Friday 28 November 2014

Robert's Sister: Epilepsy Awareness Month Day 26: Epilepsy Rant

Robert's Sister: Epilepsy Awareness Month Day 26: Epilepsy Rant: I am usually a positive person but today has been especially trying. I realize tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I should be espousing everythin...

Sunday 16 November 2014

Robert's Sister: Epilepsy Awareness Month Day 14: Ack! The Caregiv...

For this Epilepsy Awareness Month, I am glad to have stumbled across Trish and Robert and sure Richard. I follow their journey and although my brother's journey with Epilepsy wasn't similar, he and us all had a tougher time with the mental disorders he came to suffer and battle with until his demise 4 months ago. Kindly read on



Robert's Sister: Epilepsy Awareness Month Day 14: Ack! The Caregiv...: The impact of epilepsy on Robert is that he has declined to the point of needing assistance with his daily living tasks.  He is incontinent...

Wednesday 17 September 2014

2014 09 17 Short talks on Mental Health Ep 1





I wouldn't let norms, conventions, anger, nervousness, depression and what not get at me.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Untangled roots: Embracing the Gift of Addiction





Thank you for sharing this Cortland. I identify with that because I lived such a life too. I still am on recovery and face dem challenges every now and then. My 'demons' may not have been any thing to write home about when compared to other addictions and mental illnesses, but, the path to taking one's mask off and full recovery is hard for everyone.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

"Up/Down" Bipolar Disorder Documentary FULL MOVIE (2011)





Today is world day against suicide (I may not call the day properly but I know we get it). The say the rates are higher with pepople with a mental illness/condition or disorder. Education is vital so as to put an end to stigma and ignorance fueled actions and reactions.

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Life is Good: Moving on... on behalf of Tina Downey

Life is Good: Moving on... on behalf of Tina Downey: On behalf of the Downey family, we want to let Tina's friends and followers know that she went to be with the Lord Saturday night, Augus...



I didn't get to know Tina personally but she was a kind co-host in a challenge I participated in for my first time. She replied to one of my queries, and stopped by my blog once or twice, leaving a kinder comment. She chaired such a team of jolly mignons and I can only guess her loss is 'crushing'.I wish all those who mourn her, lots of grace and fondest memories to cling unto.

Saturday 2 August 2014

Work With Me

I have a dear friend and her name is June. This is her brief about me as put on her blog:



About June Whittle

I'm a freelance copywriter, blogger and ghostwriter. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge to empower, inspire, motivate and encourage you. Did you know you can achieve your dreams if you set goals and work towards them? The only limitations are in your mind. Open your mind to the possibilities of what you can achieve. Believe in yourself. Don’t limit yourself. Be strong. You can do it. I did!
- See more at: http://www.miraculousladies.com/work/#sthash.pyni0rZU.dpuf

So she put up this post encouraging anyone who loves her services to work with her, and I think it might interest someone in t this corner of the globe: Work With Me

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Inspirational Woman Leader Spotlight

I am so humble and grateful each time I am spotlighted by one of these organizations. Be it professionally or personally, I work tirelessly for women's empowerment and self-worth. To that end indeed, I will know no peace.

And so, I wish to share with you two of those recent spotlights of which I am proud.

When approached by Megan Cho of the dynamic feminist blog Women Lead, I felt honoured and yet humbled to be spotlighted among other great women. Our interview went thus:

