The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Lessons from Fame and Fury

I recently watched a Nigerian movie, Fame and Fury, featuring one of my favorite actresses, Bimbo Ademoye. Beyond my admiration for her talent, the movie struck a chord with me—it aligns so deeply with the themes I explore in my work. At its core, this film is a story of relationships, ambition, and the missteps that often come with both.

In the movie, Bimbo’s character is a renowned and successful actress dating a wealthy man from an influential family. Together with his overbearing mother, this man pressures her to abandon her acting career—her passion—to fit their mold. Her response? A firm and admirable no. Their relationship spirals into a cycle of heated arguments followed by extravagant gifts as apologies. The final straw? A brand-new G-Wagon she outright rejects.

Enter the rebound—a seemingly charming guy who appears just as she ends the first relationship. Desperate for love, she falls for him despite warnings from her loyal personal assistant. Unfortunately, the new love interest is a predator—a serial manipulator who strips her of everything: money, business, and self-esteem. He leaves her emotionally, financially, and physically shattered. By the end, she acknowledges the painful truth: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

My Take

This story brought to mind a sentiment I’ve often heard: "I’d rather cry in Dubai than smile in a humble place." It’s the kind of statement that inspired this reflection. Let me be clear—any relationship that costs you tears, whether for love or material gain, isn’t worth it. You are worth more than that. Yet, I know too many women crying in silence, trading their peace of mind for the illusion of material security.

Here’s the thing: a woman who thinks she’s in love can be the hardest to advise. She won’t listen. And honestly? Sometimes it’s best to let people learn their lessons in their own time. But if you’re reading this, I hope you’ll take this to heart:

Don’t rush into a new relationship immediately after a breakup. That’s what we call a rebound. Heal first. Take time to reflect and learn. Otherwise, you risk leaping from the frying pan into the fire. I’ve spoken to women trapped in abusive relationships who are already planning their next romance. I can’t help but wonder: How will this cycle ever end?

Learn to live by yourself. Don’t be afraid of solitude. There’s strength and clarity in standing alone.

So, here are my questions for you:

Would you forfeit your career or passion for money or marriage?

What’s the cost of your peace, your purpose, your identity?

Take Action

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Shop here: https://www.damolatreasureokenla.com/books

Stay wise, stay true to yourself.

Committed to your transformation,

Dr. Oyindamola Okenla