July Magic: A 29th of 7th

Hi guys! It's my birthday today and I hope you say a prayer for me as you see this. To be honest, I wish I could launch a book or celebrate something great (a very big feat) alongside. But, we are here today and I am glad for life.

So while reminiscing on my initial plans, I thought of the kind of book I would love to write; the thought has been on for a while now. A have some manuscripts. But it doesn't feel like something I want to let out yet; maybe not now, maybe never. Who knows. 

I'd like it to be a book I'd want to read too; I mean a book that I'd feel the need to read if I wasn't the author. Because, of course, a book without purpose is a precious waste of time. So, I wouldn't write a book that I'd not read if I was just a reader.

I'd like writing this book to be the escape I have always wanted. To take life by its balls and live it the best way that I can. To go for whatever I want, regardless of the challenges. I don't want to rush things. I would stop; take a pause and rest whenever I feel like it. I would live the moment and not give in to pressure and worry. I'd want that it comes with freedom. After all, no matter what I do, what's meant to be will be.

In this book, I'd recreate themes and lessons I would have loved the 10yr old me to know. So that, as I grow into adolescence and adulthood, I would let them grow with me. Because at 10, I was coming from a separated home. I thought I got the freedom I so much craved. Maybe if I had known what I know now, she (10 yrs old me) would have found confidence earlier than I did. But regardless, she was fierce. That's the one thing I won't take away from her. I am grateful and proud of her.

What I know now, I knew not then. But since I found this manna, they'd be with me regardless. They comforted me when I couldn't hold. I wish I could put things into words better than I do now. Though I write then too and people liked and encouraged, But it's better now I believe  (even as I believe I am still on the journey to perfection)

More reason why I would write the book is to see to this perfection. I'd make sure it is a book that would define a new path if/when I can't chase my career path anymore. 

But regardless, I have grown. Yes, I am grown now. I know what I want. I am a blessing and an inspiration to the people I have around me. I have read, I have seen and I have loved. I have passed through my stages and learnt numerous lessons. Some of these lessons, I will include in this article. And as I am journeying down to my 30th, I am hopeful that I'd have more lessons to add. I honestly wish that on one of my coming birthdays, I won't write just lessons but an actual book as I have always wished.

(Note: these pictures were just right in time, I took them 3months ago, funny how they fit in to portray how I am feeling about this day)

So in the meantime let's play with some lessons:

• Learnt that It doesn't seem to matter what had happened in the past. It is the future that is the most important. We have to make sure we are moving forward and not living in the past. Are you ageing or growing in the real essence of growth?

• Half the battle we fight is within ourselves. We are always fighting the need to be up to our peers, feeling the pressure to make something out of ourselves. Although these feelings are valid, one's time will not pass them by and continuously thinking about how well someone else is doing is a quick route to depression

• Learnt that Time and tides wait for no one. make hay while the sun shines.

Time is precious. Once it's lost, it can't be gotten back. Know the time for everything.

• Learnt that The emotions that break our heart are sometimes the very ones that heal it. Give room for reconciliation and redemption. Someone that hurts you today can heal you tomorrow.

• Learnt that words spelt out in white and black stick and stay longer than the ones spitted. Why you do speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say? Isn't it time to put actions to your words? Written words matter and they give voice to how we feel. I have learnt that while we are at it, we should make sure it matches our actions too.

• The best speech is that which is short and precise. Speak less, listen more.

• Worry and pressure are subtle thieves. They steal the moment away from you. And you have done enough by being on Earth. If all you can achieve for a day is to breathe, it's fine too.

• While mistakes are free, there are also consequences. So would you rather think it through, not made hasty and radical decisions but informed decisions?

• Find yourself first so that you won't introduce someone else to the world. Read, watch, explore, learn, unlearn and relearn to find who you are and whose you are (where you belong)

• Stop putting too much importance on things that are not significant.

• Limit the way you put people down for doing and liking things that don't hurt anyone else and are not beyond moral standards.

• While taking advice from people, make sure they are people who share the same values as you. Hence, expectations, experience and needs will not match, nor the outcome too.

• Take pictures and create moments as much as you can, they don't get too much and they'd be the reminders of people we love, or rather we once loved.

• If you love people, tell them and let them know. 

These little show of affection goes a long way in making their day.

• That a person doesn't love me the way I want doesn't necessarily make them a bad person.

 Now do this:

Take a pen and write a letter to yourself reminding yourself of the beautiful big and little wins; telling yourself the things you appreciate about yourself. This letter will be a reminder for you in the journey to find who you are and where you need to be.

Once again, don't forget to say a prayer for me.

Yours in birthday🎉 

Teni.