Return to flip book view

The MonthlyMuseOCTOBER 2024VISION UPLYFT NEWSLETTERTheme of the Month EMBRACING CONNECTIONS

Vision and Light Barong Asiodu Chief VisionaryTogether We GrowHey Mama, The month of October marks official entry into the finalquarter of the year, a season of festivities and of reflection.We at Vision Uplyft turn our focus to empoweringconnections by celebrating the deep-rooted relationshipsthat form the foundation of our emotional and mentalwell-being. Just as a sunflower’s stem provides strengthand support for its beautiful bloom, empoweringconnections nurture and sustain us.During a recent holiday, I had the delightful opportunityto visit a sunflower farm. Amidst the vibrant sea ofsunflowers standing tall and proud, one thing wasunmistakably predominant—the presence of beesdiligently buzzing from flower to flower. Observing thesebees in action was a profound reminder of the importanceof connections. Just as bees play a crucial role inpollinating sunflowers, fostering their growth andensuring their beauty, our connections—whether throughfamily, friends, or community—are essential for ourpersonal and collective well-being. The harmoniousrelationship between the sunflowers and the beesbeautifully illustrates how building and nurturingconnections can lead to thriving, resilient communities.The sunflower holds a special place in my heart,symbolising not only strength and resilience but also thebeauty that emerges from meaningful connections (one dayI will write about it). Choosing the sunflower as the coverfor our editorial was a no-brainer, as it perfectlyencapsulates the essence of what Vision Uplyft stands for.Just like the sunflower, we working mothers stand tall andstrong, reaching for the light amidst our responsibilitiesand challenges. The sunflower is also versatile in its uses—from producingoil, food, and even beauty products—reminding us that,like the sunflower, we too are multifaceted. We are morethan our roles as mothers and workers; we are healers,nurturers, and change-makers. Our capacity to influenceand empower grows from the many facets of who we are.This October, as we prepare for our upcoming VisionUplyft event themed “Mommy and Me: StrengtheningInternal Connections,” let us draw inspiration from the sunflower and its interconnected ecosystem. Let’s take thisopportunity to grow together, learn new ways to communicate, andembrace the beautiful dynamics between mother and child. Whetherthrough shared experiences, mindful bonding activities, or simplymaking time for one another, this connection is what fuelsresilience and harmony in every aspect of life.When we collaborate, uplift, and lean on one another, westrengthen not only our own lives but also our communities. In thisfast-paced world, let us remember that we, like the sunflower andits buzzing companions, can stand tall and strong. By reachingtowards each other and fostering meaningful relationships, weempower the growth of all.

Reduce the gender parity gap and keep mothers in leadership bypromoting a lifestyle of integrated harmony.Our Corporate PhilosophyEmpowerment: Equip women with the tools and knowledge to succeed.Community: Foster a supportive and encouraging network.Resilience: Build mental, emotional, and physical strength.Leadership: Inspire and sustain female leadership.Harmony: Promote a balanced and integrated lifestyle.Build a thriving network of mothers who equip, encourage, and elevateeach other to pursue purpose, conquer challenges, achieve ambitions, andbloom beautifully.OUR VALUESOUR MISSIONOUR VISION

Highlights of our September events...On 28th September 2024, Vision Uplyft hostedthe Motherhood, Parenting, and You masterclassvia Zoom, focusing on encouraging mothers andexpectant mothers with the strategies to sustainbalance in key aspects of their lives. In the second session, participants learned about buildingstronger relationships with their teenage children. The speakerexplored how parents can shift from strict discipline to a trust-based approach, fostering open communication andunderstanding. She highlighted the importance of emotionalintelligence in navigating the teen years and how mutual respectcan enhance the parent-child connection. Attendees wereencouraged to explore new ways of engaging with their teens,focusing on building trust and encouraging personal growth.Missed this event? Don’t worry, we got you covered.Watch the replay hereThe final session focused on achieving harmony in daily living.The speaker discussed how mothers can find peace amid thedemands of motherhood, career, and personal responsibilities.Practical strategies were offered to help reduce stress, createmindful moments, and manage emotional well-being.Participants were reminded that harmony doesn’t meanperfection but finding balance within their own circumstances.The session concluded with actionable insights on maintainingPhysical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.Coach Ayo Ayeni addressed the challenges working mothersface when juggling careers and family responsibilities. Sheshared practical tips on managing time, prioritizing tasks, andthe importance of self-care. Emphasizing that work-life balanceis personal and varies from one individual to another, sheencouraged participants to set boundaries and create routinesthat align with their goals and values.

Virtual EventsPhysical EventsVU Moms Hangout December 2024Living a life of harmony 23rd NovemberAll event dates will be confirmed in the month prior to the eventA Lunch Affair 7th December

Upcoming Physical Event “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” - Charles SpurgeonWe’re excited to invite you to Hangout with VU Moms in December, 2024—a unique and special event designed justfor you! It’s the perfect chance to step away from the usual rush of life and enjoy a day filled with relaxation,laughter, and meaningful conversations.This isn’t just another event—it’s your opportunity to connect with an amazing group of women who, like you, arebalancing the joys and challenges of motherhood, parenting and life.What makes this Hangout truly special is the inclusion of kids as part of the event. Our focus is on strengtheningthe connection between mother and child while creating new empowering connections with other moms in a safeand uplifting environment. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, empowered, and part of a circle of women who inspireand uplift each other.It's more than just a social gathering—it's an opportunity to build relationships that can support your personalgrowth and well-being long after the event ends.December 2024Chick here to register for theevent, register by October toget an early bird discount

1. YES, TO YOUNG KIDSChildren aged 2-10 are welcome! This retreat isdesigned to keep your little ones engaged andentertained, so you can enjoy the day withoutworrying about how to keep them occupied..2. RELAXINGMoms, take a breath and unwind. Theretreat offers a peaceful environmentwhere you can de-stress while enjoyingcreative and playful activities with yourchild, allowing you to relax and recharge.5 Reasons to Attend our Mommy and Me Retreat 3. SENSORY MAGICDive into the magic of sensory activities thatengage your child’s curiosity and imagination.These hands-on experiences are enjoyablefor both mother and child, creating a soothing,mindful atmosphere.4. BONDINGStrengthen the connection with your childthrough interactive and shared activities.Whether through art or play, thesemoments allow you to grow closer andcreate a more meaningful relationship.5. MEMORABLEThis retreat is about creating lastingmemories. Through the fun and interactiveexperiences, both you and your child willleave with cherished memories and a deeperconnection that will stay with you long afterthe retreat is over.

Being a working mother is a journey of constantadaptation, requiring creative solutions to balancepersonal well-being, career ambitions, and family life. Inthis article, we’ll go beyond the usual advice and dive intoinnovative ways to manage your wellness, nurture yournetwork, and strengthen your relationship with yourchildren during school sessions.Achieving Harmony: Wellness, Networking and Connections

Member Spotlight -CHIDIADI MGBEMENAWith over 14 years experienceaccross the banking and oil and gassectors, Chidiadi is a force to bereckoned with. She currentlymanages the long term financialstrategy and the Treasury functionoperations (cash management andforecasting, investment, debt andasset management) of the oil and gasorganisation where she works in theheart of Lagos.Chidi started her career as a corporate clientcare officer in a Nigerian bank. She recountshow her problem solving skill, credibility anddrive for excellence made her stand out andpaved the way for her current role as theTreasury coordinator of an oil and gas firm. Interestingly, her career switch coincided withwhen she became a first time mum. Jugglingboth roles simultaneously was both tasking andinteresting for her. When reflecting on herjourney, she says, “I uncovered unbreakablestrength, but not without sleepless nights andsilent tears. A strong support system andwork/life balance has been vital to myhappiness and success”.What has motherhood taught you aboutresilience and personal growth? Motherhood will test your patience. There is thisunseen strength that lies within every mother. Yourstrength is boundless. This journey is transformativeand unlocks a higher level of emotional intelligence.Simply embrace it with an open mind and recognizeevery challenge as a learning experience. How do you foster strong connections with yourchildren despite your busy schedule? I make bedtime special by reading a book, the bibleand praying together. I arrange fun activities likeswimming, visiting the arcade, playground, etc.during the weekends, I also plan family vacationsaround mid term breaks and long holidays. How has being part of a community like VisionUplyft impacted your personal and professionallife? Joining Vision Uplyft has made me realize that I amnot alone and that it is important to surround yourselfwith women who understand the joys and challengesof this journey. Together, we will navigate andsucceed. What role do support systems play in yourability to thrive as a mother and a leader? Juggling motherhood and your career is extremelydemanding. Having a strong support system has beencrucial in helping me balance my mental andphysical health. It has helped me cope with stress,stay focussed and improved my quality of life.

What are some strategies you use to stayorganised and efficient with your time? Prioritise your wellbeing to stay sane and sharp,Proper delegation (you cannot do it all) , keep achecklist/ To-do list. What has been the most rewarding part ofyour journey as a mother and professional? Growth. Allowing experiences from both rolesmold me into a better version of myself. What advice would you give to other motherstrying to balance their careers and family life? Don't be too hard on yourself, no one has it alltogether. It's okay to ask for help. How do you see yourself continuing to upliftand inspire others in the community? There is this joy and fulfilment that comes fromsharing your experience with others who are facingsimilar struggles. You uplift yourself while upliftingothers. If you could describe motherhood in one word,what would it be and why? Wholesome. It teaches you everything you need toknow about life-resilience, patience, management,control, everything!What’s your favorite activity to unwind after along day? Zumba. I love to dance. It is fun and a perfectway to reset and exercise. Member Spotlight contd. - CHIDIADI MGBEMENAChidiadi at a typicalday at workIn our Member Spotlightcorner, we celebrate theremarkable achievementsand journeys of ourmembers. Each month, wefeature individuals whoembody resilience,creativity, and passion intheir personal andprofessional lives. Bysharing their stories, we aimto inspire and empowerothers within ourcommunity, highlighting theunique paths that lead tosuccess and fulfillment.Whether it’s overcomingchallenges or achievingmilestones, these spotlightsare a reminder that wegrow stronger together.

In the Health and Wellness area of the Wheel of Life, maintaining balance can often feelchallenging, especially for busy mothers. But true wellness—both physical and mental—doesn't have to be out of reach. By rethinking self-care and incorporating small, sustainablehabits into your routine, you can nurture your health and find harmony in a way that fits yourbusy life, contributing to a more balanced wheel overallPractical Self-Care for the Busy Mom: Wellness ReimaginedRest and RecoveryRest and RecoveryJournaling for Active RecoveryJournaling for Active RecoveryRather than carving out large blocksof time, take advantage of “micro-moments” throughout your day.Whether it’s stretching for 2minutes while waiting for the coffeeto brew or practicing mindfulnesswhile stuck in traffic, these tinymoments add up and help you staycentered.Consider the restorative practice ofjournaling as a form of active recovery.Journaling allows you to engage yourmind intentionally, providing a space forreflection and emotional processing. Thislow-impact activity can help restore yourenergy by helping you clarify yourthoughts, set goals, and expressfeelings. 123Micro-Moments of WellnessMicro-Moments of WellnessRather than carving out large blocks of time, take advantage of “micro-moments”throughout your day. Whether it’s stretching for 2 minutes while waiting for the coffeeto brew or practicing mindfulness while stuck in traffic, these tiny moments add up andhelp you stay centered.4Sensory Wellness PracticesSensory Wellness PracticesEngage your senses as part of your wellness routine. Light a calming scented candleduring your work hours, invest in tactile comfort like a soft blanket for your homeoffice, or play soothing background sounds (rain, nature) while working orcommuting. These small sensory cues can improve your mood and reduce stresswithout requiring extra time.

