Wednesday 15 November 2023

How Can Someone Say "Having Children Is Out Of Fashion These Days?" No way!

Welcome to my blog once more ! My name is Mabi Azefor Fominyen and I hope that you are doing very well! I came across something this morning and I was a bit puzzled so I thought of sharing it with you and to get your thoughts as well. I was checking the News Online this morning, trying to catch up with current affairs and some world events when I stumbled on an article where someone was saying that “having children is a bit out of fashion these days” . I thought for a minute and I said to myself……..is this for real? I immediately imagined what that statement would mean for some people who are currently trying to get children by all means. I am so blessed that I have children of my own and I love them to the moon and back ! That notwithstanding , a few thoughts and questions came to my mind ! Why do we have so many people in the world, trying to give out “lessons” to others instead of letting people make informed choices and decisions which best suit their needs, wants, realities, dreams , desires and aspirations? Generally, I tend to be very careful when I come across information online and perhaps I dare suggest that; you might also need to watch-out what you consume online as content. Sometimes there's just so much happening out there and people might have the tendency of projecting their personal choices as “the ultimate solution” rather than mere suggestions! Some information could be very helpful while others could be really toxic. We have to know how to decipher and make sense of the good and determine how much information we take into consideration. At times opinions have been communicated as though they were facts thus creating nuances and doubts on the minds of some people especially young people and children. In Africa (where I come from), children are cherished and loved by many. These precious human beings come into world with many cultural norms, traditional beliefs, values and significance attached to their birth and their entire existence. As such, growing up, many people look forward to when they will become adults, get married and /or have children of their own. Imagine a young girl/young man from Africa therefore where having a child means a lot to individuals, families and communities; reading through an article where someone vehemently states that “having children these days is out of fashion” without actually providing enough context nor giving sufficient reasons to back that information….this might sound a little awkward to that young girl or man from some parts of Africa As a mom and someone in the field of communication, I would encourage people to really have a good sense of discernment with regards to what they read online. In my opinion, this might determine how such information is processed and how it might impact someone’s decision. Yes, there is an abundance of information online thus making it easier for people to learn and increase their knowledge ! A plethora of opinions, write ups, news articles, channels, conversations and interviews to name but these. On a daily basis a wealth of information is displayed online! However, it is also vital to cross-check some of the information put out there, remember your needs and wants as an individual and avoid getting too excited by what you read or hear on social media . Pick up what is relevant and helpful , leave out the junk ! Thank you and please feel free to join the conversation in the comment section !

Tuesday 11 July 2023

Setting Healthy Boundaries by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Lately, I have been reflecting on how to set healthy boundaries in life . How would you know when it is time to set boundaries? Take a look at this article here. Here is another helpful piece I came across with regards to setting boundaries. My reflections and the search for more information on this subject further led me to this article here. I found it quite interesting and useful so I thought of sharing it. When it comes to setting boundaries , I have learnt that one can never really please everyone and that it is alright to say NO at times. Take a look at these hints, they might inspire you, if you are looking for ways of setting boundaries. If you are wondering how to better enforce your boundaries once you set them, then take a look at these tips here.How about this one right here! A beautiful reminder that setting boundaries means, caring for one's self! After reading extensively about this topic, it might be safe to say that defining personal boundaries , actually requires a good understanding of what boundaries are . Boundaries might include ; personal, sexual, emotional, generosity,pyhsical, friendship and relationships in general. Take a quick look at this . Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, opinions, experiences and best practices about setting boundaries . Let us continue the conversation here on this blog #Mabi's World! Thank you so much in advance! BOUNDARIES ARE NECESSARY! THEY ARE HEALTHY! I also came across this video about setting boundaries and I thought it was worth sharing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6CJtIk457g

Thursday 30 March 2023

Spring , creativity and design hints by Mabi Azefor Fominyen!

I stumbled on this blog Demabs Boutique which I created a while back in order to showcase some of my outdoor decor ideas, crafts and designs. The article about the throw pillows  once more caught me attention. Click on this link here to see more. 

Think of what happens to your living room for example whenever you change your throw pillows or cushions! As the seasons change , I have noticed that people like adding extra touches  to their home decor . 

From my experience , pillows have a way of adding some kind of spice to one's home decor.They sometimes give a completely different look to an entire space be it in the living room, the corridor or the bedroom.  As you all know , spring comes with the beautiful flowers,  bright colours, new perspectives and ofcourse it is also a geat time to get creative . So let's get creative!  Bring in  some flowers, brightness, colourful pillow covers and cushions into our homes and yards.

 Enjoy the spring season !

