It has been awhile since I last wrote a blog post or life update and so much has happened since then! For example, last fall in 2018 my father visited from Nigeria for the first time in about 30 years! Yes that was interesting. Then there was the time I worked and lived in South Carolina for 6 months as a locum Internal Medicine physician. This May our second son, Karim, graduated from high school and started college. We moved house again. I took several trips including to New York and Dallas and attended my Nigerian high school reunion. I recorded these experiences on YouTube but why didn’t I share it here on my blog?
I’ll be honest when I started blogging I shared anything I felt like, which included a wide range of subjects. Of recent, I looked at the layout and felt it lacked direction and focus, even though I was still proud of the individual blog posts. Reorganizing the layout felt overwhelming and I considered hiring a “professional” but decided to hold off and figure it out myself. The bigger concern was the content. What subjects or information do I want to share based on my audience? And importantly, are those subjects I enjoy writing about currently and in the future?
Sometimes the questions we ask or solutions we seek can only be answered by us.
I had to take some time off writing to step back and reflect. After months of posting YouTube videos consistently and analyzing my professional and private life, I gained some clarity about the type of content I enjoy posting. I came to the conclusion that like my life, my lifestyle blog would be a reflection of my diverse background, experiences and knowledge. While my blog does not look and flow like everyone else’s, it is uniquely me.
My intention is a space that serves to educate and inspire creativity, but also a space that feels like an open diary. You will notice new categories include Family, Home & Garden, Dolls, and Habiba’s Story. Other Categories like Food and Health, have remained.
Let me tell you about the category, Habiba’s Story, which I am very excited to share. Since I was a little girl, I have kept a diary highlighting my experiences and journey from Nigeria to the USA. Some of these experiences have been painful but also amazing and even funny. Over the years people have suggested I write a book, especially after I posted videos about my father’s visit to America. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifAWgef0QTk What better way to go into detail about things I could not show or talk about on video than with a book. However, if you have ever written a book or know someone who has, then you know it is no easy task and can be a time-consuming project.
Here is my “aha moment” as Oprah would say. I don’t have to wait to finish a book I can write on my blog! So my plan is instead of writing an autobiography in chronological order, you can expect weekly blog posts that highlight specific experiences in my past. For example: going through puberty, living in Nigeria, having parents of a different religion and culture, emotional and physical abuse, impostor syndrome, dealing with racism, marrying a different race, dealing with fears,etc…. And hopefully these stories written in an open diary format will not only entertain but also teach and inspire. Please leave me a comment below about other subjects or areas in my life you would like me to cover or just a note to say hello!
Maryann BryantYou
November 11, 2019I discovered you by chance and I love your blog,You are such a breathe of fresh air. You are so natural,there is not an ounce of fakeness in you. You have a lovely family and your husband must be proud to have you as his wife.
Love and health to you and your family.
Habiba Tunau
November 12, 2019That is one of the nicest things I have heard today! Thank you I really appreciate your comment! Look out for more blog posts especially under “family” or ” Habiba’s Story”
Ayodele
November 6, 2019Hi Habiba, you must know how I love your blog. Since I found your YouTube vlog about your father’s visit from Nigeria I am inspired and encouraged to reflect on my own ‘broken’ family situation and appraise the efforts I have made to live a meaningful life. Now I. am working on the courage to write my memoir. Like you I was born in England to a Caribbean mother and Nigerian father. They separated when I was about 4 years old. Like you Habiba I went to school in Nigeria for some years . Eventually I met my mother in Trinidad when I was 15. I now live in London. I am a massage therapist and Smoking Cessation counselor. I have a son and three grandsons. My father passed away about 10 years ago. My mother is in Trinidad she is last survivor of her siblings. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for naming one of your dolls Ayodele .
Habiba Tunau
November 7, 2019Oh wow I had no idea we had so much in common! Really cool and Yes I encourage you to write your memoir. I am sure your grandkids and readers will appreciate it one day. Often when I write my blogs I have my 17 year old daughter read it to help me edit. I find it interesting that of late she reads them and says ” I didn’t know that….You never told me that” I then tell her I never thought she was interested and some things I just locked away emotionally. Also sometimes it is easier to write freely while your thoughts are uninterrupted. Again thank you for reading and sharing your story!
Jenny
November 5, 2019Hello Habiba.Love you and your family
Habiba Tunau
November 5, 2019Thank you for stopping by my blog! Look out for more posts!
Bubu Green
November 4, 2019I’d really love to read from your blog. Inasmuch as I follow you on YT, I’m more invested in blogs as I am a blogger myself. Good luck on this journey.
http://www.bubusboulevard.com
Faith
November 2, 2019Hey Habiba,
You inspire me. I’m addicted to your work!
Habiba Tunau
November 2, 2019That’s so sweet. Thank you and I appreciate you reading my blog! more to come.
Angela Jones
November 2, 2019Thanks so much for the invitation to your blog! I look forward to reading your posts! ❤️
Latifa
November 1, 2019Hello, I loved your vlogs, Beautiful family
I really like your last vlog, your counselling 👌🏻
Thank you so much
Much blessings
Angela Parsons
November 1, 2019I love you blog ❤️ Have a great weekend dear…
Melissa
November 1, 2019Yes your blog should be unique just like you are! I can’t wait to read more !!! Awesome job friend
Habiba Tunau
November 1, 2019Thanks Melissa!
IDOWU SOMUYIWA
November 1, 2019Thanks for all that you do. It’s inspiring to me.
Habiba Tunau
November 1, 2019Thank You !
Diane Addams
November 1, 2019Per your request here’s my comment. I enjoyef reading your story.
Judith
November 1, 2019Hello there,
How are you? Your website is still working, have a nice day.
Habiba Tunau
November 1, 2019Thank you!