Gratitude

Gratitude.

When I think of 2021 in all its entirety. The only word that pops into mind is Gratitude.

What is Gratitude?

It is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

So, you may or might wonder why? why gratitude? why not any other attributes?

Well, this is my year in view and I believe in return, you’d see why my keyword for 2021 is gratitude.

Starting the year 2021 had to be a relief. You know, coming from a year like 2020. It was indeed, like a breath of fresh air for everyone.

In reality, I don’t think anyone of us can ever heal from the scars of 2020. 2020 was just a bit too much for us all to take at such short notice.

2020 was supposed to be a start of a new decade. Everyone was off to a beautiful start and then, everything just spiralled out of control. So, coming from a year like 2020 and moving on, it sorts of keeps you in check of reality. Letting you know, that anything, absolutely anything is possible.

So, yes 2021. Another new start. The end of a nightmare. There were hopes for a fresh start. Some people optimistic, some others pessimist. Some others, in between and this is where I come in.

Coming from the year 2020, sort of placed in me in shambles and disbelief. Cause, there I was at the start of a new decade, ready to go. I had just gotten admission into the university and basically everything in my life had started falling into place. And then, poof- everything changed.

By the start of 2021, I had become an emotional wreck. Surviving all that 2020 had to offer to me. I had lost friendships, I had lost focus and purpose, I had lost my relationship but for a fact, that I had my health, made me hopeful. But while being hopeful, I was also skeptical. Cause the question, what if? always kept coming to mind.

So, here I was 2021, a year of redemption. Off to a new start. Healing from previous hurts and pain.

The start off was very beautiful. My parents moved to a new house. You know, as compared to 2020, everything was falling into place.

I started going to the gym in 2021. Went for 3 good months. Started 2 week on January and Ended on the 3rd week of April thereabout, in time for my resumption for school.

Before then, I’d basically tell you that I wasn’t a fan of the gym activities. I didn’t even see a need for it. But starting that particular journey this year, I’d say that I love every bit of it. You know, the thing about gym is that, it’s a development/growth process and you see it. Nothing, nothing in the world beats the feeling of seeing your growth manifest and that feeling was thrilling. Well, more and yes to gym activities in this coming year.

I also took professional driving lessons which were exhilarating. There’s a feeling that come with being behind the wheels, being in control. Whewww!

Well, school activities and academics were quite hazy. Seeming as the strike ensued in 2020 had just been called off and then there was also the issue of the pandemic which made my institution, kick off the thoughts of resuming. I’m a student at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Studying History and Strategic Studies alias known as International Relation. But, History and Strategic Studies contains a more broader field of context as compared to International Relations.

So, there we were. All of us expecting to resume as soon as the strike was called off in December 2020, just to be told in return that we would not be able to return to school premises and therefore would lead to us having online classes. Well, you might think that’s a good idea or so we all thought. But really, in time we all found the process shitty. Asides from the fact that we got to write our exams online and it was an objective based CBT exam, everything else was shit and that later affected us in time for second semester. As we’d later learn that all that glitters isn’t gold.

Well, second semester was off to a good start. We resumed fully, back in school premises and everything was going on smoothly until we were asked to return back to our homes, mid semester. It was quite shocking, as the grounds on which we were asked to return back to our various homes were absurd.

It was even funnier when we realized that our classes would be put on hold. But anyways, we were asked to return, few weeks in preparations for our upcoming exams and just as I said earlier, for students in History and Strategic Studies, 100 level. We weren’t at all prepared for what would come our way.

The exams kicked off and it was a distant reality of what we had seen earlier with the CBT exams we took in the first semester. It didn’t even help that majority of us thought, that’d we’d be having to take the CBT based exams. So, it was really a shocker when we were told we’d be going back to the basics which is, theoretical examinations.

Well, we crossed the bridge. For me, it was quite favorable. Finally, 100 level was said to be done and dusted, after 2+ years. Also, by the end of 100 level, I had managed to attain some accolades and a position. I am presently the Asst Course Rep and I was the Fresher of the year and also, the Most supportive male in my level. Asides that, there are other certificates for different reasons of which I bagged.

But well, as I’d regularly say, school was schoolful as its best.

For my life in general, this year was still very much a growing process for me. A year of mixed emotions that help in solidifying that fact as to why I was optimistic and pessimistic about the year. I learnt a whole lot. Even lessons and thought processes, I taught I had learnt, were sort of taught to me again and I can say that I’ve sure learnt my lessons.

I had my highs and I had my lows. Majority of plans I had for 2021 were found in the poteaux poteaux.