Marie A. Abanga, is what many will call a dynamic and determined woman. She goes by the three Ds of Determination-Discipline-Dedication and yes in most of what she does,  she strives to do it to her best thus she says. Marie read Law in the University and got called to the Cameroon Bar as a Lawyer. She practiced for three years and due to some personal and professional challenges, left her country to further her studies in Belgium. She is currently an LL.M Candidate in International Law with International Relations but she is especially a Feminist, a fervent blogger, an author, a mental health advocate, and also the Regional Manager Africa for the Women In Parliament Global Forum.
Women LEAD: What is your background?
Marie A. Abanga: I grew up in the city of Douala Cameroon and had dare I say a modest but emotionally charged childhood. I grew up seeing most women around me ‘abused’ regardless of perception that all was well in their households. Maybe that is what kept drawing me towards advocacy for women, the marginalized in general and defence of the most vulnerable during my brief practice in courtrooms. l still remember winning my first case in which l valiantly defended a ‘street kid’ charged with three grievous accusations.
Please read the entire interview here:
Before that, the Knowledge Gateway for Women's Economic Empowerment for which I was one of the pioneer Community Champions, did a perspective of my modest person for their July Newsletter.
They titled that column, 5 questions to a Leader and it was started off thus: 
Marie-Angele Abanga, is Regional Manager at the Women in Parliament Global Forum (WIP), an independent, international and non-partisan foundation established with the purpose of advancing society by building a network between Women in Parliaments. Last year, Marie-Angele was also elected Global Community Champion for Women's Economic Empowerment by the Knowledge Gateway.
1. What does ‘women’s economic empowerment’ mean to you and what are you doing today to support women’s economic empowerment?
Women's Economic Empowerment involves the ability to make economic and financial choices, which entails a process of change of all the components of societal structures that shape and reproduce power relations and the subsequent unequal distribution of society’s resources and opportunities . The economic 'stagnation' of women has for all time hastened their dependence on men, consequently their, 'abuse'.  This impacts heavily on their own well being, and of course that of their children and hence the well being of the community as a whole. Yet, today, statistics have proven to all extent how much benefit a society reaps when its women are economically empowered. It is for these reasons, that l volunteered mindful of my schedule, to be one of the pioneer Community Champions for the Knowledge Gateway  for Women's Economic Empowerment. I sincerely think I did my best and l even chronicled the rally l ran prior to my selection.  
- See more at: http://www.empowerwomen.org/news/five-questions-to-a-leader-marie-angele-abanga#sthash.Cc7ahnaD.dpuf
Dear gentle readers, it is a privilege indeed to contribute in whatever way, to the development of humanity.

Saturday 12 July 2014

One of my TV Interviews back home.





Watch me on Canal Two - News Room. Hope to answer your comments there. l can never thank Moki Charles Linonge enough and all the others too. Hope to be back next year! All the best to you all!

Friday 11 July 2014

MENTAL HEALTH IN AFRICA: MY STORY


It's time to talk
It’s time to talk








Dear readers and followers, it is time to talk more seriously about mental health. Not only are statistics glaring of an increase in the number of patients and the failure of ‘society’ as a whole to tackle mental health issues, but ‘we’ the patients, are so scared of the stigma attached to our ‘diagnosis’, that we prefer to just shut up and ‘die’ out our own way!
l won’ talk about facts and statistics the world over or even only in Africa. No, l will speak from experience. Mine and what l observed, drawing from my brother’s and others’. l was therefore honored to receive an invitation by Trish over at Mentalhealthtalk, to do a guest post on this ‘salient and silent subject’. Kindly hop over to read the rest of that post with just one click right here: Sure, your comments will be highly appreciated.
Real facts and figures?
Real facts and figures?
l don’t know how real those facts and figures are of if they apply to Africa. l only know what l have experienced as a ‘patient’ and a ‘caregiver’.
l want to be the change, l think the time is now:
Be the Change
Be the Change
Fortunately, we have a lot of resources online to help us in our research in finding ways to avoid or cope with mental illness. l thus found this info graphics5-Cs-diagram-0011worth sharing:
And this one is even more descriptive of the ways we can help ourselves and others l hope:
Ways to wellbeing
Ways to wellbeing
 l envy all those organized social services out here and all the helplines at your disposal or the insurance you could take out to help with costs and all.
mental-health-conversation-top-tips
My personal relationships are changing from now on; and l remember a recent post l just did where l expressed my determination to bounce back into life firmer.
We too can make a difference in someone’s  life, after helping our own selves out of course!
Dear gentle readers and followers, let’s not relent our efforts to make our lives and our worlds a better place, or what says thou?

Friday 13 June 2014

I am going to see my boys

I am so full of joy, I am still learning how to deal with my great emotions. Woah, after a year and a half, I am going to see my Boys.
I don't have much to say because many would never understand how a mother in her right senses can leave her children behind in the same 'shit' she was running away from. Suffice it to say l wasn't in my 'right senses' then.
My Boys and l  have all been through so much.The poor internet connections, high phone costs and much more, got us to often get in touch only once a week or less. Talk of motherhood across the ocean?
That aside, here is a video l did for a presentation in my school on global cultures. Have fun and know that for the next three weeks, I will crisscross as much of my beautiful motherland as possible. Of course, there is no doubt that my "3 mousquetaires" will be with me all through my stay home.
Hmm, l am taking them to at least one of the radio shows l am invited to, and maybe one of my TV Interviews too. The line up is pretty exciting for actually only two weeks with them, giving that 5 good days will be ... at some summit in Kigali.
http://youtu.be/CriUQQE731w
So, those weeks are all I have for now. However, someday, it shall surely be different. Anyway, as it currently stands, I am going HOME to see my BOYS and l even have some blogging awards to show them too!
Dear gentle readers and followers of mine, thank you in advance for the safe journey wishes and all. My Boys and I will sure do a post from home just for you!

