Reminiscing…

A lot of thoughts go through my head mostly…sometimes I talk to myself, other times, I have conversations with friends, then once in a while I write a blog post (this is actually the reason why I started this blog).

Upon turning 30, I have learned some hard lessons related to career, grief, family, friendship, love, spirituality and life in general. I do not regret the lessons but I do regret some of the experiences I had to go through to learn those lessons.

In my opinion, growing up is a blessing but not filled with good experiences alone – sometimes blessings come in the form of the bad experiences we have to go through. When I was younger, I had less problems, worries and B.S to deal with. All I cared about was going to school and learning hard to get good grades. Being an adult now comes with lots of freedom (something I did not have much growing up) but way more responsibilities and life LASHING you left, right, front, back (style biaa bi) and still not stopping – you have to keep going, they say!

So, what is the point of life? A life none of us asked for. We were just born onto this earth to live life, deal with all sorts and then die at a certain age (for some during childhood, others in adolescence, others as adults and some fortunate enough to die in their old age). Death, is a very uncomfortable subject for me – in fact, I do not like going for funerals. It always leaves me in a certain state I do not want to be in.

I have lost friends and acquaintances within the neighbourhood I grew up in, in the last couple of years – they were too young to die but they died. Sometimes, when their names pop up in my head, I cast my mind back to years back when I was much younger. When we were all teenagers growing up. Just like myself, they had dreams and goals to accomplish in life. But they died without achieving some or all of these goals (I am certain) and life still goes on. Reflecting on these situations always leaves me with one conclusion that; ‘Death can happen to anyone at anytime, if there is something you have to do or want to do, do it as soon as you can or are able to because the next minute, hour or day is not promised’. I lost my grandma in December 2021, three days after I had seen her. It was one of the biggest shocks of my life. She raised me and growing up, she was like a mother to me. Losing her was tough but I was glad I got to see her before she passed on. She was quite old, but I still wish she lived a bit more so I could do more for her like I promised….but God knows best (so they say).

I have learned to take life not too seriously..like for what! None of us are getting out here alive. This is not to say I still don’t have my goals to pursue but then even if my plans fail or things don’t go according to as I planned, I do not let it get to me that much (this wasn’t me before – but thank GOD for growth!), because after all WHAT? (Like one of my French teachers in Gey Hey used to say). I am only HUMAN. I can only try, do my best. If it works fine, if it doesn’t WE MOVE! In reality, it can be tough sometimes but once you mature into that kind of person, you learn to take it easy on yourself.

One thing I have learned over the years is sometimes COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Yes! I may not have this (yet) but I have this (now). It is very easy to focus on the things you don’t have yet because we live in a society where it is all about getting 6 figure income jobs, winning awards, getting invited to high profile events and then broadcasting them on social media to get likes, comments and shares. Personally, I have only gotten into the habit of sharing personal wins on social media not too long ago. I only used to share with a few people and that’s that or update my LinkedIn if is career related…But for the most part, I have a limit to things I share on social media (I am not looking for a large number of following or likes or whatever…)

In all the hustle and life’s uncertainties, it is important to have your own tribe. I cannot stress the importance of having people who you can trust (to an extent), have deep conversations and be vulnerable to. No matter how private you are, you can’t carry the burdens of life alone. You are human and part of that is having relationships which are mutually beneficial. I have been blessed with such relationships and they form part of the ‘little’ blessings in life – knowing that someone has your back no matter what and you have theirs too.

I would end here. Could do this once in a while…just REMINISCE.

My birth month has also come to an end. I am grateful for 30 and looking forward to see all that it brings in this decade. Cheers! Have a fantastic NOVEMBER.