Meanwhile you can read through this aricle below , courtesy of JANE AT HOME , for more ideas and 2023 home decor trends.

 https://jane-athome.com/home-decorating-trends/

Thursday 1 December 2022

Enoh Tanjong -A Rare Gem.Rest Well My Professor! (Written by Mabi Azefor Fominyen)

I have been quite saddened lately by the untimely death of my former university Professor: Enoh Tanjong. I had paid tribute to Prof Enoh Tanjong and others in October 2008, in a post on my blog in which I cited and celebrated teachers as exemplary leaders in society. Read here http://mabifominyen.blogspot.com/2008/10/celebrating-teacher-exemplary-leader.html Unfortunately , Professor Enoh Tanjong died recently (on October 29 , 2022) in Cameroon. About three years prior to his death he had suffered a few health setbacks but he made it through and he had been recently appointed as a member of Cameroons's National Communications Council. Needless to say he lived a full life and in the process he impacted the lives of many in meaningful ways. He was not just a teacher but a father-figure to his students. He was an encourager, a great leader and an inspiration to thousands of students and others.
Enoh was a conqueror! You encouraged your students to ‘fight your war’. You urged us to ‘be positively aggressive’. You were both serious and funny at the same time. Enoh’s students later named him 'The Pope' Of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department on account of his tremendous contribution to the department. He was one of the founding fathers of the department alongside his close colleague/friend and ‘Buddy’ Dr. George Ngwa. Several other lecturers ( Dr. Mrs. Ndoh Bertha Barkata, Prof Julius Che Tita, Prof Henry Muluh, Asonglefack Nkemleke , Dr. Charles Tanteh , Mr Tanyi )quickly joined the train under Enoh’s stewardship as JMC’s Head of Department/ Mass Communication Research lecturer. Today (December 1, 2022) is a sad day for Enoh’s family, his relatives, the Communication landscape in Cameroon, his former Journalism and Mass Communication students and many who knew him. 
As I write this post, Enoh’s funeral is on-going yet it still feels unreal that he is no more! Go well humble servant! Go well Sir! Go well Enoh! You had instructed your students to simply refer to you as Enoh in a milieu where some people live by and celebrate their academic titles as well as accolades. Till date I remain 'Enoh's Star' the one you named back in my days at the University of Buea. My mates and friends still call me as such and like them, I still do believe you had planted the seed for what I was to later become! We will miss you Sir!
Even though I mourn, I will forever be grateful for your dedication and the impact you had in my life as a student and a person. 

 While Enoh was alive, I had on several occasions celebrated his life and often shared my warm thoughts and support 
 ( individually , along with my batch mates as well as with other JMC students) . Nonetheless, I am in awe of how Enoh on his part celebrated the successes of his former students- myself included . It was truly a humbling experience for me! 

Thank you Enoh! Thank you The JMC family! Enoh will definitely be remembered as ‘The Man who made JMC a family’! (To quote Enoh himself)  What a legacy!  You were a rare Gem! 

 I extend my sincere condolences to his wife, children and grandchilden. 

May Enoh’s soul rest in peace! 
 
( PS Picture credits; JMC past students)

Sunday 27 November 2022

Quite an interesting piece to read through!

I came across this article as I was searching some relevant information about Journalism and Mass Communication practice. I found the article quite interesting and thought I should share on my blog. Here is an excerpt of the article 'The world has and is witnessing a rather heavy shift in communication technology and media, hence, people calling this the “communication age” is only fitting, from journalism to peace talks, everything entails communication. With the advent of globalization, the entire world has become accessible; people can work and communicate remotely and this has completely advanced communication technology with the help of the internet'. Click here to follow the link and read the rest of the article . Feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment on the blog.

Friday 15 July 2022

The latest addition to our family!

Meet the latest addition to our household! 

My kids always wanted a dog but I was always scared of dogs talk less of owning one. 
Helas,  I gradually conquered my fear of dogs and now we actually have one in our household. 
This is probably the most gentle and friendly dog I have ever met. He loves family moments! He enjoys watching the sunset! Ever since he came into our lives, he has been such a sweetheart! He has added an extra spice to our daily routine and we are  having so much fun as a family! It is such a pleasure watching him grow everyday. 

Thursday 5 May 2022

Eager to go on a school trip as Covid rules fade !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen, My son's year group is planning a school trip and he is so excited about it. This is coming at a time when the number of Covid -19 cases has drastically reduced and the rules and regulations relaxed. Huuuuuuh! It feels like life is gradually returning to normal for most people the world over compared to the last two years. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most schools worldwide had been forced to embrace online learning or hybrid learning eventhough some schools in other parts of the world, remained closed for several months ( for example in Uganda), as the pandemic took an ugly turn killing thousands of people across different ages worldwide. It has been such a relief therefore to see school children and students return to school and to effectively carry on with on-campus learning for the most part of the 2021/2022 academic year. Students have been able to learn , interact with others and also taken part in several co-curricular activities. School authorities have also been able to plan a number of school events and trips for their students; like what obtained prior to the Covid-19 era! On a whole, most countries, governments, schools, offices, businesses etc; have begun easing various restrictions and protocols that were put in place to help control the spread of the pandemic. My prayer is that we all continue to be safe as we look ahead to better days. See Italy's new Covid rules -summer 2022 https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/italy-to-phase-out-all-covid-rules-by-summer-2022