Finally, we have reached the end of 2024. Wow, I feel like the year flew by, almost as if it’s being chased by 2025, eager to make its entrance. I’m really excited about the new year, and I know I’ve said it several times, but I’m truly thankful for life! I wish you all a Happy New Year and can't wait to read all your blog posts in the year ahead, living according to God's plan.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME TO 2025!
Photo by Efrem Efre
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In my previous post, I mentioned it would be my last, but when I came across this news today, I felt compelled to share my thoughts.
For every country I have lived in, visiting restaurants has been one of the fun things I enjoyed doing. Never have I been obligated to give tips. Even in Ukraine, where I really enjoyed the services when I went out, I was never obligated or talked down to by a delivery person or server to give tips. I did it at will. The same applies to Hungary and here in the UK. However, I know experiences can differ from person to person.
When my friend traveled to America, she told me that waiters and servers gave her bad looks and even asked her to tip them. She was about to leave a restaurant, and a waiter asked her outright, “Where is my tip?” I was shocked when she said this happened several times in different places. I kept wondering: how are waiters allowed to harass customers like this and get away with it?
I’m not sure about the laws in America regarding tipping, but the broad understanding is that tips are given as a way for customers to appreciate good service, purely by choice. There is no obligation.
Today, while browsing through Instagram, I came across news about a case I’d heard about before, but now I got the full details. Seeing the face of the lady who stabbed another human being over a $2 tip was shocking. According to the story in the media, she made a delivery to someone staying in a motel and was tipped $2. She left but returned later with a man, forced their way into the person’s room, and stabbed the person several times.
The stabbed woman found out she was pregnant while receiving treatment in the hospital, according to NBC news. The 22-year-old woman who carried out the stabbing is facing charges of attempted murder.
This tragic incident highlights a deeper issue within society, particularly among the youth. The sense of entitlement and lack of accountability have led to behaviors that are both alarming and destructive. How do you justify harming someone over a personal choice like tipping?
People who take delivery or service jobs made that choice—no one forced them. Even if someone felt compelled by circumstances, they still chose to work because only those of working age are allowed to do such jobs. Whether it’s a well-paying job or not, everyone is navigating this tough economy. We’re all struggling, so there’s no excuse for entitlement.
It’s just two days to Christmas, and guess what? I’m not working on Christmas Day!
I’ve been thinking about writing a Christmas post because I can’t end this year without thanking everyone who has been reading, commenting, and supporting my blog. Writing and connecting with all of you through my thoughts and feelings about life has truly been one of my favorite activities this year.
A few days ago, my friend Ebube called and mentioned that she’d be coming to Glasgow for a day trip with Yinka. They planned to leave the next day, and it got me thinking about how every year, since moving to the UK during the Christmas period, I’ve had the chance to meet up with Ebube. Do you remember my Christmas trip to Edinburgh with Ebube? Well, we’re doing it again this year, but this time, it’s just a quick day trip before Christmas.
Yesterday, being Sunday, Yinka arrived on time as planned. She used FlixBus, and it didn’t disappoint this time. Unlike the first time I used it to travel to Aberdeen for her graduation, the delay at the station caused me to arrive late. Ebube, on the other hand, had a bit of a hectic journey. Her flight from Cork to Glasgow circled above the city for about 20–30 minutes because of strong winds, and they eventually decided to land at Edinburgh Airport instead. From there, she took a bus to Glasgow.
Once we picked her up from Glasgow airport, she dropped off her things at the hotel, changed her outfit, and we headed to the city center. We went to a lounge, relaxed, and caught up with each other.
They are both traveling back today; I really appreciate their presence. We had a wonderful time, and it was a lovely Christmas visit. They did mention that Glasgow didn’t seem to have much of a Christmas vibe or many lights, which I hadn’t noticed until they pointed it out. I joked that maybe the city was broke, and we all laughed about it. I wish them a safe journey back.
Many bloggers struggle to drive traffic to their blogs, and one common mistake I've noticed while visiting many new blogs through their Google profiles is leaving outdated links on their profiles. Ever since Google shut down Google+, which I consider one of Google's biggest missteps, this issue has become more common. Google+ was a fantastic platform for connecting bloggers, sharing blog posts, and resolving blogging challenges, thanks to the wealth of information shared there. Now, without Google+, you can no longer view a blogger's profile directly without clicking on their Google account or visiting their blog URL. Unfortunately, many bloggers still have outdated, nonfunctional blogs linked to their profiles, leading to an increase in bounce rate.