For example, I had plans to you go out more often this year, of which I didn’t and that’s fine. With this particular plan, there’s a justification. I realized in this year that, I’m an homebody. I don’t like going out and I love being indoors. The term “we outside” isn’t for me at all.

Well, I thought something was wrong with me prior to this time. But in this year, I found out that I’m okay. It’s normal to feel and be that way. In fact, I root for people to be outside but please, count me out. If I feel up to it, I’ll be outside. If I don’t, I’m going to curl up like a furball and stay home.

Also, I had plans of enhancing my creativity but that didn’t go as planned. Most of my plans were placed on halt, which is quite sad. But most are already kick-starting, for instance I have a podcast and a blog running. Well, that’s for a start. In time, I’m certain the others are going to fall in place.

My faith was tested quite a number of times. I did question my faith and I’m not ashamed to say I did that. I also, cried a whole lot and often times, during my bouts of tears, I’d often wonder about the purpose of life. I felt it was unhealthy at first, but I’ve learned that it’s actually okay not to be okay, you know? Those bouts of sadness are completely normal. We just have to be able to find the light at the end of the tunnel, that’s it and trust me, it’s f*****g hard but worth it.

You know, it was a whole lot i.e 2021 and in as much I’ve tried to sum it all up, I might not have done justice.

I wouldn’t want to be cliche and use the word emotional rollercoaster but still at the end of the day, it is what it is or it was, was it is. 2021 was indeed a year.

And this is where my keyword Gratitude comes in. I survived despite all odds. I can only be grateful for everything. Grateful for the past, present and what’s to come which is the future.

Well, these are my resolutions for 2022 as follows;

1. I’m going to be at peace with myself and live my life at its full authenticity.
2. I’m going to shed off all layers, I’ve created and just be Oghenetega.
3. There’s simply going to be no pressure of any sort in my life. Cause I’ve learnt that, the hard way. It’s just going to be me at my finest.
4. This year kicks off my growth process. I’ve been learning for the past 19 years and it’s time to activate and put to good use, what I’ve learnt in all these years.
5. I’m going to be healthy, all rounder.
6. I’m going to be more spiritual. My spiritual awakening starts now. I want my relationship with GOD to get better.
7. Creativity. My creativity is going to be tapped and then in return, used to create magic and wonders. Be meaningful and do more.
8. I’m no longer going to suppress myself into thinking I’m not good enough. I’m perfect and I’m everything and so much more. My anxiety and impostor syndrome is going to be worked on.
9. More pictures please, click click! 📸
10. I’m also going to be a gym rat. Yes, that’s right. You heard me well. A gym rat.
11. Go out more often. And yes, I know I said it’s okay. But yeah maybe instead of a 90–10 percent ratio, I’ll up it up to a 70–30 percent ratio.
12. Read more books and I’m not talking about e-books, I’m talking about hardcopy. Time to start building that library.
13. Enhance my communication skills with my friends. Be more vocal about my feelings when I get the chance to. Life’s to short to be muffled.
14. Saving culture. That’s a must!
15. Celebrating every wins. Whether big or small, every win is worth celebrating and I’m going to do just that.

All in all, I’m going make sure that I flourish and shine in this coming year.

This year, I sort of came to a reality about life. Life’s beautiful and life basically comes at you unexpected. In all, you as a person should learn to live life at its fullest. To the very best of your abilities. Be at peace with yourself, no matter what. Don’t let your peace be toyed with. Protect your mind and your space. Positivity is also key.

Also, friendships are everything and not just any friendship. I’m talking about friendships that’ll make you and not mar you. This year, I survived because of my friends. When the tough got going, my friends got tougher, as they were there holding my hands and not letting go and infact, I made new amazing friends this year. Simply put, protect your space and let the right people in.

If there’s one thing I’m really grateful for, it’s the meaning friendships I’ve got.

In 2022, happiness is the watchword.

As a friend once said, “I just want to be happy. I don’t care what form happiness takes, I just want to be truly and genuinely happy.”

That’s it.

I don’t even want to be found in a situation where I’m not enjoying myself, even if it’s for an hour.

So with this, I’d say thank you for getting this far and not getting bored of me.

Also, I wish you the very best of what’s to come. I do hope that the lines are fallen for you in pleasant places and all your desires in the new year, are met accordingly.

I love you and I appreciate you.

Do have a fantastic year ahead and despite I’m posting this, few hours before the crossover, I wish you a happy new year and WELCOME TO 2022!!! 🎉💜