Own Your Name, Own Your Choices

Growing up, I hated the fact that I wasn’t given an English name, and the thought of my two sisters all having English names added to my heartache.

I was cheated greatly and I never failed to remind my father back then. I wasn’t only cheated, I was given a unisex name. Both genders had to share my name with me?? Why??? Why?!

Back then, I gave myself so many cool English names. I’m talking about names that befitted my status. (What does that even mean?😂) I flaunted these names more than the name given to me. As crazy and young as I was, I didn’t know I had such a powerful name, and that the name I tried to hide for so long would pave way for me in the future.

Dancing in the little world that I had created for myself, it took a while for me to understand that I have an amazing name.

Ibinabo means “come with good things”, How and why in God’s name did I try to hide such a name?

The older I got, the more I began to understand that I have a wonderful name. For starters, hearing my name alone is enough to spark a full-blown conversation, as it is often mistaken for a name from three different tribes in my country. As a result of that, people are usually confused about the tribe I come from.

The mere mention of my name keeps you guessing, and while you try to guess which part of the country I’m from, I’m smiling, you’re smiling, Lol, we’re both smiling😂

Introducing my name to people and the follow-up conversation that goes alongside the introduction has made total strangers help me for no reason.

This post isn’t entirely about my name but a subtle reminder to love and appreciate the things we have. They might not be grand, woke, or conform to society’s standards, but they belong to us and are precious and unique in their own little way.
Do not be carried away by the glitz and glamour out there that makes you question the things and choices you make, because behind the glitz and glamour are untold stories that are far scarier than you think.

Today, I love my name and I carry it with so much pride and confidence. While I enjoy being called “Ibinabo,” you can also learn to accept whoever you are and the life choices you have made.

_{All images are mine except otherwise stated.}

Thanks for stopping by
Loads of Love🥰🥰
XOXO