Monday 9 June 2014

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: What Works: Promo for Ebooks

I read this and thought it would make a good and invaluable read:



A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: What Works: Promo for Ebooks: I get bombarded by email, mostly from people either thanking me or asking me for something, and I simply can't respond to everyone. If y...

Excited to announce Countdown deals for my book!

From my heart, through my pen, to these pages
From my heart, through my pen, to these pages
Dear all, by Friday, you will know why l am excited not only to announce countdown deals for my book, but what lies planned for my vacation.
The deals are first of all two fold and each will run for a week. They are only for the kindle version although in due time, l will do another giveaway on goodreads for the paperback.
The first is on Amazon.com and it will run from June 25th to July 1st. The price will start of at 1.99$ for 48 hours, then it will rise to 2.99$ for the next 48 hours before running at 3.99$ until the deal ends.
On Amazon.co.uk, the countdown deal starts on June 27th to end on July 3rd. The race cheers up at 0.99£, then speeds up after 48 hours to 1.99£ for 2 more days, and then cools down back to 3.57£.
What truly is in that book?
You will be excited to find out!
You will be excited to find out!
The reviews say a lot although due to the nature of my story and my 'genes' maybe, several people who have read it are 'scared' of leaving a review on the amazon. l got two other reviews on goodreads but a few said some 'nasty' like l still have to 'surrender to my saviour and it must be sort of generational curse blaabla'.
Well, that's life and l know l was 'shameless' in writing all that thrilling stuff without being scared of "what people would say"? Does it really matter anyway? Who really cares? How do l know? So life goes on!
In the mean time, lets see how it goes, this week may hopefully be my last week of faithful blogging up till August - stay tuned to find out why come Friday. Happy reading!
It is gratitude in another form, go get inspired and motivated, cause l don't think l can ever say thank you enough.
Thank you very much
Thank you very much

Thursday 29 May 2014

7 Powerful Stress Buster Tips

7 Powerful Stress Buster Tips



l just thought this may be useful to some of my gentle readers on this other street of bloggerville!

Saturday 24 May 2014

HOW AND HOW LONG DOES A PARENT MOURN A CHILD?

