27 Comments
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Mohika Mudgal's avatar

Odi, this was such a joy to read! It’s amazing how you've come full circle with your name, from wanting something short and “cute” to fully embracing the power and meaning behind Odinakachi. It’s special to know you as Odinakachi, exactly as you are! 💚

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

This warmed my heart so much. Thank youuu, Mohika. 💚

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Yolanda Valdés's avatar

I love the uniqueness of your name. I firmly believe that parents are divinely inspired when choosing a name, receiving a nudge from God. It's a precious blessing and a lifelong gift. Your name signifies that you're held in God's hands, guiding and supporting you every step of the way. As you reflect on your life's journey, you'll discover that His presence carries you through. Each of us is given a name that embodies our purpose, a sacred calling for this lifetime. May your name remind you of God's love and plans for you, Odinakashi!

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

This made me emotional. The way you just poured into me!!! Whooosh!!! Thank you sooooo much, Yolanda, for this and for your constant support. 🫶🏾

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Political Exile's avatar

My parents called me a name I still don't like. Whenever people use it, it feels like it's someone else they are talking to. I have other names given to me that fit me far better. One of the reasons I didn't keep my given name was there were lots of girls with the same name in class. Tracy. Or Traci. Actually I went out one night with two girlfriends named Traci and we told the people we met we were all three Tracy. They were so surprised. It was fun but I still don't like the name. I like how my parents chose it, from a song. Tracy means industrious.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Wow! The story behind how your name was chosen is sooo cute. However, it’s good that you didn’t keep it since it doesn’t quite resonate with you. Names should be empowering. You should feel carried when your name is called. It’s okay to call yourself what gives you that feeling of strength, that feeling of home. Your name should feel like home.

Thank youuuu so much for sharing your story. 🫶🏾

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Political Exile's avatar

Thanks so much, my spirit name means Lion of God.

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Ozioma's avatar

I’d love this a hundred times over if Substack would let me. The initial cringe you had about your name tells me one thing. The enemy identifies greatness. It knew what force you would pull by embracing the identity given to you by God so the only way to pull you away from God’s plan was to detach you from your spiritual identity. However, even in our weaknesses, God’s got our back. He leaves the 99 to find the 1 who is lost. Then he retraces our steps back to his purpose for our life. Only one thing does he require from us — the willingness to be saved. God bless you for this Odinakachi (the one who is in the hands of her God).

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Ooouuu! This filled me up in ways I can’t explain. Your words feel like a warm hug. Thank you so much, Ozi. I’ll keep these words in mind. 🥰

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Ozioma's avatar

You’re welcome 🫂

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Uyom🌺's avatar

Nobody calls you Kachi???

I love the name Kachi🥹🤗

And I’m glad you learnt to love your name🌺

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Kachiii! An acquaintance of mine calls me that but we haven’t spoken in a while. I guess that’s why I forgot. Lol. I love Kachi, as well.

Thank you so much, Uyom.💚💚

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Thomas Davou David's avatar

This is fresh. This is dear to the heart🫴🏾🌊🌿

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Your comment feels very fresh too. 🥹 Thank youuu.

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Itunu Taiwo's avatar

Love love love this! Love how you sort of 'grew' into your name mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Sometimes I remember a couple of things I did as a teenager and I cringe at myself. Lool. Growth is really a good thing.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Oh my! I can’t explain the amount of warmth I got from these words. Thank you so much. And yes, I couldn’t have said it better. I literally grew into it. Teenagers eh!😂

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Eromonsele Oigiagbe's avatar

Afrobeats has made me see Odinakachi in a very feminine light. With musicians raving Odinaka and infusing melodies I'd never seen it in the way described at the start. I appreciate the acceptance. It's a very beautiful name and your photos compliment your story well. Cheers to more self-acceptance and love

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

I completely agree with you. I recently started noticing the effect Afrobeats has had on people’s reception of the name. Thank youuuu so much for being so kind with your words and, yesss, cheers to all you said. 🥂🫶🏾

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Odinaka Ugwuozor's avatar

And hey! You're my Namesake! Like you; my name has grown on me and I wouldn't trade it. Thanks for sharing this, Namesy! 🙏😊

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Oouuu! Thank you so much for engaging, Namesy. What a cute and meaningful name we have. 😊

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Odinaka Ugwuozor's avatar

Oh, yes! 😊

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Beautiful piece, my friend. It’s important to embrace our true identity.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Extremely important!

Thank you so much, my friend.

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Elizabeth Grace Martinez's avatar

That’s a beautiful name full of meaning

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Thank youuuu so much. 🫶🏾

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Emelumadu Ebubechukwu's avatar

OMG🥺🥺...My story...because ever wondered how I landed in "Nene"😔

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Oct 8
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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

I love, love the last part about earning the right to address you in such an intimate manner. A name, depending on how it’s said, can be such an intimate affair.

Thank you sooo much for sharing your story, LoriBeth, and God bless that co-worker for that gesture. We need more people like her.

Again, thanks, LoriBeth. 🫶🏾

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