1. Remove Non-Functional Links From Your Google Profile
Go through your Google profile and remove links to old or inactive blogs. Only leave links to blogs that are active and regularly updated.
2. Prioritize Updated Blogs
What is Bounce Rate?
I’ve explained this in a previous post, but here’s a quick recap: Bounce rate refers to the percentage of single-page visits on your website, where a visitor leaves without interacting further. It’s calculated by dividing the number of single-page visits by the total visits and then representing that as a percentage. A high bounce rate often indicates that visitors are not engaging with your content.
The Problem
When a visitor clicks on your Google profile and finds multiple links, they might accidentally click on one of your outdated blogs. When they realize the blog is inactive, they often close your profile altogether, without checking other links. Even if they do go back and click on an active link, their initial disappointment may lead to spending less time reading your content, which can still contribute to a higher bounce rate.
How to Fix This Issue1. Remove Non-Functional Links From Your Google Profile
Go through your Google profile and remove links to old or inactive blogs. Only leave links to blogs that are active and regularly updated.
2. Prioritize Updated Blogs
If you manage multiple blogs, make sure the most frequently updated blog appears as the first link on your profile.
3. Include Post Dates
3. Include Post Dates
Display the date on each of your blog posts. This helps visitors see that your blog is active and that the content is current.
While I was watching a reality TV show about a family who lives and raises their children in the bush, I was struck by the profound implications of their story. This family had built their life in the bush, far from the conveniences and demands of modern society. However, the government burned down their home located on public land, forcing them to relocate. Determined to continue their way of life, they purchased land deep in the forest in Alaska—a remote and inexpensive location—and began rebuilding. But the challenges didn’t end there: they had to endure long drives and build a new cabin just to maintain their lifestyle.
Why am I writing about this? Because their experience reflects a broader issue: the way governments and modern societies treat people who choose to live differently. Across the world, there are indigenous tribes and isolated communities who have been “discovered” by tourists, explorers, scientists, or even random adventurers. Once these groups are identified, governments often step in, claiming they need to introduce modernization, enforce regulations, or teach these people a “better” way of life. This paternalistic approach strips individuals and communities of their autonomy and disregards their unique cultures, traditions, and choices.
In my opinion, if we want to live in a world where human rights truly prevail, then people must be allowed to live the way they choose—whether or not we agree with their way of life. As long as they are not harming others, their choices should be respected. I’ve seen reality shows and documentaries from countries like the United States, Canada, and others, where indigenous tribes and remote communities are filmed without consent, their lives laid bare for public consumption. These invasions of privacy are not just disrespectful; they’re exploitative. Forcing these communities into the global spotlight, altering their way of life, or making them adapt to systems they never asked for is a gross violation of their freedom.
Some families and individuals deliberately reject the conventional trappings of modern society. They do not want to pay electricity bills, take on car or house loans, or be beholden to government systems. They don’t want to live a life of perpetual debt or adhere to societal expectations like attending formal schools or holding steady jobs. Instead, they prioritize simplicity, self-reliance, and connection with nature. Not everyone wants to use cell phones or drink contaminated tap water; some people crave fresh water, prefer planting their own food, and living sustainably. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Forcing them to conform to a system—a system often plagued by corruption, inequality, and coercion—is deeply unjust.
Have you taken the time to reflect on the year from its beginning to its near conclusion? I was at home when I had a deep reflection on Thanksgiving Day. God reminded me of all he has done for me this year, and I just started praising and worshiping him. God has guided every aspect of my life this year. God gave me peace, taught me patience, and shifted my heart from things that added no value to my life—and that didn't point me towards heaven. God provided me with a path to follow, which I will discuss in more detail soon, but overall, my heart is overflowing with joy. I want to thank God that I am among the living, and I am healthy enough to move around and do things. I want to thank God for keeping my parents alive, and I know that my prayer for them for 120 years will come true. I will look back on this post and say, "Yes, indeed, God is great."
Every day should be Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?
The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it a multitude of concerns for those balancing work and holiday preparations. Many are feeling the pressure of achieving their year-end goals, yet it is essential to prioritize health amidst these stresses.
