Review of the Book: 'A Few Things Post 23' by Chinwendu Nwangwa
Chinwendu Nwangwa's new book, 'A Few Things Post 23' is a collection of nine fearless rants by the author. The entire book speaks of audacity and emergence from a young woman who has grown into a brave adult.
Chinwendu has experienced the good and bad side of life. It is safe to say, she has been able to make lemonades from the lemons, life has thrown at her. A summary of each of these rants, speaks so much of the author's emotional intelligence and growth in discovering 'Self.'
Rant 1: Respectability Politics is the Ghetto
Respect often times doesn't mean love. Respectability Politics impeedes alot us in the journey to self discovery. In the quest to act normal we loose our own true worth and essence. We loose ourselves in the multitude of normal, because we fear we may be looked upon as awkward. It becomes a case of 'My normal is not the normal of the world.'
Rant 2: Eschew Likeability
Why do we want to be liked? For what reason do we want to be likeable? Is it to appear as wonderful, or to validate our essence? What happens when our Likeability overtures are turned down and we are not accepted? The moment we begin to strive for Likeability, we loose our essence our ingenuity and begin to live up to other people's expectation of us.
Rant 3: Flaws are Human Nature.
We are all flawed, there's always that side of us that never fully shows up, until our weakness is tested. When you make your mentors a standard for your life, remember they are as flawed as you. So, do not be disappointed the day their weakness faults their perfect life. They are as flawed as you.
Rant 4: Outliers Assemble
Cliques don't necessarily help you discover You. Most times, they swallow up your personality and you are just another head in a sea of heads. Be you, discover your own self. You must not force yourself to fit in. The quest to belong can ruin your authenticity. It is okay to run your own show, if fitting in is a problem.
Rant 5: Context is Everything.
Embrace every part of a story. A one-sided story is the product of a close minded person. There's no one fits all approach to life and things.
Rant 6: Say 'Fuck it' with your Chest.
Hold dear, those things which are passionate to you. Throw into the bin, those things that limit you and imprison you from your true self.
Rant 7: Motor Wey Jam Egungun
Your creativity is your enterprise. Do not let anyone take you for a ride. Be ten steps ahead of every project you run. When creativity is paid for, it is valued.
Rant 8: You cannot Shame the Shameless.
No one has the power to define your life except you hand them that right. Nobody can shame a shameless person. Never give anyone the privilege to think they can blackmail you. Call their bluff, you have the power.
Rant 9: Bragging Rights are Valid
Own your remarkability, your brag is valid. Package and position yourself for greatness. You are good at what you do.
The book closes with an unusual 'About the Author', one which exudes the unadulterated authenticity of the Author. You would relate with every rant when you read 'A Few Things Post 23.'
Written By
© Francisca Ogechi Okwulehie
April 30, 2020.
Chinwendu has experienced the good and bad side of life. It is safe to say, she has been able to make lemonades from the lemons, life has thrown at her. A summary of each of these rants, speaks so much of the author's emotional intelligence and growth in discovering 'Self.'
Rant 1: Respectability Politics is the Ghetto
Respect often times doesn't mean love. Respectability Politics impeedes alot us in the journey to self discovery. In the quest to act normal we loose our own true worth and essence. We loose ourselves in the multitude of normal, because we fear we may be looked upon as awkward. It becomes a case of 'My normal is not the normal of the world.'
Rant 2: Eschew Likeability
Why do we want to be liked? For what reason do we want to be likeable? Is it to appear as wonderful, or to validate our essence? What happens when our Likeability overtures are turned down and we are not accepted? The moment we begin to strive for Likeability, we loose our essence our ingenuity and begin to live up to other people's expectation of us.
Rant 3: Flaws are Human Nature.
We are all flawed, there's always that side of us that never fully shows up, until our weakness is tested. When you make your mentors a standard for your life, remember they are as flawed as you. So, do not be disappointed the day their weakness faults their perfect life. They are as flawed as you.
Rant 4: Outliers Assemble
Cliques don't necessarily help you discover You. Most times, they swallow up your personality and you are just another head in a sea of heads. Be you, discover your own self. You must not force yourself to fit in. The quest to belong can ruin your authenticity. It is okay to run your own show, if fitting in is a problem.
Rant 5: Context is Everything.
Embrace every part of a story. A one-sided story is the product of a close minded person. There's no one fits all approach to life and things.
Rant 6: Say 'Fuck it' with your Chest.
Hold dear, those things which are passionate to you. Throw into the bin, those things that limit you and imprison you from your true self.
Rant 7: Motor Wey Jam Egungun
Your creativity is your enterprise. Do not let anyone take you for a ride. Be ten steps ahead of every project you run. When creativity is paid for, it is valued.
Rant 8: You cannot Shame the Shameless.
No one has the power to define your life except you hand them that right. Nobody can shame a shameless person. Never give anyone the privilege to think they can blackmail you. Call their bluff, you have the power.
Rant 9: Bragging Rights are Valid
Own your remarkability, your brag is valid. Package and position yourself for greatness. You are good at what you do.
The book closes with an unusual 'About the Author', one which exudes the unadulterated authenticity of the Author. You would relate with every rant when you read 'A Few Things Post 23.'
Written By
© Francisca Ogechi Okwulehie
April 30, 2020.
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