Today started out fairly normal. Hey, I was even all smiles and dressed to please myself, the weather and in souvenir of Cameroon my motherland. I had a Rhumatologist appointment and since l found out the doctor was Cameroonian, I was looking forward to some nostalgia.  l had actually chosen him based on that and well, we did talk of our motherland.
Shortly before going to my "waterloo"
Shortly before going to my “waterloo”
But something had been happening in me since last night and I couldn’t figure out what. I just wasn’t my normal self at some dinner we attended and l was sent off to bed.
The moment I walked into the hospital, I knew
When I walked into that hospital, I knew why. Although it’s been six good years since l lost her, l still don’t know if I mourn well or for how long l will still have to mourn. I passed a pediatric unit and all those toys, I saw the neonatal unit and saw those incubators in which she spent that one and only night, l passed the gyneco and obstetric ward, and all this was tormenting.
Why does it hurt so much?
It’s not like I think about Ange Claire every other day, no it’s much better now. After all, she just survived a day so maybe I am better off than those parents who bury Children with some accomplishments and futures ahead? Or maybe it is actually that I didn’t mourn right and for a ‘right’ period of time?
When my girl was born, she looked just like me and this picture of mine reminds me so much of the hair she had.
Marie the baby.
l loved her so much although l didn’t even get to suckle her even once. All l did was cradle her a minute and give her kiss before she was taken from me and put into that incubator. She had developed a respiratory deficiency barely 15 minutes just after she was born. I am thankful her elder brother had survived a similar problem too. He had battled in the incubator for one whole week shortly after his birth.
Did I mourn right and right?
I remember the doctor telling her father and l that night that she needed a special drug, which unfortunately wasn’t available in their pharmacy. It was maybe 9.30 pm and there was only one pharmacy in town where she was sure it could be found. Her father asked her if he could go get it in the morning, and she said yes. I was so tired after having laboured for more than a day and having to go through that, l just couldn’t pick another argument with him to go then.
l couldn’t sleep straight. l dozed off at midnight, had a nightmare and woke up at 4am. l told him we should go and check on her. Sure we got there just as the doctor was pronouncing her DEAD. l just went to my angel and kissed her then l went back to the room and hid under the bed. l quickly entered the denial gear or whatever that could be called.
l only managed to call my mother. Who came in and left soon thereafter with her father and co to bury her at her paternal grandparents’. She later took me to her home where l spent a week mourning in whatever way.
Friends l had called last night to announce the birth of my princess, were told a different story when they called to find out how we slept. Some stopped by and by then l had already switched to ‘am ok’ gear. l didn’t want to discuss the ‘matter’.
The only person l really wanted to talk and or cry over it with, was my husband. But he didn’t want to. Until I left his house, never did we discuss that ‘matter’. I hallucinated for six good months, lost sleep and any sexual appetite, l was so scared he may die, l did’t want him to travel, touch me or even be merry around me.
Then I thought I had mourned enough
l however gradually pulled myself together and was always ‘seemingly so strong’ so much that my sister who flew in to visit soon thereafter, remarked later on that she thought l never ‘cared’. She was surprised that l talked about that incident in my 35th birthday message to all.
Yet, when a cousin of mine lost his baby when his wife was 5 months pregnant, l was erratic. l stayed up all night and cried and spoke to whoever until dawn. You see, I have also lost another baby to a miscarriage too.
Finding strength in what remains
So after I left that hospital today, ( I haven’t been to a hospital since she died, clinics yes but hospital no), I couldn’t move. I knew l had to steady myself. My blood pressure even showed an increase although when the doctor asked l just said it was stress.
And then, my Darling Darling who had been out of town, just got back. He’d tried to call when I was in there and only left a message. He tried again and told me to wait for him right there. You see, he knows what it is to lose a child. He’d lost one too.
We are best friends and l am so grateful for him. He has even agreed to go with me for my results and the doctor’s control.
l know we shall all die. But, l really think that children should bury their parents and not the other way round! I am equally glad l can write to heal and help others and that l can share my struggles and all.
Dear gentle readers and followers of mine, do you know how and how long a parent mourns their child? Do you want to share or just leave a gentle comment? Thank you in anticipation.

Monday 19 May 2014

QUINTET OF RADIANCE AWARD

Oh my, on this 17th of November 2013, I sensationally started my blogging life with wordpress. Wow, as if to celebrate my efforts, contributions and all, I get not one but 5 awards – isn’t that something to blog about?
See them for yourself then read on:
Quintet of Radiance award
Quintet of Radiance award
I was dazed when I got a notification from my blogging pal

“VISHAL BHEEROO on his blog: Scripting the story of life”

