Course Content:
*Learn how to become or improve your skills as a professional teen & youths
Counsellor.
*Get practical materials and suggestions on how to counsel teens & youths.
*Helping teens & youths in difficult situations. (Abuse, addiction, depression and
suicidal tendencies)
1. Face your past
Acceptance is key. The thing about life is that the experiences you have had over the years determine how you act and react for the rest of your life. The moment you can accept the fact that your past is limiting and controlling you, that is when you would be able to face it. You can only overcome what you have control over. Control your past and you will be able to face it.
2. Forgiveness
Forgiving is a heart decision and you must apply it to your life. Be able to forgive yourself and those who hurt you. The truth about forgiveness is that many people can easily forgive others, but can’t forgive themselves. The moment you forgive, you realize that all the burdens created by your past leaves. Forgiveness helps to deal with the hurts.
3. Refuse to live like a victim
I know you have been abused, betrayed, or even abandoned. The moment you stop looking for sympathy from people, you will feel better. Focus on the solution and take responsibility for your future.
4. Lock up the problem
The truth about life is that everyone differs. Locking up your problems and past stops the enemy from using that past to rob you of God’s blessings that are bestowed on you. You just need to decide to break the relationship you have with your past. Push out all the things that keep you dwelling in your past and shut the door against them.
5. Focus on God
God’s love and acceptance are a dose of healing you. Put all your trust in him and dwell on his perfect love. Focusing on God diverts your gaze from your past and takes them away from your focus. God does not see you as you are, but as He sees Jesus. True healing begins when you let God take control of those things that seem to control you.
It’s been a very ‘eventful’ period for me. I got a mail on Monday from someone
contemplating suicide. By the end of the week, two other suicidal cases have been mailed in
and at least four people struggling with depression. All of these are below 40 years
and frustrated with life! In all of my encounters and discussions, I discovered that
most people don’t LET OUT STEAM. There are simple ways to deal with everyday
issues. Here are a few suggestions.
10b. PRAY – A simple prayer can take care of a lot of issues. JUST SAY IT TO HIM
AS IT IS.
10c. THE WORD! You want to know how powerful you are and your true identity in
Christ, GET IN THE WORD!
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us.
Normal Or Express
My driver’s license expired a long time ago and I didn’t bother renewing it since I don’t drive myself. Recently however, I thought that it would be good to start driving myself again. I made enquiries from someone who just renewed as to how to renew my driver’s license. He gave me a contact of someone he claimed worked at the licensing office.
“Good morning Oga I got your number from Femi. He said you can put me through in renewing my driver’s license. It expired a long time ago.” It was a phone call.
“Ohhhh Femi! He’s my very good friend. Yes I know him. Femi is a good boy.” He sounded like he was eating. Mouth-full and taking an official call.
“So what do I need to do? Should I come to your office today with passport photographs?” I was impatient with all the familiarity.
“No not yet. First I need to know which one you want to do. Then you transfer the money to me before I will tell you what day to come to the office to fill a form.”
“How do you mean which one I want to do? Oga I want to renew my driver’s license.” His explanation made the process complicated to me.
“Ok which one do you want? Normal or express? Normal is #8500 and takes time. Express is #14, 000 and within a week it will be ready.” He said clearing his throat of food.
“But I read on the internet that it will cost #6500.” I just could not understand the price hike.
“Madam, how much did Femi tell you he did his own? You could have gone to the internet pay #6500 and do it there. Why did you call me? Mtchew!” Obviously offended he ended the call.
I immediately called Femi and explained my conversation with this driver’s license guy.
“Why are you behaving like JJC (a word for novice)? Send the guy 14k and by this time next week you have it ready.” That was Femi’s response.
That same evening Judith called me asking me about how to get a new Nigerian passport. I had to prepare her.
“Judith you are either going to do it Normal or Express. Let me call Usman, he charged me 21k then but I didn’t ask because I urgently needed the passport.” I guess Usman did express for me.
“Hello Usman, my friend want to do passport but she wants to know how much first.”
“If it’s normal it’s #7500, she will fill the form on internet and go submit it at the office. She will be given a date to come to the office and capture, then it will be ready in three weeks or more because we don’t have booklet. Express is 20k I will do everything she will just come and capture that it will be ready not more than 48 hours. I know how to get the booklet from Abuja.” Really?
After narrating to Judith the Normal and the Express procedures, she decided that for the rest of her stay in Lagos everything will be EXPRESS!
I am sure you know what I am talking about
Mudiaga My Love,
It’s been two years since you broke up with me yet I can’t get over missing you. I cry myself most nights to sleep. The emptiness of the house is so loud without you. There are times I fear that I might die with the heart aches of knowing that you are with another woman. You always told me girls are supposed to be strong. You often called me a strong woman but I am no longer that woman without you. I have no strength without you.
I miss you so much my love, the way you make me laugh. The way you look into my eyes when we talk. The way you whisper my name when we play. The way you hold me close and tickle my neck with your breath. The tender way you hold my hands when you kiss my lips. Oh! How you often grabbed me from behind when I make your breakfast. How can I sleep on our bed alone? Memories of your cuddles now disturbs me.
I can never forget your happiness when I announced to you that I was pregnant. Your excitement lingered for weeks as you gave me royal treatments. You practically became my chauffeur! You pampered me and called me your queen until our son was born. Mini-you! Remember how I use to tease that he looked too much like you.
Sweetlove, life is tough and lonely without you. I have tried severally to fall in love again and move on but no man can fill the vacuum you created. I know I made a promise not to contact you again but the thought that we are in the same town yet cannot be with you taunt me. Knowing that I can find you if I want but I have to respect my promise to you, is a sacrifice I am struggling to keep.
I was warned not to marry a divorcee, but you were different. I heard rumors that your wife was doing everything to get settle the issues but I never paid attention because I didn’t see that possibility. I believed you were mine forever. I still don’t regret getting wedded to you and having a son for you. I will do it again even now that you are with someone else.
I wish we could spend one more night together again. I wish we could travel to somewhere no one would interfere with you loving me. You still belong to me, we belong to each other. You said it was reconciliation with your former wife but I call it my worst nightmare and since then sorrow lives with me… being a second wife is out of it for you. You wanted our wedding vows annulled. I refused because even if you are with another woman I choose to stay married to you.
Mudiaga, I love you… I still miss you so much
xoxo
Her finger sluggishly redirected the cursor to the send button but resisted the urge to send instead she clicked on save as draft.
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