On this beautiful Saturday morning, as I sip my freshly brewed tea and watch my favorite series, I find myself in deep reflection. The calmness I feel is a stark contrast to the hot weather that plagued Ibadan throughout December 2023, a month that presented its own set of challenges.
Replacing my faulty rechargeable fan proved to be one of the best decisions of 2023. Coping with the scorching weather and erratic power supply became more manageable, showcasing how little decisions can bring immense comfort.
As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2023, I stood at the intersection of reflection and anticipation, a single lady in her early 40s. The air was pregnant with a unique blend of excitement and uncertainty, creating emotions mirroring the complexities of my life. The year gone by had seen its share of triumphs and trials, weaving threads of family concerns, career decisions, relationship balancing, spiritual exploration, and the pursuit of independence.
The relentless ticking towards 2024 echoed in my thoughts, each tick representing the rhythm of my life. The prospect of navigating life's twists and turns alone stirred courage and vulnerability within me.
As I stood amidst the joyous cheers and the dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky, thoughts of what 2024 might unfold for me filled my mind. Would it unfold with love, adventure, and delightful surprises, or would it present challenges, testing the strength I've carefully built over the years? I am grateful to God, my parents, and my family for the valuable lessons learned. With mixed feelings, I entered 2024, driven by my strong faith in God, my love for God an unwavering sense of self-determination.
At this stage of life, I've cultivated the art of embracing my single status with both grace and resilience, pushing back against pressures. My profound self-love has led me to explore my passions, chase career aspirations, and find beauty in moments of solitude. However, echoes of expectations persist, intertwined with the challenges of managing work pressure, setting goals for the year, yearning for companionship, and contemplating the prospect of a family.
As the first rays of sunlight graced me in January 2024, I resolved to drown out the noise and script my narrative. The canvas of 2024 awaited my artistic touch. It wasn't a continuation; it was an opportunity to redefine success, relationships, and personal fulfillment on my terms.
Though January is nearly over and my painting for the year incomplete, I've chosen bold strokes—drawing closer to God, valuing relationships, setting ambitious yet realistic career goals, embracing self-love, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The mixed feelings that accompanied me transformed into a palette of emotions, propelling me towards new heights. As January unfolded, I embraced self-reflection and goal-setting, understanding that life's beauty lies in its unpredictability.
Journeying into 2024, I'm a testament to the strength within a single woman in her 40s. I relish the freedom to choose my path, savoring independence and the promise of endless possibilities. My mixed feelings have morphed into a symphony of emotions, playing the soundtrack to my evolving story.
In 2024, I'll stand tall, face whatever comes my way, and celebrate my journey as a testament to resilience, embracing life in all its vibrancy. I am the author of my story, and 2024 is the canvas on which I'll paint my masterpiece. My mixed feelings will be a source of empowerment, fueling my pursuit of excellence, marked by career achievements, personal growth, building better relationships, and continued self-love.