Ok, now there is a little ‘fun work’ to do in claiming the award but who wouldn’t do that for a Quintet of radiance award?
RULES:
1. Display the logo in a post.
2. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back-Ananya
3. Using the alphabet, describe yourself in a word or phrase.
4. Nominate few Bloggers.
Simple rules for me hahaha
Dear Vishal, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have never received a blogging award before:
Now, next to the heroine who started this quintet of radiance trail; the beautiful, dynamic and passionate Ananya and her tales. Check her out for yourselves lest I do her less justice by missing out something. Just one or two things now, please don’t forget to:
Vote for her on Facebook for Mrs India Washington and discover the amazing bundle of talent that she is. Follow the following links to vote for her:
Ok then, back to my nominations: I got five
1) Vidiya the Smile Collector at http://vidyasury.com/
2) Lidiya the Success and happiness Cheerleader at http://letsreachsuccess.com/
3) Michelle and her babbling books at http://www.writer-in-transit.co.za/
4) June my Jamaican heroine at http://www.miraculousladies.com/
5) last but not the list is Timi my sister from another mother at http://livelytwist.wordpress.com/
I hope they accept the award and are glad too.
Now to retro myself using the alphabet -hmm, let’s see what it gives: 
  A as in Ayo my nickname of choice, an exclamation, means joy in some dialect
B as in Bold yes I could face the D….
C as in Curious, I know they say it killed the cat but am no cat
D as in daring – sure I dare to Dare
E as in exercise- it keeps both my physical and emotional weight in sound balance
F as in fighter, an aunt has always called me one
G ad in good, I can’t think of evaluating myself any less
H as in Happy yes I make that choice to be even in the midst of …
I as in insecure do have those moments too
J as in jokes, do love me them, some say am a clown
K as in Karate, one thing I missed learning – could have come in handy I think
L as in Love, hmm I can love unconditionally and unconventionally – just read my book
M as in Merry Marie- thinking seriously about making it a brand
N as in No – not scared of using that word and meaning it
O as in open minded to both critics, schools of thought, people and all
P as in people, I know I have to choose who I hang out with for here below we have + and – people
Q as in quiet – sometimes I can be so quiet you won’t believe it’s me
R as in rustic – yes you can’t tell all this woman knows, my reviews tells what some think
S as in strong – I know without being told that if l weren’t strong, l would have vanished by now
T as in Thank you – I love saying it and meaning it
U as in Universal – I believe that the universal principle of Do unto others what you would want others do unto you, supersedes all religion
V values – I have them many but henceforth, honesty tops my chart
W as in wife, I tried to be one and failed woefully – aiming again though :)
X as in x-ray, I perform one on me every now and then
Y as in yes, am almost done, and yes I can if I set out to
Z as in zzzzzzzzzzz when it’s bed time, I switch off like a log
Dear Gentle readers and followers of mine, hope you join me in celebrating this award by commenting and sharing!

Thursday 15 May 2014

Rythmz - This Is How I Feel (#BringBackOurGirls)





I wish those girls are found indeed!

Making the best of my London (mis) Adventures



Last week, I was in London for five good days. I was so excited at the trip. I had planned up so many things to do, people to visit and much more.

Poor me who did not take into account the length of time to go through border control at the airport, especially if you had the misfortune of arriving on the day the computers were not working.

The wait made headlines and people got real nervous. Kids were crying, some old, handicapped and etc collapsed, I found this article on the net which even carries some tweets: A four hour computer glitch blabla. I was so tired, dashing to the airport straight from the office, l couldn't bear myself to take pictures or tweet.

Worst of all, I was still going to go into London by Train, and then to Abbeywood on the Southeastern line. I missed several trains because l only left that airport at 23h. When I got to London Bridge, I took the wrong train to Abbeywood. I got to Bartford instead and now there were no more trains for it was midnight.

l had planned on taking one of those luxurious London cabs for the treat of it but I never thought of doing that at midnight right? Yet I had no choice now. I however made up my mind to enjoy the ride and try to sight-see whatever l could. Haha, l saw sure nothing, cause am no owl!

The next day, I was up early to crisscross 'magic' London by train once more to Bedford. I was at London Bridge at 8 am but oh no, my low fare train ticket was valid as from 9.30 am. It was raining but I wasn't to be depressed. I pulled myself out onto the bridge and did walk a mile or two.

Back to London two days latter, I had to go by train to Forest Hill, and once more the trains were not working on that line and we had to take rail replacements. There was a connection to crown it all.

Again, I had hoped to go onto one of those tour buses but well my budget was now very tight. Thanks to the rail replacement, I saw quiet some of London and took a picture or two.

This was in the tube corridor - morale of the lesson, 'never go to work early'.

 I also pleasantly discovered the English don't joke with Beer. This video is of a drunk who disrupted rail service by at least 15 minutes. To get him off the train took 10 minutes , then he threatened to jump onto the rail.

 

On Sunday morning, I left home to visit more of London Bridge area and make the best of my (mis) adventures. I didn't see all those I wanted to, but I saw most, I didn't go to Canterbury as I had hoped to, but I met a friend who showed me round Westminster and all. I n the end, I enjoyed my trip and hey, the airport computers were up and rolling on my return trip.

Do you dear readers have any such souvenirs? Life is also about making lemonade out of limes right?


Sunday 11 May 2014

cover to cover book reads: Happy Mother's Day!!

cover to cover book reads: Happy Mother's Day!!: You Taught me to Walk,  You Taught me to Talk. You Corrected my Wrong, You Encouraged my Right. You Held me Tight When I was Hurt, You Gave...



