The View from Where I Sit

Tag: Nigeria

  • MENTAL RESILIENCE WORKSHOP UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY: FIBROMYALGIA AND MENOPAUSE

    MENTAL RESILIENCE WORKSHOP UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY: FIBROMYALGIA AND MENOPAUSE


    Ebony Ambassadors CIC Mental Resilience Workshops on Zoom was a huge success and well attended.
    The FIRST SPEAKER was QUEEN ESTHER OSAKWE, A Community activist, founder of Life improvement consults, Miss Commonwealth for Africa 2021/2022 as well as Project Manager for Ebony Ambassadors (voluntary role).
    Esther’s history is one that will inspire you. She was born with Spina Bifida Occulta (hidden) which she only discovered when she was a teenager. She was sexually abuse at a young age and deeply wounded by the trauma she experienced so much so she rejected herself, her roots was severely depressed and very combative in nature.
    However, despite having survived sexual abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, shame and trauma that comes with having a child out of wedlock, and then a failed marriage, Esther proved what it means to be mentally resilient as she strived against all odds.
    She is currently dating and lives alone with her three daughters.


    The SECOND SPEAKER was ANTONIA ADEBISI ADEBOWALE who is women development specialist, health champion for women, and a Mary Kay independent Consultant. She said during her speech that “Her past does not define who she is”. She reminds herself of who she is no matter what she goes through.
    She was originally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, in 2015. When Antonia got diagnosed, she was scared.
    Fibromyalgia is an invisible and chronic illness that causes pain, fatigue and trouble in sleeping. It can cause depression, whole body is sensitive to pain, migraines and brain Fog.
    Actual cause of Fibromyalgia is not yet known and there isn’t a particular cure for it yet. Although there has been some link between Fibromyalgia and stress.
    We were encouraged to go to the doctor, to get checked if we notice any change in your body. Regular check-ups will help you to understand what is happening when you sense change in the body or experience symptoms you are not familiar with.
    She also spoke on symptoms to look out for during pre- Menopause and Menopause as well as what to do to help reduce the stress that come with it.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RRw6Xd1oVA

    http://www.ebonyambassadors.org

  • Interview with Lwazi Ncube Foundation

    Interview with Lwazi Ncube Foundation

    I was given another wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by another disability oriented organisation called the Lwazi Ncube Foundation. The Lwazi Ncube Foundation is an organisation created to build, encourage and inspire others with disabilities.

    Hello, Introduce yourself – Name and what you do. My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I do not work for anyone, but I am working on marketing myself as an Accessibility Consultant. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I have a BA degree in History and Politics.

    What type of disability do you have? At birth, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which are neurological conditions. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility.

    What is disability to you? The only disability is a bad attitude. I have a disability. It doesn’t completely define me; it just enhances me in a way which differentiates and strengthens me. My disability should be viewed as an ability: to see the world in a different way. I don’t really like the term because sometimes it indirectly implies someone is dysfunctional or helpless. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate.

    What has been your experience from the time you remember till now? – positive and negative experiences. My life as a wheelchair user has been generally okay. Wheelchair Accessibility is frustrating. I was teased a little in school. Other than that, life is great.

    How do you cope with: -daily activities – your disability, do you have times when you are down – people’s reactions towards you. I have carers, a Social worker, District Nurses, a GP, and extended family in this country. I am also in contact with a local disability charity in Yorkshire. I also have a friendly landlord.

    How do you keep yourself motivated? I must stay organised and practice good time management. I also prioritise my plans. When it comes to religion, what is your belief in terms of how you were created? – do you blame God – do you trust God?

    No, I do not blame God for the way that I was born/created. Yes I’ve been prayed over before about healing but I do love my life.

    When it comes to the African society what has been your experience – if you have visited Africa what has been your experience? No experience

    Compare the UK experience with the Caribbean experience. The weather is warmer in Bermuda than the UK. The UK is bigger than Bermuda. Wheelchair Accessibility and Disability Rights is better in the UK than Bermuda. What is your word or advice to those with disabilities? Don’t let people put you in a box. You have a voice, use it. What is your word or advice to the society?

    Don’t give up on people with disabilities. Give them a chance at life. Don’t discriminate, neglect and push them to the side. Strive for inclusion for all.

    Tell us about your platforms if you have any- Blog: The View from Where I Sit Facebook: Daniella Jade Lowe Instagram: @daniellajadelowe/@theviewfromwheresitblog To follow and support the Lwazi Ncube Foundation, you can stream their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCep8lS9TmXP8GPZ3oRABhYA. They can also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lwazincubefoundation/videos. Thank you!