It was the morning of my wedding – I remember; clearly, my Dad called me and told me that I had a phone call. I looked at the time, a few minutes to 7 am…it was in those days, when we only had one telephone in the house, with a lot of people in my parent’s home, I decided to pick the extension in my father’s bedroom.

I picked the phone, only to hear the voice of one of my secondary school friends. She apologized she wouldn’t make it to my wedding, but she decided to pray for me instead. I was shocked, I hadn’t even spoken to her in years, and I did not know how she got to hear about my wedding, but my heart was so full of joy. I said Amen to every single word she uttered that beautiful morning, and I thanked her.

I also remember traveling to Nigeria with my family once for a family event. Upon coming back, I decided to buy some souvenirs for my friends in Newfoundland – I looked around- and purchased a few Nigerian brooms. When I got back to my location and gave some of the brooms to my friends, they were happy, and the next time I visited two of them, I saw the brooms beautifully displayed in their living rooms. One even attached hers to a wall beautifully in her sitting room.

These two stories reminded me of spreading joy to lives no matter what. You don’t have to break the bank to make others happy. It took a simple phone call from a long-lost friend to make me happier on my wedding day, and with just a bunch of brooms from my home country, I brought smiles to some of my friend’s faces and lit up their living rooms.

What do you have that you believe will make someone else’s day? No fancy gifts, probably a phone call, a word of encouragement or a text on their special day, or a word of prayers telling them you have their backs or you are rooting for them.

You can do it. I know.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie, Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

I am presently in my prayer room at home counselling clients online with my door closed, and intermittently I will hear the faint sounds of my son playing soccer in my living room downstairs during his lunch breaks. Pre-pandemic, I would never have allowed this…but since the situation had called for it, I only pray that my TV makes it through to 2021.

Nowadays, normal is to find my children in their different rooms studying and taking classes online.

Normal is watching my hubby consult with his patients through telehealth in the office downstairs.

Normal is all our summer vacation plans cancelled and gathering together every night at 7 pm for the family prayer meeting just before dinner to gist.

Normal is being able to discuss politics, religion, and reminisce with our children almost every night after dinner.

2020 has been a roller coaster year; however, it has brought my family closer. I know some have lost a lot this year, and I can only pray they are comforted and restored.

But wherever you are in the equation of the year 2020…please, look out for the good things only. Pick up the phone and chat with someone, pray for some people who need your prayers, pray for the world at large, relax your rules around your house, seize the opportunity to let go, and learn to breathe.

Please, join me in praying for my TV as my living room becomes a soccer field for my son during his lunch breaks this year and just now…I heard the sound of a penalty kick…I better go and remind him to go back to class..his lunchtime should be over…lol.

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie, Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

I was scrolling through my Bible this morning when I stumbled upon my goals for 2009 and 2016. I also noticed a similarity in the dates..they were both written on the same day, 31st May, and this reminds me of practicing what one preaches.

When I counsel my clients, one of the techniques we talk about is goal planning…we discuss the benefits of having goals written down and reflecting on the goals and accomplishing them one by one.

Looking at my life, I have always tried to set goals for myself, whether as a student or a married woman. I prayerfully write my goals down and then pray upon them. Even though not all of my goals get eventually accomplished, most of them do get completed.

Do you have goals set for yourself? Do you engage in self-reflection, do you check up on yourself to see where you can improve…one common thing in my goal planning is to strive continuously to be a submissive wife and also to read my Bible daily; those two goals keep me grounded..they help me to remain true to myself and always know that there is room for improvement.

What about you? It is never too late to set goals. You can start today and make plans for your future, reflect on what you want or where you want to see yourself in a few years, and see if any obstacles may prevent you from reaching there and start to work on those. When you plan your goals, you get a clear sense of direction; you are motivated to work towards something. You will have a sense of personal satisfaction whenever you accomplish a goal. Most importantly, it will help give you a sense of purpose in life.

Try it, and I am sure you will not regret it, and if you’re interested in knowing more about setting goals, I’d love to work with you every step of the way. Please contact me today!

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie, Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

This is what my face looks like after a day’s work sometimes. After seeing and chatting with about eight clients a day and that translates to roughly about 8 hours of speaking…sometimes I feel so worn out that all I want to do is eat and sleep, but most times, I feel elated and blessed to be in this position to help people. Since the pandemic started, many people have struggled with their mental health, and therapists have given their shoulders to many people to lean on.

Am I complaining? No. I am grateful for being able to assist in this era.

The Japanese believe that ikigai is when one finds one’s purpose in life.

Looking at my life now is merely confirming that I have finally found my Ikigai. It means that even though it can be overwhelming sometimes, but when what you love meets what you are good at, and what you can be valued and paid for meets that which the world needs, please, someone answer me what else is needed?

As per the fatigue… I have devised numerous self-care strategies to help me stay in shape… I take power naps daily amidst the sessions, and there are days that I don’t work at all every week because I firmly believe that I can only help my clients better when I am in great shape.

So, deep down my tired face..there is a heart filled with gratitude.

What about you? Can you truthfully say you have found your Ikigai?

If you’re interested in becoming a better, happier, more fulfilled you, I’d love to work with you every step of the way and assist you in making sense of life again. Please contact me today!

Written by Ibukun Ogunsina, New Beginnings Barrie, Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. Website: www.newbeginningsbarrie.com
E-mail: inquiry@newbeginningsbarrie.com
Tel: +1 705 241 8456

This picture was taken last Sunday morning. Under normal circumstances, you won’t find me relaxed on a Sunday morning. I would either be up and about getting ready to go to Church and screaming at my children to wake up..but since the pandemic started, my Sunday mornings have been relaxing. So, this particular morning, I was even able to read an edition of my favorite Oprah magazine, sipped a mug of decaf coffee, enjoyed the beautiful fragrance from my candle, and still had time to chat with my husband..all before Sunday service online.

I know some of us are worried about the events of the past few months…however, I would encourage us to set time aside to pamper ourselves, love on our spouses, seize this period to plan your time better, set time alone to watch or rewatch those favorite movies with your family—Declutter your wardrobes and pantries and also set time aside to meditate and connect with your Creator. If you are working from home, please set appropriate boundaries by making sure that your week has a weekend. We have one life, and we have to live it.

For me, I have even decided to gather a few friends together to praise and worship God like never before on the 5th of September at 5 pm EST on zoom…maybe you want to join us..then kindly use the below login details, and you will not regret it.

ZOOM MEETING ID: 777 936 5505
PASSWORD: praise