Lore

It doesn’t matter how loudly others applaud you if, inside, you keep doubting yourself.

There are days I wrestle with quiet thoughts:
“Maybe I’m not enough. I’m not perfect. Why do I keep making mistakes?”

And yet, from the outside, it looks so different.
I read. I stay curious. I try to grow.
Friends tell me, “Ola, you’re so solid.”
Sometimes ladies say, “He’s calm, creative, organised, he’s my ideal man.”

But here’s the truth:
The “ideal man” they see is quietly fighting self-image.

I remember a friend once asked me to follow him to make a purchase.
He said, “I just feel safe when you’re with me.”
Minutes later, after a short conversation, the sales guy looked at me and said,
“Bro, you are sound and deep. I love people like this!”

Still, inside, I was wrestling.

And that’s when I learned something:

No matter how loud the applause, it won’t matter if you’ve silenced your own voice.
It doesn’t matter if people see you as a queen when you’ve reduced yourself to a pawn.

Because at the end of the day, how you see yourself will always be louder than how the world sees you.

Photo credit: Dreamstime

❤️

Subtraction That Multiplies

When we think of growth, we often think of adding more books, tasks, and habits.
But sometimes, real growth comes when we start subtracting.

Think about it:
A tree grows best when it's pruned.
A house feels spacious when clutter is removed.
Even in learning, letting go of outdated beliefs creates room for new understanding.

So why do we fear subtraction?

📌 Maybe it feels like a loss.
Reflect on this week:e "more" is always better.
📌 But the truth is, addition without subtraction is just overload.

📌 Maybe it feels like a loss. to subtract hours of endless scrolling.
To grow spiritually, you might need to subtract certain distractions.
To become financially wise, you might need to subtract impulsive spending.
Even relationships—sometimes, subtraction brings peace.

👉🏾 Growth isn’t always about what you’re adding.
Sometimes, it’s about what you’re willing to release.

Reflect on this:
What’s taking up space in your life that no longer serves your growth?
When we think of growth, we often think of adding more books, tasks, and habits.
What do you need to subtract to make room for what really matters?

Remember:
Subtraction isn’t always loss.
Often, it’s the first step to meaningful addition.