Contemplations at 23

April 16 was my last day as a 23-year old. I’ve been very contemplative as I review the year that I have gone through. The highs, the lows and the in-betweens. As usual, I’ve learnt a few lessons that I want to share.

1. Laughter and smiles are important: Life will never be fulfilling unless you remember to enjoy it. Laugh until your tummy aches and you are forced to stoop. Smile until your cheeks hurt. Smile, even when you don’t feel like smiling or people think you are crazy. Eventually, it will transform your heart and your day as it becomes genuine.
2. Whatever you do, have fun: I believe there is some level of fun to be had in whatever we have to do. Sometimes we get caught up with experiencing the dark clouds of things we don’t want to do, that we forget that one silver lining that changes the equation. Life is fun, it’s just a matter of perspective. Find your silver lining and enjoy the hell out of it!
3. It is okay to cry: I’ve cried many times this year. I’ve cried when I’m ridiculously happy. I’ve laughed until I cried. I’ve cried when I’m sick and feeling really vulnerable and my friends tried to force me to eat. I’ve cried when I’m sad. I’ve cried when the sad part in movies connected with my soul. I’ve cried just because. A few years back, I would have been mortified to admit to crying, but now, pssshhh, crying is healthy. 
4. Be Kind: Persons may forget your name or even how you look but they will never forget the way you made them feel. Practice being kind in words, thoughts and deeds. You will be memorable for positive reasons.
5. Your level of faith determines your altitude: Some of us can’t envision beyond what we can see. This is a terrible injustice to you and the world. In year 23, I committed to reading 100 books. I didn’t have the time, I couldn’t even imagine how I would do it but I DID. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. Dare to dream and reach out and actualize.
6. Be comfortable exiting your comfort zone: “Great things are on the other side of your fear.” 23 was a great year for me because I did several things that scared the crap out of me but left me feeling exhilarated, once completed. I had a lot of firsts! I did my first radio and television interviews. I wrote my first newspaper article. I gave my first live speech for a cause I care deeply about. I ran my first full-blown project! And the great thing is? I loved it! Great things are not born in comfort zones. If I can step out, you can too. I guarantee that you won’t regret it.
7. Don’t force it: Anything that is meant to be yours will be. It’s preordained. If the puzzle piece has to be forced into a spot, chances are it is not the correct piece. Don’t force friendships! Don’t force relationships! Don’t try to force destiny! I can assure you that it’s probably one of the few things you will regret doing in life. Let things flow naturally. If that spot belongs to that piece, it will fit!
8. Be comfortable in your skin: Sweetheart, if you think you are weird, it’s obvious you haven’t met me 😂. I am the woman who walks around fake-shooting and high-fiving people in the office. Though I wonder if I’m the crazy one, because, they actually return my gestures. I talk/sing to myself as I work or study. It took our CEO, who sits beside me, just a week to realize this habit was just one of my super qualities. The point I’m trying to make is: BE YOURSELF. No one will ever do you as well as you do you.

I’ve began declaring into the atmosphere that year 24 will be a great success. I will spread my wings and soar.

I am looking for some creative firsts to try in year 24. Any ideas? Drop me a comment in the area below.