Ladies of Hive community contest #260

1️⃣ What's the best advice you've ever received from a strong woman? Describe a strong female character who inspired or inspires you.

~ 𝐀𝐍𝐃 / 𝐎𝐑 ~

2️⃣ Write about a time when you overcame self-doubt.

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1️⃣ The best advice I’ve ever received from a strong woman came from my mother. She once told me, “Do what works for you; what works for others may not work for you. And remember, God’s time is the best.” Those words have shaped how I see life and handle challenges. They remind me that life is not a race, and everyone’s journey is different. Her advice keeps me calm even when things don’t go as planned because I know that rushing or comparing myself to others only brings frustration and low self esteem.

My mom is more than just a mother to me, she’s my biggest inspiration. She’s strong, patient, hardworking, and wise. I’ve seen her face many trials with courage and faith, and no matter how hard things get, she always stands tall with a smile. Her strength is quiet but powerful, and her words always carry deep meaning. She doesn’t just talk, she lives by her advice, showing me through her actions that trusting God’s timing brings peace. She has taught me to believe in myself, to stay true to who I am, and to never let the pressure of the world push me away from what I know is right for me.

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2️⃣ A time I truly overcame self-doubt was when I finally wrote JAMB once and passed, gaining admission into a higher institution after staying at home for six long years. Those years were not easy; they were filled with questions, worries, and moments when I almost gave up on myself. I had lost hope of ever seeing myself in a university environment.
Each time I saw people gaining admission and moving ahead with their lives, it felt like a dream too far from my reach. I began to believe that maybe the university was meant only for certain kinds of people, the brilliant ones, the lucky ones, or those with special connections.

But deep inside me, there was still a small voice that kept whispering, “you too can be there” When I finally decided to give it a shot, I put in my best effort, studied hard, and trusted God for the outcome. The day I saw my result and realized I had passed, something in me shifted completely.

Getting admission in just one sitting after years of disappointment felt like a miracle. It was a moment that taught me never to underestimate myself again. That experience reminded me that delay is not denial, and that sometimes, the best things truly happen when we least expect them.