Tag: inspiration

Categories
Diversity Topic

A Triumph for Muslim Athletes

Who- Najah Aqeel, a teenager who was not allowed to play in a volleyball match. Why? Because of her hijab. A hijab is a head covering worn by Muslim women as part of their religious beliefs. It holds the meaning of identity, faith, and modesty, among other things. She turned her disappointment into triumph.

What- At that time, a rule by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association was in place. The rule stated prior approval was required by the National Federation of State High School Association. Prior approval to wear any type of head covering.

Can you imagine! Needing to get permission to practice your religious beliefs. Najah and her family, along with the American Muslim Advisory Council has changed the ruling.

Najah Aqeel has affected change, and now student athletes are free to participate and wear their religious head coverings.

Where- Valor Collegiate Prep, Nashville, Tennessee

When- September 2020

Categories
Diversity Topic Words of Wisdom

Trailblazer who Helped Shape History

Who-
Claudette (Austin) Colvin was an unsung civil rights activist. She helped to end segregation on public transportation, as one of the four plaintiffs in the federal case of Browder vs Gayle.

No stranger to the plights of Black people in an era when racism plagued the African American community. She was one of the first to protest for her rights. As did Rosa Parks, who also stood up for what she believed in.

What-
As a teenager during a time of segregation and oppression, she bravely refused to give up her seat on the bus.

Where-
Montgomery, Alabama

When-
March 1955

Claudette demonstrated her refusal of injustice by standing up for her rights. She lived until the age of 86. May she rest in love and peace. 🕊️

"I always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone-" Claudette Colvin

Categories
Info Poetry Topic

The Cotillion

A Memento



Learn dancing, greetings, table sets
Talking skills null and void
Lacking
Words like hello, please, and thank you
Take a back seat to sass
Slick talk

Social education for kids
Grace, respect, etiquette
Manners
Timeless skills to carry you through
Being a lady, young
Man too

A cotillion is an event for the youth, ages 11-13. It teaches manners, how to conduct yourself in public situations. Social skills that help them build confidence and conversation skills. Also, how to properly set the table, ballroom dance too. Young girls and boys learn etiquette that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Valuable skills to learn.

I am not sure if cotillions still exist, but it needs to come back. Sadly, too many of the youth of today are disrespectful and lack essential social skills.

The Cotillion is written in response to the prompt. Thank you for reading🙏🏽💕

Categories
Poetry Topic

Sun In My Pocket

Sun In My Pocket

Searching out the window
Wonder catches me
Where oh where is sunshine
Cloud after cloud careening
Patiently, I stand by
Oh wait, what's this
Feeling warmth and joy
Reaching in my pocket
Oh, there you are
Sun in my pocket

Thank you for stopping by to read!

Imagine, finding the sun in your pocket! It would be a pleasant and welcome surprise on those cloudy days☀

Sun In My Pocket was written in response to the W3 weekly prompt. The guideline for this prompt is to write a poem of 10 lines or fewer that places someone—or something—in a delightfully improbable location. Think sharks in a bathtub, a dragon in a bar, or any unexpected presence where it clearly doesn’t belong.

Oasis of Heat
Categories
Topic Words of Wisdom

Connect the Dots Interview with O’Nika

Interview with Founder of Inspire By O’Nika

In this video is an interview with me about the blog, Inspire By O’Nika. Why it was started and when. Connect the Dots host, Louis asks questions about the content of the blog and the motivation behind it. We talk about other ventures like the IBO Podcast and the You Tube channel, by the same name which I also started. The interview gives a little insight into the person behind the blog.

Connect the Dots interview with O’Nika-founder of Inspire By O’Nika

Inspiring and lifting other’s up is what I love. Check out a throwback post, Re-create; Dare to be You.

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to watch🙏🏽 Thank you for the interview, Louis! Don’t forget to check out Connect the Dots podcast on You Tube.

Categories
Info Topic Words of Wisdom

Happy Anniversary IBO- Year #4

Inspire By O’Nika Turns 4

November 2nd is the day I started IBO. It was in 2021 that I was moved to begin blogging. It was the middle of the pandemic and a very troubling time. Because of that I felt like people could use some words of inspiration and hope. Even if for only the time it takes to read a post.

My journey started out with quotes, and varied topics. A few articles were of heavy content. For the most part, the content of Inspire By O’Nika is light-hearted, motivational and uplifting. 

Through the years I started to incorporate poetry. I have come to enjoy it and just have fun with it. I added some comedy to the blog too. Also, I have joined in various picture and word prompts. 

I say all that to say; thank you. Thank you to all the people who stop by to read my blog. People who have been supportive over the years. I appreciate the comments; short, long, and even if you just leave an emoji. Thank you for the likes and shares. 

4 years in the making, hoping to see another four. Continuing this writing journey with all of you is what keeps me going. I love all my readers who have been there from day one and new subscribers too. Thanks again for the love and support. 💕

A few memorable posts from the past year

Awakening of Rejuvenation
Sweeping Treescape
How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness
Can You Answer This? Do You Respect Your Partners Conflict Style?
Believe In Your Ideas
Where Bunions Go To Be Free

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

The Notebook

The Notebook- a Triolet
A Triolet

The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life
From my head on to paper they land
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Laughter, grief, triumphs all stand
Emotions cut deep like a knife
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life

The original poem, The Notebook was written in response to the W3 prompt.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 💕

Categories
Poetry Topic

Abstract As Can Be

Look 
in the 
picture frame
anything from
clown butterfly mask
imagine interpret
colors shapes media too
name it what you will, eyes leading
shaping the mind, altering it too
causing the face to smile in wonder, wow
excitement takes over, positive thoughts 
abound, flooding your mind with questions
complex linear abstract mute
watercolor oil finger
paint possibilities
what is this image
fun or scary
obtuse or
even
sad

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read the original poem, Abstract as Can Be. Published at Inspirebyonika.com. 💕

Artwork credit: W. Harris

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness

How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness

We all have the potential of greatness. Yes, even you. Some of us doubt ourselves and I understand at times when this can happen. It is the constant belief that we cannot achieve something that gets in the way. The negative self-talk and the constant questioning of our abilities.

