Whew! It's been a while since my last blog post and it’s hard to believe I haven’t sat down to write on my blog in such a long time! Writing is an integral part of my life, a way to process the events unfolding with and around me, so it was interesting that it took a back seat for a while. While I missed processing and sharing my thoughts here, I was in survival mode over the last few months, and writing was the last thing on my mind.
My four-year running tradition of writing a birthday post (which I did not want to break) was the kick I needed to get my fingers back to typing again.
So, where do I start from?
A few weeks ago, I became a Mum to an adorable baby girl … and what a journey it was to get to that point.
I've always believed in the transformative power of personal stories and how the stories of others could be helpful as we go through life; therefore, somewhere in my head, I was very sure that I was going to write an in-depth blogpost about my journey to becoming a Mum when it eventually happens. I have however come to the realization that it will take me a while to get to a point where I feel that I can safely share my journey. It would definitely be the hardest thing I would write about and I have come to terms with the fact that I am not quite ready yet. It is a journey that nothing prepares you for, and unpacking it will probably be tougher. I also want to be able to share (if I eventually do) in a way that is helpful for someone going through a similar journey. I have written previously here about my mental model when it comes to sharing on social media and that hasn’t changed.
As I started writing this year’s birthday post, I took a few minutes to read what I wrote last year, and the below quote was what I penned down as my guiding principle for year thirty-two:
“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.” - Patrick Overton
Here is hoping I always find the strength to step out in faith even when the journey is unknown and to have faith that as always - the universe will rise up to meet me.
Looking back, I can definitely see how this principle drove my year, even though I wasn’t consciously looking back at it. I guess it is safe to say that there is something valid about having a desire, writing/speaking it out, and putting it out in the universe. Some call it manifestation, some of us call it faith … whatever you choose to call it, I recommend daring to have a desire, believing in the possibility of it happening, and doing your part to see it become a reality - you just never know what the outcome will be.
Every birthday, I usually would write about the highlights of the last year, lessons I learned, and my desires for the new year.
My highlight for age thirty-two is simple, I became a Mum.
Now, about thirty-three - I have always been a pretty content person, not wanting a lot outside of living a good life, loving on my people, and creating beautiful memories. As a mum, it appears my feeling of contentment with life has gone up a notch. The simplest things have filled me with so much joy especially watching Kay be a daddy to our little girl - it has been so beautiful and heartwarming to see.
As I think about this new year, I realize that for the first time in a long while, I have all that I desire. This is not to say that my life is perfect, as there is so much I am still navigating, but I am at ease in a way I have never been, while consciously choosing to approach all the unknowns and uncertainties with faith that all will be well.
This year, I want to be able to enjoy every aspect of this new phase of life while also finding my way back to the things that spark joy for me as an individual.
Hello Thirty-Three!
Happy Birthday to Me ❤️
Hope to chat with you again soon!
Love,
Nifemi
Happy birthday mummy Tinuke. Wishing you many happy returns. 🎉