We live in a world where there are more naysayers than cheerleaders. What I am saying is that a lot of times, it is very rare to see people who would say things like – “go for it” or “you can do this” to you. Instead, far too many people wear the negativity and discouragement crown. Unfortunately, negativity or negative energy doesn’t encourage anyone, it rubs us of our potentials and or the willingness to try what we feel we can do. Today on Motivation for Monday, I want to share with you some of the life lessons I learnt from Lionheart, the movie.
I have been following the updates on Lionheart, the movie since it was announced by Genevieve Nnaji in early 2018. So, last week, I finally saw the movie when it was released on Netflix. I have to say that this movie is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The cinematography, the set, the cast, the production, the direction, the story line, the fashion and style, the makeup and everything you can think of about a movie / film was “on point”. This is a film I would highly recommend. All the mentioned and more in my humble opinion is the reason why Netflix bought this film over – so it is a Netflix original. Also, the film premiered at TIFF – Toronto Film Festival before it was released on Netflix after screening in Nigeria.
I wanted to share a little bit about the film first before I share today’s motivation for Monday with you, so you can understand why everybody needs an Oyinye (Cheerleader) in their life.
Who is Oyinye?
In the Lionheart movie, Oyinye was Genevieve Nnaji’s (Adaeze) right hand girl – her personal assistant. Unfortunately, in the film, Nnaji’s Father had a heart attack, so he had to be on bed rest. For that reason, Nnaji had to assume the role of Acting Director with the assistance of her Uncle. From settling disputes in a roar between area boys and drivers to decision making in the office, Oyinye was always QUICK to assure Nnaji (Adaeze) that she can do it. Other times, she would say, “you would make a good Director some day” and on and on. For Oyinye, it was all about affirmations towards her Boss – Adaeze.
Why Everyone Needs an Oyinye in their Lives
Now that we know who Oyinye is, let’s see some reasons why we all need one or two Onyinye’s in our lives.
The Oyinye in your Life Will Cheer You On
I loved the way Oyinye was always cheering Adaeze (Genevieve) on. She was always quick to help her schedule her meetings or cancel them, she was always there to reassure her that all will be will even when things were falling apart. She even took her place in jail so she (Genevieve) could go attend to business. Someone may say, well, she was doing her job. Yes, she was but more than the job, you would see that she truly is her boss’s cheerleader – her supporter to the core.
Your Onyinye Always Mean Well for You
Towards the end of the movie, Adaeze, (Genevieve) had an admirer. Onyinye would not let Genevieve be until her admirer came to take her hand to dance.
Your Onyinye will push you into a direction you do not want to go because they know it is a good route for you. Your Onyinye will lead you on and let you find your way because they know that, that choice is a good one for you.
Your Onyinye Will Never Throw You Under the Bus
When Genevieve was locked up because her Uncle slapped an official. For Adaeze (Genevieve) to be able to get out to go handle business, Onyinye switched places with her. She went to jail so her boss could go get work done.
A good Onyinye will stand by you come what may. They will not turn their backs on you when things get tough or rough. They will stand by you.
Your Onyinye Will always Be Happy For You
Eventually, Adaeze (Genevieve) became the Director as appointed by the board and her Father. Not only did Onyinye continue to rejoice, celebrate and plan the future ahead with her boss, she was genuinely happy for her.
Your Onyinye will always be happy for you, whether you achieve a little or a lot. She will be there rejoicing and celebrating with you.
With this post, it seems like I spoke very much in parables BUT my true message was inspired by the lionheart movie by Genevieve Nnaji. See, in life, we must surround ourselves with people who would support us, cheer us on, guide and guard us, protect us or even “go to jail for us”.
Life is too short to be in the company of naysayers, doubters or negativity crown wearers. There is no way to go from there. When we are in the midst of people who see the best in us, we become more, we do more, we are bolder and feel more confident to try, we love and live life to the fullest and we fulfil our potentials.
I encourage you to
1. See the Lionheart movie if you haven’t done so already (this is NOT an AD).
2. Plant yourself in the midst of people who see the best in you and want you to do well. Focus on the positive – this is HARD but do it with the help of God.
3. Be courageous to get away from any situations that may bring you pain or pull you down.
4. Live everyday for SERVICE. I also learnt this from Adaeze in Lionheart the movie. She spent her time fighting for the people with whom she worked.
5. Enjoy your good works, take good care of yourself (Adaeze took care of herself – 5am, she was always out running – that is SELF CARE!), love, give and SMILE – smiling makes things better.
In conclusion, I can tell you this that it is VERY HARD to find the likes of Oyinye but I tell you, God direct our very own Oyinye (cheerleader) to us. I pray that God connects us with our own Oyinye’s IJMN. Amen.
I was wearing: Zara Dress | Public Desire Boots | Zara Bag | Burberry Scarf
I want to thank you so much for stopping by and for reading. I do hope you learnt a thing or two from today’s post. If you did, share this post and please do let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Have an awesome week. As always, it is much love from me to you.
Mojisola
A while ago, I made this video titled, “Who Do You Surround Yourself With”?
It goes perfectly well with today’s Motivation for Monday. Do check it out as well. Enjoy!
PS: We are back to normal blogging routine – Motivation for Monday on everyday and Fashion and Style during the week. Do stay connected by Subscribing to the blog and by following on all social networks. All handle on the side bar of the blog 🙂
