If There Is Anything I Knew In 2018, It Is…
My friend,
You and I made it to the end of the year (at least we’re almost there), and you know what? We both deserve to pop champagne, drink wine, local beer/gin, non-alcoholic beverages, water or whatever tickles our fancy to celebrate this milestone.
I tell you, 2018 for me was a mixed bag of all sorts. I reached certain highs I didn’t realise would be possible and dipped to a few lows but overall, it was a really awesome year. I am grateful for everything it offered and look forward to 2019 with anticipation and more excitement.
Having gone past these 11 and a half months and as most people do at this time of the year, I looked back and decided to make a list of all the things I am deeply convinced of (that is, without a shadow of a doubt). These will form part of my mantra for 2019 and I am so eager to share these with you. So here it goes.
If there is anything I knew in 2018, it is:
- To never ever underestimate the power of casual connections. I met some new people in my life this year who inadvertently led me to opportunities I could only dream of.
- My destiny is in my own hands- no one else is responsible for my choices, joys, decisions and victories.
- That facing my deepest fears provide the greatest opportunities for personal discovery.
- I should ALWAYS be good to myself.
- I always believe the best of people until such a time when they take me for granted and I then decide it’s best to let them go. It’s good to give people the benefit of doubt, but when it breeds toxicity, let go.
- Despite no. 5, I should not act towards new people I meet based on my biases but give them a chance.
- Everyone is insecure to some degree.
- Nothing is always as it seems. Believe me, it’s not always as it seems.
- I have a bit of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and don’t like cluttered and dirty spaces.
- Although I read many books, Khaleid Hossein and Chimamanda Adichie remain my favourite authors.
- I have actually made more good decisions than I have bad ones, and I should stop berating myself for the bad decisions I made in the past and will make in the future.
- I am freest when I am authentic and honestly myself.
- My metabolism is not as quick as it was 2 years ago- signs of aging probably. I see myself paying attention to my body than I used to.
- As much as I am an introvert, I weirdly enjoy being in big crowds where I can people-watch.
- It is common sense to live within my means.
- A great attitude is as important as oxygen.
- Sleep is not a waste of time neither does it mean you are a slacker. It is beneficial and necessary for a great quality of life (I now agree with my eldest sister who says sleeping is my hobby).
- It is possible to be closer to non-blood relatives than to those of the same family.
- I will never wear bum shorts outside the walls of my house even though I have firm thighs and beautiful legs (if I say so myself, lol). This piece of clothing is only worn when I am in my house.
- I only have one body so taking care of it, having fun, indulging in what gives me joy, what I eat and health is important- both can go a long way in extending my body’s longevity.
- It is important to take care of my finances- savings, investments etc. and not spend flippantly.
- I am a very resilient person and being able to persevere is one of my strongest traits.
- I am happiest when I am at peace.
- A rejection/dashed expectation/delay does not mean that thing will never happen for me.
- Giving everything I do the best devotion/attention is a solid trait of mine.
- Because I have one person who loves me unreservedly in this world, I am truly blessed.
- It is wise to pick my battles and just let certain things slide.
- Reading is one of my safe and healthy ways of dealing with trauma, challenges and life’s troubles.
- A personal one-on-one relationship with God is what’s important- not a religion and not what a church’s pastor says.
- I have little tolerance for small talk.
- I shouldn’t take certain things personally.
- I am really brave and courageous because I have done things that scared me in the past but I succeeded.
- It is a waste of time to spend time with people who do not treat me kindly (even after I make an effort to understand them).
- It pays to be honest and a person of integrity, with my words matching my actions as much as is possible.
- As much as I hate being bored, boredom spurs my creativity.
- The Mercedes Benz G-Wagon is my favourite car. One day is one day…
- Jollof and fried rice, mixed with fried plantain, coleslaw and fish is my favourite meal.
- I shouldn’t stop dreaming because dreams do come true. I achieved some this year and 2019, I’m coming for you.
- The only high expectations I should have is of myself.
- I should not take myself so seriously.
- I should never stop learning.
- Age is no limit to achieving some things in life. As long as I’m moving, I’m progressing.
- Being at peace, in good health and staying content are my top 3 criteria for measuring my quality of life- money is at no. 7.
- Devoting time to my closest relationships always yields great returns.
- People I was once close to can become strangers
- It is unproductive to waste time impressing people.
- Being alone helps me centre myself.
- My values are my rudder in life
- Good things truly come to those who wait
- That God always, always, and I mean ALWAAAAAAAAAAAAYS has my best interests at heart.
Not that I didn’t know all these things before, I merely experienced these on a greater level this year.
What is it that you knew in 2018? Make a decision now to experience more life-changing discoveries in 2019.
Until we chat again, I want to say a big THANK YOU to you for reading the blog since I launched it last year December and making 2018 a memorable for me as a newbie to blogging. May the new year bring you so much more in joy, good health, satisfaction and achievements. Wishing you a merry Xmas and a happy new year in advance. Travel safe and take care of yourself.
Speak to you in 2019. xoxo
Image: Pixabay