I’ll give you an example. If you ever came up with an idea about a new product that you wanted to patent or an idea on a project that you wanted to start. The more you think about it, you start letting that doubt creep in. Saying things like, I can’t do this, I don’t have the capital. Or, I don’t know where to begin. Who am I kidding, this will never work because I don’t have the people skills, etc, etc.

The more days that pass the less you are excited about the idea. You started out all gung-ho but each day that this repeated cycle of negativity plays in your head, the idea is killed. Maybe it gets postponed to; someday. We all know that infamous someday.

In this video I will provide practical tips about ways we can begin breaking the cycle of self-limitations and start tapping into our greatness.

Thank you for stopping by! If you know someone who may benefit or enjoy the information, do not hesitate to share. You never know who might need to hear this message today.

As always, stay well and be blessed! 🙏💕

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Are We Evolving or Just Pressing Replay?

Are We Evolving or Just Pressing Replay?

A video message about how we can examine our lives and see where we can make changes for personal growth. It is easy to get stuck in the same ole ritual and routines. Before you know it, you look up and discover that 2 years have gone by and things are just as they were this whole time.

In this video, I will share some ideas to get started on a path of growth and challenging ourselves. If you find yourself feeling stuck or stagnant; don’t fret, we can always change things. The rewards are great when we do. We feel a sense of achievement, we make ourselves more open to trying new things and we also get a boost in confidence.

Get out your pen and paper and take notes. It may feel like a homework assignment, but it will be one of the the best investments of time that we can pour into ourselves!

“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”-James Baldwin

The first thing we are going to do is compile a list. Review that list and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I learning anything from this activity?
  • Am I growing mentally, emotionally or physically?
  • Does this activity challenge me?

Secondly, seek out new activities

  • Do some research, talk to people you know who may make a suggestion
  • Try to pick something that is not your usual go-to or something that you may not have been interested in before, try it now

Lastly, challenge yourself by overcoming a fear

Ex: if you are afraid of heights, if you feel socially awkward or are afraid to speak in public.

I hope you find the information in this video useful. As always, thank you for watching.

Thank you for stopping by! Stay well and be blessed! 💖

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

Flutter, Flutter

Flying high and low
Landing for a peek inside
Unique beings and places
Telling their stories
Tantalizing hues of light
Ethereal I appear to some
Reassuring, you are not alone

Flutter, Flutter is an original poem written in response to the picture prompt by Sadje.

Photo by Jian Xhin on Unsplash

As always, thank you for stopping by to read! You are much appreciated! 💕🙏🥰

Categories
Topic

Fitness Style

What is your fitness style?

Do you like to walk, jog, use the treadmill or elliptical? Lifting weights, pilates and aerobics are other forms of physical fitness. There are many ways to exercise. Try the form of exercise that is fun, pick something you enjoy. Don’t forget about jumping rope, hula hoops, and dancing.

Exercise is one of those things that people either love or hate. The most important thing to remember is that exercise helps us in other areas of life. If you get stuck or miss a day or 2, just continue. Don’t give up! Keep pushing! You got this!

Image credit: Irina L on Pixabay

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

Tiempo/Time

Tiempo/Time

An Etheree

time 
waits for 
nobody 
waste not today 
tomorrow comes quick 
life on earth taken for 
granted, make not the mistake 
of piddling precious moments, now 
is the time, put your stamp on living 
the most meaningful and fulfilling life

Release the Weight
Categories
Self Awareness Topic

Does Social Media Strengthen or Destroy Meaningful Connections?

Social media is here to stay. Do you think it strengthens or destroys meaningful real-life connections? It can go either way. I think it all depends on how you use it and how much of it you consume.

Some people live by social media. What I mean by that is that some people take what they see and hear online and apply it to their personal lives. They start to believe everthing they see and they lose the autonomy of their own personal beliefs.

Social media is used for a variety of reasons. Some people use it to help boost their business. Others use it for personal entertainment, recreational use. It can be a tool to use to showcase your hobbies and personal endeavors. If you are a singer or an artist. Maybe you want to share some educational information.

SM can strengthen connections because you can find useful information about some things in your life and gain a better understanding. You may be looking for a way to empathize with someone in your life and form a better relationship with them. It can open the doors for communication and bridge the gap for some situations.

It can be destructive when people are purposly using it as a means to hurt others. Trolling and saying hurtful things to others. It’s like cyberbullying. Other times people hear stories about infidelity and then they start thinking negative of their mates.

The key to it, in my opinion, is to limit the time spent on social media. Also, know what you believe in and stay true to that. We all are entitled to our opinions and that’s what it is, opinion. Sometimes we confuse it with facts. Just remember that we had real life before social media. Real life is always better than the internet. Have fun with it, make others smile, inform, share your gifts.

As always, thank you for reading! 💖🥰

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

Sweeping Treescape

A Double Etheree

Trees
stand tall
swaying side
left right fast slow
breeze constructs movement
leaves obeying the wind
trying not to blow away
maple elm fir oak spruce birch pine
retaining the treescape with beauty
evergreen erect regal towering

Canopy preserving abodes families
cleaning the air providing shade too
pine needles falling on rooftops
lasting fragrance by nature
beautiful to the eyes
suited for picnics
summer hot days
play eat smile
rejoice
breathe

The poem titled, Sweeping Treescape is written in response to the prompt.

Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoy!