?
If I even had a good story to tell, it would be how my leaders have failed in so many ‘beautiful ways’.

I hope things turn around soon. I hope sanity returns. And I hope to be a part of it.

A Note From  Eden: Dear Uche,

Your empathy has always been awe-inspiring. Your heart possesses a sunshine that rubs off on all around you. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

6 comments
3 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Emmanuella Chonkea

by Emmanuella Chonkea

A Lockdown Story

By: Emmanuella Chonkea

My ‘lockdown’ experience is multifaceted.

At first, I was wondering how I would cope in this ‘sit at home’ period. It wasn’t like I found it hard to stay at home, but I was just imagining how I could stay away from what I considered being normal for a long period of time.

To some, the lockdown was a time to REST, but for me, it was a time to WORK.
It wasn’t like I had to perform some office duties, but I did lots of school work from home that took much of my time.
The earlier days of the ‘lockdown’ was just like a break from seeing and experiencing the happenings around the school building. However, I still did what I do while schooling.

Aside from doing lots of school work, I also improved my skill by surfing the net. So, it wasn’t really a 100% work period.

The lockdown was a period of bonding for me, because I had the opportunity to bond more with my family.

I would also say it was a ‘construction’ period, because I also had more time to buildup myself, and work on my imperfections to become a better person, even though no one is PERFECT.

A Note From Eden: Dear Ella,

Your ability to blend beauty, maturity and wit is topnotch, and all these three have their footprints in your lockdown story. Effortlessly, you carry an aura of brilliance, the kind that goes beyond the four walls of a school. You are everything beautiful. Thank you for sharing your truth with us. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

8 comments
5 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNPoetrySalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Dogunro Honesty

by Honesty Dogunro

A Lockdown Story

By: Dogunro Honesty

Some feel the need to roam
I derive aching joy staying home.

Live. Die. Repeat

My official anthem
from the epic battle of getting out of bed,
to the triumphant feeling of going back to sleep.

Time possess such value
yet, I don’t seem to know its price.
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock
I consciously stroll through it,
as hours swing by
and life goes on
tick tock, tick tock, tick tock

An unrepentant wave of heat,
marks the beginning of the sun’s reign of terror.
I burn myself out with frivolity,
making mundane memories.

Like a pendulum I dangle through indecision between reading a book and replying a chat, watching a movie or taking an online class.
The struggle is endless

At dusk,
worn out by my battles and achievements
with so many wonders yet unseen,
And so many poems unwritten,
I drag my feet to the comfort of my bed,
telling myself tomorrow will be different.

A Note From Eden: Dear Honesty,

Your words are in clarity and depths from the overflow of the stories you bare. In between, I hope you there’s so much sunshine in you. I hope you realize depths of your glow. I hope you release this goodness more often through the words that you bare. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

12 comments
9 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Nathaniel Aduro

by Nathaniel Aduro

A Lockdown Story

By: Nathaniel Aduro

Well, the Lockdown has not really been a totally new experience because before now, I lock myself in all day when I’m at home.

When I’m at home, you could come to my house 15 times and if you’re not lucky, you’ll meet me 14 times but if you are, you could even meet me 16 times out of 15

To you, this may be abnormal, to me, this is my normal.
The only difference between my normal life and my life during lockdown is the fact that I gave myself a workout routine which I do every morning before doing any other thing like chatting or attending online classes.

So basically, the lockdown has always been “my normal”.🤷🏻‍♀

A Note From Eden: Dear Nat,
The sincerity of your words. The chuckles it provokes in between. The flow. These were all indigenes of your story, and in duality, they are the perfect reflections of your personality. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

10 comments
7 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Isaiah Osikorobia

by Isaiah Osikorobia

A Lockdown Story

By: Isaiah Osikorobia

I anticipated this lockdown long before it came. I was surprised and sad that our borders were not closed on time to prevent the virus from gaining access into the country.

Although I do work from home before now, this lockdown gave me more time to work on jobs that were long-pending. I don’t see it as a punishment, but an opportunity to be more creative & improve upon my existing skills.

This is also the time to draw closer to God our creator, and to seek His face in the midst of the adversities around us.

A Note From Eden: Dear Isaiah,
When many eyes see dark skies, you see the stars within. Perhaps, because stars are a reflection of your very self. You’re one person I’ve always known to have a golden mindset, and this rubs off on the aura of your resplendence. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

11 comments
5 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail
AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort stories

My Lockdown Story- Chinwe Wendy Okoro

by Chinwe Wendy Okoro

A Lockdown Story

By: Chinwe Wendy Okoro

My experience during the lockdown was filled with so many emotions.
When I first heard the announcement of the lockdown, I was so happy because finally I wasn’t going to be the only child in the house anymore. Still, I was a little sad in between, because my elder siblings weren’t going to be around, especially my elder sister whom I haven’t seen for the past four years. In all, I couldn’t be less grateful to God.

Being at home with my younger ones was fun and eventful. My mum and I had to go to the market to buy food stuffs for the house. This was to enable us have more than enough till the lockdown was over.

As time rolled by, the most challenging thing I have ever experienced happened!
I became ill to the extent that I thought I was going to sleep and never wake up. When the illness started, I kept postponing to go to the hospital because I thought I would get better. It wasn’t serious then, until I became so weak, even sleeping was a problem. Not even paracetamol cure the headache I felt.

Finally, I went to the hospital to run some tests and it came out as Malaria. Also, I had lost so much blood.
This led me to a phase where drugs became my best friend.

All I could do with the little strength remaining in me, was to pray silently for God’s healing. And He did!

However, things started to turn around gradually. What seemed like the worst phase of my life, not only led me back to health but also ushered my
family and I into a splendor of good news.
We got the best news during this period! My dad was given a post as the Chief Security Officer to the Imo State Governor. This led to so many joyful calls from both families and friends congratulating us. So much to be grateful to God for.

Regardless, with everything going on, I can’t wait to go out and feel free without being scared of any disease. I miss my friends and all the outings we always have. The burden of putting on a face mask. The fear of someone close contracting the disease and so much more.
I can’t wait for this nightmare to be over.

In all, I am thankful to God for the privilege of spending this trying period with my family. ❤❤❤

Cheers!

A Note From  Eden: Dear Chinwe,
Right now, if I was told to name a few heavenly things, I would mention the rainbow, the sun, and your heart. You’re a sky full of stars, and the goodness you carry is always made evident in your selfless nature. Being mindful of everything and everyone around you has always been of priority to you. I’m glad you were able to pull through during those moments that challenged your health. You are an essence. The kind quite hard to find in the world we live in today. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

10 comments
6 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail