Looking Back...

Hello World,
Long time no write on here... lol...

I did mention that I'd be posting more on my other blog, so those of you following me there know that I've not been MIA. However, I chose to write on here today because, March 23rd marks 7 years since I had the car accident. I don't think I've ever said anything on the anniversary of that day but today, I felt the need to because I think that  I am FINALLY at a stage where I can fully say I celebrate March 23rd. It was the day before my Dad's birthday that I got in an accident that affected my spinal cord and left me to be in use of a wheelchair, so I generally always felt somewhat sad on March 23rd. BUT not no more! Shame on the devil.

Today I bless God for the gift of life and for all the wonderful things he's done for me.

This morning, I was drawn to go read this article I wrote for Bella Naija​. After reading it, I was inspired by what the me of back then wrote. I am forever THANKFUL to God for giving me another chance at life. It's amazing how much a near death experience can change us. I have been living a life full or purpose and meaning and God has truly been wonderful despite all the challenges of life.

As I said in that article I wrote, "Physical disability does not mean mental disability and it’s not a plague. That a person is disabled physically, does not make them less important or condemned". A BIG THANK YOU to everyone in my life that has never made me feel less of an human being. Thanks to friends and well wishers.

Today is not one for mushiness or tears because I celebrate my life. I am not writing this for any other reason than to remind us all (yes myself included) of this bible verse: 1st Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.

It didn't look as though I'd ever get to a point where I talk about March 23rd with complete happiness, but here I am y'all. Today is March 23rd and I can happily think about how my amazing father is getting a year older tomorrow. I now declare March 23rd as my second birthday, because on that day 7 years ago, I was given another chance at a life full of purpose. I'm not where I want to be, and I know God is not done with me, but so far, I can say it's been GOOD! 

I look forward to everything else God has in store for me, and I want to tell the world... GET READY, GET READY, GET READY!!!!!!! 

Physical Therapy Update...

Hello Y'all...

Hope you are doing wonderful today?
Hmm, does anyone even read this? Lol... jk.. I know people read because I see the stats, but lots don't comment.
That won't stop me from updating you guys though, so here we go.

As the topic states, this post is an update on my physical therapy.
See, ever since I involved you all in this via my fund raiser, I strive to update you because you deserve it for helping me out with your money and kindness by sharing my fund raiser page.

Well, today's update is just to say it's been over 3 months since I started therapy, and the journey has been wonderful.
There have been daily success and things that look Minor but are a HUGE deal to me and my therapists.
The improvements I see as a result of these months of physical therapy makes my faith stronger in God because I have seen my body do things it hadn't done in a LONG LONG TIME. I have been able to initiate movements in my legs, on my own, and do other things that I wasn't able to do before physical therapy. I am also now stronger than I was before I started therapy.
I generally try to share as much as I can with you all (especially via instagram), but the changes I feel from physical therapy are so immense that I don't fully know how to explain it.

Let me say now that You all will be amongst the first to know when I'm walking again, and I will CLEARLY state it that I'm walking!
I say this because when I tell people I have seen some improvements via Physical therapy, they sort of "wonder/assume" why I'm still on the wheelchair. LOL..
Physical therapy is a process. I chose to go through it coupled with my faith in God and the knowledge that he he ABLE to do all things in anyway he chooses.

I am very grateful to everyone who has in some way donated to my physical therapy funds. God Bless you all so very very much.

Next, I have to let you all know that I will be taking a forced break from physical therapy due to insufficient funds.
I have exhausted all funds (both donated and personal) towards physical therapy and I can no longer go for therapy because uhmm, they won't let me come to them for free. Lol..

I am trying to device other fund raising methods in the meanwhile and I will do my very best to continue physical exercise at my local gym, so that I don't lose all that I have gained in these few months.

If you have any ideas on how I can raise more funds, please email me at lizgurl@gmail.com.
Those of you who know me in person should also please let me know if there's anyway we can do something together around here (Dallas), to help me raise more funds. I'm open to suggestions y'all.

For those  still interested in Donating Online, the fund raiser page is still up and running.  CLICK HERE.
Please NOTE, the amount you see on there has been used towards physical therapy and there's actually only $250 left out of the $2383 the website is displaying.
This will also be written on the Fund raiser page so that people KNOW that the amount isn't actually what I have. The Good thing about that website is that they let one use whatever funds has been donated even before the goal is reached - and that's how I've lasted this long at Project Walk Dallas.

I was contemplating posting my invoices so that you all see that your money was in fact spent on physical therapy, but I was told It's not that serious, especially since I kept showing pictures while I was at project walk. Lol..
Well, I hope that statement is true ooo, cos I don't want wahala. Hahahaha.

Alrighty y'all, That's it for now.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and again, THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED IN EVERY WAY THEY CAN! *BIG HUG*

Project Walk Fund Raising Page

Oh before I forget, Project walk actually had a One Year anniversary dinner thingy, and it was lovely.
Below are some pictures from the dinner.

First up, Two Pictures I took with two of my physical therapists. (They had a photo station at  the dinner and pictures we took were printed immediately).

And Here's what I wore to the Anniversary dinner.
I Blogged about this look/outfit on my Beauty Blog. I also talked about wearing high heels on the wheelchair. :-)
P.S: Times like this I wonder why I have two blogs. Lol.. I think I need to merge them soon, that way everything is connected. Oh well... Random thoughts.

I Know I have lots of P.S in this post already, but one more..
P.S: In case you didn't notice when I said it, personal funds have also been exhausted (not just donated funds), and I want to use this moment to thank my parents for their continued support - especially just by letting me be who I am and being supportive through everything without ever making me feel less than a FULL human being.
Since I am taking a forced break from physical therapy, I uhmm shall also be seeking what is known as as Day In, Day Out JOB - so pray for me y'all. :-D

That's it for now.. finally.
Till Later, God Bless.

Counting my Blessings...

Hello world... 

How are you all doing today?

Well, it's been a while right?
Yep.. this lady has been busy.

But I'm here now and I'm about to give you a piece of what has been going on.

I am still going for physical therapy at Project walk - although I took a two weeks break because I traveled for my friends wedding in ATL. It was fun and it was a beautiful wedding. Love is a beautiful thing and I am totally looking forward to my own big day.
The mini vacation was also much needed. Some times a change of environment is very much needed.

Here's a picture of me from my friends wedding.

Next up, My therapy fund is still going and I thank everyone that has donated so far. God bless you.
As I stated, I am still going for physical therapy, and constantly asking my therapist to take pictures of me during therapy became uhmmm, what's the word - a bit unserious like. lol.. Sooo, unless my little brother or a friend/family follows me to therapy, I hardly ever get any "during work out" pictures. I feel I have gotten stronger and I won't shy off asking them for a picture or video when something EXTREMELY cool happens. Y'all know I love pictures!

I also have been a bit mehhh - this was before my vacation - about a lot of things.
Mehhh in the sense that I just want MORE for myself and life in general and it almost felt like those things I wanted weren't happening. But as I got thinking, and sort of praying I realized I was being a bit dramatic. God has actually been amazing in my life.
Surely there are some goals I set for myself that I haven't actually accomplished yet, but in the general look of things, those things are obviously not necessary for my survival and happiness. I am living, not lacking or wanting, and don't have any cause to sorrow in any part of my life or family member's life.

My moment of thought brought about this status I posted on my facebook page some minutes ago. Here it is.

Thankful to God for his blessings. He has actually always been on MY side. Though I keep asking for MORE, MORE, MORE (like that little girl in that AT&T commercial), God has always given me exactly what I needed when I needed it (Scary how true this is now that I think about it). I have never actually been stranded and he has always provided. Many times than I can count he has used my talents, personality, other people, and even that which I consider as a misfortune to set me in places that I couldn't have otherwise dreamed of being - Proverbs 18:16. 

Father I'm sorry for every time I never thanked you for your blessings. I'm taking a moment to count my blessings right now, and I also thank you for the things you've blessed me with that I don't even see or realize.
Oh and in my true human nature of always wanting more of your blessings, Baba, You know how I be, no need to front..lol.. so I must say now that I am certainly looking forward to all that you have in store for me. :-)

And that, my friends is how I want to end this post.
I choose to count my blessings today and I'm glad I can see God's hands in my life.

I urge you - yes you - to count your blessings today. You'll be surprised how blessed you are.

Oh and here's another picture from my time in Atlanta. :-D

I have blogged about these looks on my beauty blog - so make sure you're following that blog if you want details on what I'm wearing or to stay updated on my beauty/fashion steezeee. 

Also... Hmmm, should I mention this? 

Ok I will, you can follow me on instagram for up to date pictures. I'm not hiding anything on there, but remember when you follow me that you CHOSE to follow me ooo. Lol.. Don't preach or lament on how many pictures I post. lol.. 

My username: @thediylady. 

Therapy Fund Raising: CLICK HERE

And that's it for now. 

Till later, God Bless. 

Update: Featured on BellaNaija

Hello All,
I have amazing news today, I was featured on Bella naija today. Spoke about the therapy fund, my style, staying fashionable while being on the wheelchair, and of course my nails and nail art!!

Please click here to read all about it.
Share your thoughts with me and whoooo hooo.
For those who don't know, Bella Naija is a lovely, huge and popular website especially in the Nigerian community.

Well, that's it for now. I'm grateful for BN for sharing My Style and for helping me share the fund raising page. Till later, God bless.

Project Walk Update: Video and More...

Hello All, 

Lizzy here again. 

Today I have a video from some of my Physical therapy session at project Walk Dallas. 

For my first Fund Raiser, I expressed how I'd love to go to project Walk for intense therapy on my goal to walk again, and thanks to God and to you all, my initial goal was met, and I embarked on the journey. As I type this, it's been about 2 months since I went back to Project Walk and it has been an amazing journey. 

I tried to keep you all updated via my blog and I hope I did a decent job at that. Lol. I also updated via my facebook page and Instagram. 

Without further ado, I must say Project walk is certainly all about getting each and every person that comes to them BACK ON THEIR FEET. The Intense therapy and continuous  motivation I get by my physical  therapist over there is beyond me and I just love the fact that I have ALSO SEEN SOME IMPROVEMENTS in this short period of time! God has been good to me...

BUT... there is still a but... More money is needed to keep me at project walk. 

For my first  Fund Raiser, I really didn't know what to expect, and I was very afraid to ask for what I considered to be A LOT of money, so I limited the amount to $5000, which was only enough for 2 months of therapy at project walk. 3 times a week for two hours each day. 

I really really really need your help if you can read this post. No amount donated  is too small, and I would appreciate it if you can share my fund raising page and youtube video with your friends and loved ones. 

Here's the Video for your viewing pleasure:

I would like to Increase the days I go to Project Walk to 4 times a week for 2 hours every day if I can. I have chosen to dedicate this time in my life to this GOAL of walking again. I have lived what they call an Optimum life on the wheelchair,  and I have set aside physical therapy and everything to get my degree. I could go ahead to get a job and continue living life as I know it, but I refuse to settle for less, especially since this is one thing I haven't actually tried before. 

I will be ALL over the place posting my Fund raising link and Youtube Video trying to get the word out there to raise enough money for staying at project walk for Physical therapy for as long as I need. I pray to God that it won't be much long, and I assure you that whatever amount I have left at my disposal should I begin to walk before all the money you donate is used up, I'll donate that money to a CHARITY. Seriously!! :-)

After tasting and seeing, and feeling for myself that project Walk is indeed a blessing, I am not settling for less. I have Faith in God and know that he can use any means to perform the good he has  in store for those who love him, and all I can do is My Part and let him do the rest.

You can click the picture above, or CLICK HERE to go to the new fund Raising Page and please help me share.
Also, feel free to us the DONATE NOW picture on your blogs to help me spread the word. Just make sure the picture is linking back to the Fund raising page. :-)

I'll continue to update you all via my blog, youtube, instagram and wherever else I can all over the internet. Lol..
God Bless you all, Thank you. 

Happiness is....

Good day everyone...
Today's post is just a random one..

Therapy is going well in case you're wondering but I just want to write some small stuffs on the blog today.

As the title of this post says...
Happiness is ....
Not Guaranteed
Fleeting
But importantly, Happiness is... A choice. 

Yep, that's what I think of Happiness. It's a choice we all have to make at some points in our lives.
If one always has to wait for the perfect conditions, or situations before s/he can be happy, I'm sorry to say, that individual might live most of their life a sad, sad person.

I have learned in life that our situations/conditions aren't always how we want them to be. But If you wait for everything to be perfect, you'll most likely never find happiness.
We all have to, at different points in our lives, Choose to be happy!
This isn't an easy decision, but it's a good thing to always remember. Choosing Happiness!

I am not saying one shouldn't feel or express their sadness at certain situations. So, I hope no one wants to start a debate on that. Lol.. 

This is just a general life rule I try to live by. Choosing happiness and knowing that my God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can imagine. - Ephesians 3:20.

EDIT (couple of days after... May 2nd to be exact): Now that I think about it, What I am explaining in this post isn't called Happiness, it's Called JOY. Inner JOY! Ha! Yep.. JOY!

Anyhoo... Today, I also have some pictures for you all from this past week (Tuesday). :-D

This next collage is what I call "The many faces of Lizzy". Lol...

And before I leave, I'd like to share a paraphrase of a message my pastor preached at church yesterday. 

These are my words, but they were inspired by my Pastor's sermon. 

Forgetting what God has previously done in our life is what derails most of us from waiting on Him for the future promises and gifts he has for us. 

Remember the testimonies of yesterday, and look up to the God who has proved times and times again that he is ABLE!!!

That's it for now, 

Till later, God Bless. 

"How's Therapy Going Lizzy"...?

Hello Everyone!

Today's post is basically another Physical Therapy Update, and more importantly to answer a question I have been asked by a couple of people since I started therapy. I also believe this is an appropriate question that'll be in the mind of most people, so why not write a blog post about it?. Lol..

Well, this is week Three since I started therapy. Yes, I know right? Time flies!!!
As stated previously, I go for physical therapy at project walk 3 times a week for 2 hours each day.

The answer to the question: How's therapy going Lizzy? Is ....
"Therapy is going well!!! There has not been a day since I started that I get home and NOT sleep! Seriously, it's that extreme to my body, at least in this beginning stage.
I am giving it my ALL and working myself out. I do what I am being instructed to do, and I've been challenged to do certain things I didn't think I had the strength or ability to do.
Project Walk Dallas has certainly helped me move past my comfort zone in a lot of ways and I must confess at this junction that there have been things I would say "NO" to at first (Because I don't want to break any bones), but they'd assure me to give it a try and they remind me I'm in a safe environment.
Everything is going as well as well is.

BUT, To Put it bluntly, I am not walking on my own yet. I haven't lost sight of my goal - which is walking, so, I will say, I am certainly working towards it with the help of the therapist and all the equipment available.

Spinal Cord Injury Recovery is a process and I am having to Train my brain and body to do things it could do before the car accident. I believe with my continued dedication, hard work, and the ultimate grace of God, I will have bigger, greater and better news for you all soon.

Please continue to pray for me, and I'll do my best to update you via this blog, my Instagram and Facebook pages. :-)

Here's a picture from today - Post therapy. I didn't have a Photographer available to take pictures of me during therapy. Lol

That's it for now y'all.
Till Later, God Bless.