The first and the 15th is a biweekly newsletter (seriously, you only receive it on the first and the 15th of each month) where I share my worldview as a human writer in a world where writing is increasingly being underappreciated.
I explore the concept of using writing, reading, and books as a way to share ideas and start meaningful conversations. And just for the fun of it, I may include a book recommendation so you can add it to the growing stack of books you buy but never actually read. Yes, you.
Women are more likely to read books regardless of the author’s gender but men are more likely to read books written by men. Yes, you read that right: men are reluctant to open and read books written by women. Why’s that? And what are they reading instead?
Read MoreMost of us are taught to do the right thing. But we weren’t told that doing the right thing is often the hardest thing to do or that the hardest thing to do may be the right thing. Read that again.
Read MoreYou can skip the roses for this one. A simple thank you note, a small gesture of kindness, or even just a heartfelt conversation can go a long way in strengthening relationships and fostering a positive work environment.
Read MoreCounting the cost is only part of the process; it’s not the end. This part of the process isn’t supposed to deter you from moving forward. Instead, it is supposed to keep you informed and help position you for success in the long run. So, embrace it.
Read MoreThe fact that nobody has it all figured out is liberating. It means that we can push and stretch ourselves as far as our limits can go.
Read MoreDays like today, yesterday (New Year's Eve), birthdays, anniversaries, etc., are reminders to be grateful for how far we have come and hopeful for what’s to come.
Read MoreThis year has felt like one of the longest of my life, not because time stood still but because I often had to be at ease even when I couldn't afford to.
Read MoreExactly four years ago, my then-fiancee and I boarded a plane from Winnipeg to Vancouver, with layovers in Calgary and Edmonton. It was a one-way, all-night trip, and we haven’t looked back since.
Read More“The truth is,” I continued, “there will always be people who won't care about you or your story. Most people won’t. But there will also be people who do care. People who find inspiration, connection, and encouragement in the stories we share. People
Read MoreConventional wisdom says we should always keep an open mind. While I absolutely agree with that advice, I don’t think it applies to my time.
Read MoreWhen I promised myself, in that one letter four months ago, to take stock of my time and reevaluate how I use it, I knew I had to report back at some point. So here it is.
Read MoreThe older I get, the more I realize that no good idea ever comes to life if it isn't written down. From thought to reality, the bridge is the pen.
Read MoreI’m not exaggerating when I say women are probably the reason I’m a writer and still writing.
Read MoreI have hope that despite the challenges that plague the country, Nigerians can put forward and collectively get behind a mandate that promises a brighter future.
Read MoreWhen I think about the most impactful ways I can apply this little gift and instrument of mine, that is called writing, I can’t think of anything other than telling stories—stories, imagined or true, that give people the guts to try new things, to not be too afraid of change, and to be resilient in the face of adversity.
Read MorePlaytime was an opportunity for me to think outside the box, create new worlds and imagine a better version of the one I lived in.
Read MoreBy the time this year’s over, I’m fairly certain that I would have spent 40% of the year working.
Read MoreAnd what a break it was. On this side of that break, I have more will, energy, and wherewithal to be more.
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