What a beautiful one.

Thursday 8 May 2014

l SURVIVED: MY 1st AtoZ Challenge memory lane


Today, I not only reflect on the #atoz challenge 2014, but I tap myself as a proud survivor.

I remember trying to back out twice. I really felt intimidated by all the blogs I browsed, the team and the preparations and all.

My first pretext was, surely blogging each day is not my routine and am still struggling to build my niche. So I wrote the organizers and asked to be crossed out. They asked for my blog number which I couldn't find anymore. I had created a new blog all together so that if I balled out during the challenge, nobody would notice, care or comment.

Mid March, oh no not even a single post schedule. Woman are you crazy? That nagging voice mocked, get out, get lost and save face before it is too late. I decided to do otherwise, I wrote like crazy and in 3 days I had 26 posts scheduled. I kept them short and simple and my theme helped. I had played safe by hanging on to random thoughts of mine. Hahaha

D Day I lashed out loud with a post on Adultery and I was like be ready for the hammer. But no, I got support, empathy, hugs and all. And so I went through up on to my T post - THANK YOU! This was my climax, for me it was my finals before the finals. That Thank you meant so much. And as if #Lee felt it just like when I once commented on his blog about my failed suicide attempt, he commented on that post.

Just tell me what more a newbee and wannabee like myself could dream of other than a comment from #Lee, and others from #Michelle, #J.L. Campbell, #Vidiya and her smiles and all the others too.

I visited lots of blogs on random subjects ranging from dogs, tradition, education, religion, society and hmm, I loved #Michelle's babbling books and the smiles #Vidiya collected.

I made some blogging friends too from as far as India like my pal #Vishal, and got hooked to #J.L. Campbell's books where after distraction, I learning how not to get Mad but better get Even.

Should I reveal my theme for next year now: oh no let me not spoil the fun. I stop for now while thanking all the wonderful team, mignons and all and wishing us all the best!

Yours sincerely, Marie a proud:

Saturday 3 May 2014

Michelle Stanley: Z Is For: Z Ball

Michelle Stanley: Z Is For: Z Ball: "Our big moment has finally arrived," said Beast, making a short welcome speech to the guests during cocktail hour. "I&#3...



To all of us who braved the April atoz challenge, next year will sure be better, but as for now, lets be proud of our efforts and join Michelle's Ball!

Wednesday 30 April 2014

Z

ZZZZZZZZ

Common pals, lets give ourselves a break and really bear with each other's clumsiness on this last but one day for this year's challenge right?

Let me hide behind me Newbeeness (my vocab) and Wannabeeness and zzzzzzz myself off.

I am out of random thoughts and all I wanna do is:





It's been tough and I challenged myself and wrote/scheduled my #AtoZ Challenge posts in 3 shots so see You all Next Year oh no see you soonest! And oh, I have 3 copies of my book to giveaway so if you happen to hop by here and want one then reach out somehow!

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Y as in ...

YES

Come on pals which is the next to easiest word to pronounce in this whole universe?

Well for me, it is YES. Em I know I posted somewhere about the word NO so it is logical that I challenge that post with this one right? It makes sense!

So lets have some fun as we wrap up and actually run out of - Yes; more ideas!

Oh YES I did it, oh YES I want, Oh YES please do, Wow YES it was great!


I just wished I could have found a Yes Woman picture; but well, I am sticking to this neutral one which has a message for me:


There is more after this #AtoZ Challenge month, the relationships made have to be nurtured and YES I AM READY AND WILLING!

Monday 28 April 2014

X as in

xenophobia


Yes, as the noble #AtoZ Challenge draws to an end well like officially for 2014, I have chosen a 'big' word to post about. I mean it is what we call in french 'la dernier ligne droit' right? (The last lane sort of)

I looked up the word and this is what I found on the oxford dictionary

Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries:"racism and xenophobia are steadily growing in Europe"


Wow, so am I in for trouble by relocating to Europe?
Am I safer just staying home and trying to work only online so people hardly get to see me on the streets and notice my colour or find out my country of origin?
When I first got a job, I would greet my colleagues cheerfully each day like we do back home but hell no wait a minute - is this back home? So I am adjusting!
I am challenging myself and dare I add us all, to not let any such creepy 'thoughts' steal precious space in our 'up there'!