Editorial Note:This is a new bi-weekly series that we are starting the new year with. It is not a self-help recipe. Far from that, maybe. They are personal reflections from the experiences of an individual. We hope you enjoy them. See you soon in 2022.
This year, I met the most broken version of me, but the most strongest yet. I decided to end the year by starting to write again. I stopped because of what someone said. That was in 2016. I deleted all I had written and all my drafts. I’m cringing just at the thought of it. But I was young, I was foolish. This post is a response to the few people who have encouraged me to write because they think I will do a good job. And to those who will be reading religiously and giving feedback. This is for you. Cheers.
I just realized I cannot leave this post this short. So, let me share something I have learnt over these past few years especially, this year. You probably know these things already. So did I, but I learnt the hard way this year. And for the years to come do not forget it.
In all things, give thanks to God. 2021 has been the most difficult year in my existence. I have had difficult years, but this one supersedes them. This year, everything went south for me. Initially, I was worried and a bit annoyed. But I quickly realized I was being ungrateful. I have many things to be grateful for. And I really believe it is well and in God’s own time, he’ll come through. Trust and depend on no one, except God. I feel I don’t have to stress on this that much. Those who know, know. I do not mean to brag eh, but if you let God handle things!
There are some really good and trustworthy people out there. When you find them, don’t let them go (unless they want to go) Appreciate them. Tell people you love often how you feel. Be kind. Do well to do good no matter what.
Do not stress on a lot of things. I cannot stress on this enough. And this is coming from an over-thinker like me. Please do not do it. Don’t! Ask for help from God. Ask for patience and strength in situations you think will stress you out. Sometimes, it’s hard not to stress, but trust me it’s not worth it.
People’s opinions about you are up to them. Now this, I also learnt the hardest way. In the end, no matter what you do, if they don’t want to change their opinion there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. So do you.
Don’t take anything personal, most times, it’s not about you. I had to relearn this thing since 2012. I guess it was Gods way of letting me ‘resit’ the life tests I failed. I knew this, but I kept taking things personal in every aspect of my life. Until one day, I decided not to.
Work on yourself. Is there something about you that people close to you complain about? Do you feel you need to change something about you? Look into it. If there is something you can do about it, Do it! Do you have to ask for help? Ask! Be intentional about it. I decided to work on myself at the beginning of this year. Maybe I will let you know how my journey has been. I must say, I have learnt a lot of things about me, and according to Kojo Osei, my biggest critic friend, there’s been a significant change. I am still learning. I feel you discover something each step of the way. Call this, the second puberty. It’s actually a thing (another article for another day).
I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.