VU SERENITY PACKInterested? Contact us: vision.uplyft@mail.comUnlock Your Best Self with Our well-being Packages! Discover a journey towardenhanced well-being with our exclusive wellness packages designed just for you.Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or personal growth, ourthoughtfully curated gifts are designed to restore balance and instil calm. VU goal settingworkbookPrioritising our mental wellbeing is crucial because it directly impacts ourphysical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. VU JournalVU Scented Candle VU Hand CareA pack of relaxing teaDon’t miss out on an opportunity to create your own moment of escape andembrace a happier, calmer you. Achieving balance starts withclear intentions. The VU GoalSetting Workbook is designedto bring harmony betweenyour personal andprofessional life by helpingyou set meaningful goals.With guided exercises, it helpsyou focus on what trulymatters, aligning your dailyactions with your long-termaspirations for holistic well-being.Journaling is a powerful tool for emotional well-being and mindfulness. The VU Journal offers asafe space to reflect on your journey, releasestress, and cultivate gratitude. Whether you’rewriting about your day or setting intentions, thisjournal helps you maintain mental clarity andbalance through regular self-reflection.Its soothing fragrance creates a sereneatmosphere that supports relaxationand mental well-being. Perfect forenhancing your self-care rituals, itencourages moments of stillness andtranquility, essential for maintainingbalance in a busy life.The Relaxing Tea is crafted to supportyour well-being by offering a momentof calm in your busy day. With itssoothing blend of herbs, this teaencourages relaxation, reduces stress,and helps you restore mental andphysical balance. Nurturing your physical well-being is key to achieving overallbalance.This luxurious cream replenishesand soothes, turning hand careinto a calming rituagl thatrestores your sense of self-care.

Feature StoryTHE CONNECTION OF A LIFETIMEMotherhood is often seen as a journey, but in truth, it’s more of a balancing act—onethat involves juggling love, responsibilities, and moments of sheer exhaustion. Fromthe first time you hold your child to the whirlwind that follows, each day brings newchallenges and joys. This intricate bond not only shapes our experiences as mothers butalso connects deeply to other aspects of our lives, significantly influencing our overallwell-being.Amid the daily demands,motherhood is also ajourney of self-discovery.We uncover patience,strength , andresilience we never knewwe had. We learn that wedon’t need to doeverything perfectly—showing up with love ,even on the hard days, isenough.This balancing act may bechallenging, but it alsoteaches us to find grace inthe imperfections.Through the sleeplessnights and endless to-do lists , we grow—justlike our children. It’s ajourney of love, growth,and learning where bothmother and child evolvetogether.As mothers, we wear many hats—caregiver,teacher, protector, problem-solver—sometimes all within a single day. Whetherit’s preparing kids for school , managing ahousehold , or balancing a career , eachmoment is a careful dance between tendingto our children and finding space forourselves.Parenting is beautiful chaos, filled with tinyvictories and moments that make it allworthwhile. And in the midst of it all, we often overlookcaring for ourselves. But self-care isn’t aluxury—it’s a necessity. When we take timefor ourselves, even small moments likesipping coffee , reading a book , orpausing for a deep breath , we rechargeand become better equipped to care forothers.So, in the midst of it all, remember to giveyourself credit. You’re more than just amother—you’re a constant source of love,strength, and inspiration. And even whenit feels like the balance is off, know thatyou’re exactly where you need to be.But it comes with its struggles. We makesacrifices, often placing ourselves last toensure everyone else is cared for. Whetherit’s soothing a fussy baby or guiding amoody teenager , the emotional weightcan feel heavy.Remember what we say at Vision Uplyft, it’sall about progress over perfection. If there’s a topic that you would like us to cover or a story that you would like to share, send usan email, we would love to hear from you at vision.uplyft@gmail.com We are only a click away.

Meaningful Mother-Child Bonding TipsDuring the School SessionEncourage Leadership in TheirSchool LifeSet Up Family ‘TownHall’ MeetingsScheduled ‘Unplugged Time’TogetherIncorporate Them IntoYour Work WorldStrengthening the connection with your child during the school year is vital within theFamily and Friends area of the Wheel of Life. However, it doesn’t have to followtraditional bonding formats. Here’s how to creatively build deeper connections that gobeyond homework help and weekend outings:Empower your child to take on leadershiproles in their school activities and encouragethem by attending their events. If yourschedule doesn’t allow for physicalpresence, make a point to prepare with themin advance—helping them rehearse for aspeech or create materials for a project. Thisway, they feel your presence in their schoollife, even when you can’t be physically there.Rather than the usual dinnercheck-in, hold a weekly or bi-weekly family town hall meetingwhere everyone (includingchildren) can express what they’vebeen learning, their challenges,and ideas for how the family canwork better as a unit. Empoweryour child to voice their opinionsand even help solve familyproblems.Take your child to work with youor explain what you do in simple,relatable terms. Engage them inconversations about your day andask for their advice on low-stakesissues—children love to feelinvolved in grown-up activities,and this builds their confidenceand deepens your connection.While you might not be able to fully escapework and life responsibilities, scheduling 30minutes of “unplugged time” (no screens, nodistractions) can make a huge difference.Use this time for something small butmeaningful—whether it’s taking a walk,reading together, or just talking about theirday.

