It’s the 2nd of January, 2024. I just got home from work. I’m mildly ill. It’s cold, dark, windy and rainy outside. But guess what?! I feel content.
I’ve been in a reminiscent mood of late and it has left me in a constant state of gratitude; grateful for where and who I am today.
A few years ago, with the state of mind I was in, I would never have imagined I’d be thriving this much and so soon! Back then, I remember feeling little to no hope because I could barely envision a future with me in it – be it 3 days or 3 years ahead – I couldn’t see it. Living within that level of shortsightedness was so bleak and dreadful, it felt inescapable. But thanks be to the heavens because I escaped it.
Here’s a short account of what’s happened in the last three years:
- I got onto a Graduate Diploma course in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and moved to the UK shortly after.
- After six months, I passed with a distinction award and got onto a Masters programme immediately after to study Accounting and Management at the same university (QMUL).
- A year later, I was awarded (another) distinction in this Masters AND received the Drapers Company Prize for my “outstanding academic achievement”!
- A couple of weeks to the official end date of my masters programme, I started work as an Accounting and Reporting Co-ordinator within the Core Finance team at bp! (bp was actually my dream employer while I was studying, so I’m SUPER proud of this achievement). I’m still in this position as of today.
Obviously, this is a very condensed account of what’s happened that doesn’t include all the challenges faced with health or finances. Nor does it account for the wonderful friendships made and memories created. But it tells a good story, doesn’t it? I am extremely privileged to have this be my present reality, especially in light of how unlikely such an outcome seemed not too long ago. Nevertheless, beyond the glimmer of the academic and career advancements, I find myself extremely grateful for a continued healthy state of mind and a wonderful social support system. There’s no way I’d have made it this long and far without the love and support from family, friends and God. Absolutely no way at all. I pray they all get blessed a hundred times over, amen 🙂
Now, at the start of the new year, having turned 28 not too long ago, I find myself feeling very inspired when I think about tomorrow. It’s much easier for me to envision my future now and I don’t take that for granted. Even though I know better than to rest all my hopes on my own plans for the future – because life is fleeting and can end abruptly – I also know not to live a visionless life for as long as my ability to dream and think remains possible. This delicate balance of mind keeps me at peace. So does the following scripture:
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure.”
Proverbs 4: 25-26
So, while I ponder my path for 2024, I look back at the values I set for myself at 26, remembering that my objective was to figure out how to enjoy myself more and to, eventually, thrive. I can proudly report that there’s been much progress on this front! (lol) But although I’ve gotten so much better at managing my time, my health, my social life, and my mind, I still feel like I’ve got more to do.
With that in mind, I’m carrying forward the personal values I set at 26:
- Healthy Perspective: a particular fair / accurate way of viewing things informed by your experience, knowledge and personality
- Human Connection: keep in touch with your friends and family, and make more friends
- Happiness: keep track of the things that make you smile, laugh or feel warm inside, and do more of them!
- Healing: focus on actions that will keep you feeling healthy mentally, spiritually and physically
- Highly Skilled: select a couple of skills to learn and master
On top of that, and to conclude, I’ve chosen to let the following verse guide my year:
“Do you see a man skilful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
Proverbs 22:29
An excellent spirit is what I seek for 2024.
Amen.