We all face stress in our lives, including traffic, monthly bills, health worries, and relationship issues. Persistent worry, due to the inextricable link between the mind and body, can negatively affect health and contribute to a variety of illnesses.
While you cannot eliminate all kinds of stress, you can learn how to manage stress and develop resilience—the ability to recover from adversity.
Some people seem to enjoy better and healthier lives because they are inherently upbeat and cheerful. These people frequently transform obstacles and possible setbacks into chances and achievements. This way of thinking is consistent with the idea of "antifragility," which is the capacity to flourish and become more resilient in the face of adversity and stress. According to this perspective, stress is a necessary part of life, and developing antifragility enables people to leverage their strengths to overcome obstacles.
While you cannot eliminate all kinds of stress, you can learn how to manage stress and develop resilience—the ability to recover from adversity.
Some people seem to enjoy better and healthier lives because they are inherently upbeat and cheerful. These people frequently transform obstacles and possible setbacks into chances and achievements. This way of thinking is consistent with the idea of "antifragility," which is the capacity to flourish and become more resilient in the face of adversity and stress. According to this perspective, stress is a necessary part of life, and developing antifragility enables people to leverage their strengths to overcome obstacles.
Happy New Month! Welcome to the month of December. I am so excited about ending the year with clarity, God's leading, success, and vision through His guidance.
Photo by Bich Tran
The Impact of Teenage Pregnancy on Parents
Teenage pregnancy is one of the biggest fears for many parents. Growing up in a large Christian family instilled in us the belief that marriage is honorable, a belief that continues to resonate with me today. The truth is, teenage pregnancy doesn't just affect the teenager involved; it often shapes their lives in challenging ways, leading to a path filled with struggle and stress. While some young parents rise above their circumstances with stories of triumph, others find themselves wishing they had never ventured down that path.
It's crucial to guide and watch over our teens, but we often overlook a significant aspect: the impact on parents when their child either becomes pregnant or is involved in a teenage pregnancy. We rarely discuss the challenges faced by parents whose children are involved in teenage pregnancy. I remember growing up and witnessing a few girls in my community get pregnant. My dad was terrified and warned me to be careful. I could see the fear in his eyes and hear it in his trembling voice, especially since these were girls I grew up with, talked to, and attended Bible study with. His concern came straight from the heart. Thankfully, I heeded his advice, but the experience left me thinking deeply about how much fear and anxiety parents endure.
Often, when teenage pregnancy happens, the focus tends to be on the teenager's future and the societal reactions, but we forget about the parents' pain and heartbreak. Many parents feel judged, ashamed, and even ostracized by their communities. You might say, "Well, why should they care about what society thinks?" But the truth is, as humans, we're naturally conscious of how we're perceived by others. We want to present our best selves to the world, and so do our parents.
When parents react emotionally to the news of a teenage pregnancy, they are sometimes labeled as harsh or uncaring. I've heard stories of people criticizing their parents for their intense reactions, calling them cruel or unloving. Yet, in many cases, those reactions stem from a place of deep pain and disappointment—not just in their children but also in themselves. Parents often feel like they've failed in their upbringing or that their child didn't listen to their guidance. And while it’s true that not all children will heed their parents' advice, it doesn’t take away from the hurt parents feel when things go awry.
The Emotional Toll on Parents
Teenage pregnancy can affect parents in profound ways, but we seldom acknowledge this. Here are some of the emotional and psychological impacts it can have on them:
1. Broken Trust: Parents often feel a deep sense of betrayal, which can affect their trust in their other children as well.
2. Living in Fear: There's a constant worry that the same situation might happen again, either with the same child or with their siblings.
3. Increased Anger: The stress and fear can make them more irritable and prone to outbursts.
4. Shame and guilt: Many parents feel ashamed among their peers and carry a heavy burden of guilt, questioning where they went wrong.
5. Judgment in Religious Communities: For those in religious settings, especially if they hold a position like a pastor, they might be labeled as careless or even unfit for their role, leading to loss of respect and position.
6. Social Withdrawal: Parents may become withdrawn, keeping to themselves to avoid judgment and uncomfortable questions.
7. Loss of Joy: The disappointment and stress can take away their smiles and rob them of their happiness.
8. Diminished confidence: They might lose confidence in their parenting abilities and question their self-worth.
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