Networking with Intention: In the Relationships area of the Wheel of Life, networkinggoes beyond exchanging business cards; it's aboutbuilding meaningful connections that enhance yourpersonal and professional life. By focusing on intentionalrelationships, you can strengthen this key aspect of lifebalance.LEVERAGE SOCIAL CAPITALNETWORK THROUGH SERVICEPEER LEARNING CIRCLESLinkedIn may be the traditionalnetworking platform, but thinkbeyond that. Explore industry-specific online forums, or evenniche platforms like Clubhouse,where you can host or participatein discussions. Offer value first,whether through sharing yourexpertise or facilitatingintroductions.GO BEYOND LINKEDINVolunteering can be a powerfulnetworking tool. By serving oncommittees at your child’s school, orvolunteering in professionalorganizations, you naturally form deepconnections while contributing to acause you care about. This positionsyou as a leader while buildingrelationships based on shared values.Not Just Professional Contacts: Truenetworking isn’t just professional. Yoursocial circle (friends, neighbors, schoolcommunities) can be an excellentresource for new opportunities orcollaborations. Don’t hesitate todiscuss your career ambitions withpeople outside the typical professionalrealm. Many career breakthroughshappen informally, through personalnetworks.Rather than attending large events,consider starting or joining a small,focused learning circle with othermothers in your field. These groupscan meet monthly to exchangeinsights, tackle common challenges,or even co-create solutions to work-life balance issues. This allows fordeep, meaningful connectionsrather than shallow networking.Building a Circle that Matters

THE QUIZWe know working moms areexpert multitaskers, but howwell do you remember thecontent we've shared recently? Put your knowledge to thetest with our quick quiz, andtwo lucky winners will receive₦2,000 airtime each! Bonus Prize: Each winner willalso receive a bottle ofBeefeater Pink! (Deliverycosts will be covered by thewinners.) 1. What was the theme of last month’snewsletter?A. Navigating ChangeB. Thriving in MotherhoodC. Navigating Transition 2. Who was featured in our July newsletteredition?A. Arese IgwebuikeB. Chika FaithC. Wema AdebayoHow to Participate:Submit your answers via email tojamiu@visionuplyft.com with#VUNEWSLETTERQUIZDeadline: 6th October 2024.Two participants with correct answers willeach win ₦2,000 airtime and a bottle ofBeefeater Pink! Note: Winners will bear the cost of delivery.Winners will be announced on our socialmedia channels on 7th October 2024, with aspecial shoutout in the next newsletter. Good luck Moms!

Get Involved: We’re always seeking passionate individuals to join our team as SEO specialist,partnership/collaboration lead, Community Manager, program manager, and research analyst.Your time and skills can make a significant impact. If you're interested, contact us atvision.uplyft@gmail.com.Call To ActionDo you have any skill, event or business you would like to promote ? Kindly let us know. This service issubject to availability.Thank you for being an integral part of Vision Uplyft. Together, we are creating a community for women tothrive, support each other, and achieve their ambitions. Let's continue to equip, encourage, and elevate eachother as we move forward. Share Your Story: We love hearing from our community members. If you have a success story or experience, you'd liketo share, please submit it here. Your story could inspire and empower other women in our network. Partnership Opportunities: We are open to partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our vision. Partneringwith us can help amplify our impact and reach. If you or your organization is interested inpartnering with Vision Uplyft, please contact us at vision.uplyft@gmail.com Sponsorship Opportunities: We accept sponsorship in both monetary and non-monetary forms. Your support helps us createmore impactful programs and events. If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring ourinitiatives, please contact us at vision.uplyft@gmail.com

We are just a click away...vision.uplyft@gmail.com @VisionUplyft+2348179922112Vision UplyftScan the QR code aboveor click me below, to joinVU MomsClick me.Scan the QR code above orclick me below, to joinBloom Circle with theSistersClick me.Not yet a member of our WhatsApp community?