What I’ve Learnt (So Far).
Aug 23, 2017 · 3 min read

Of late, I’ve been less and less aware of an evolution within myself and I suppose this is because I am extremely anal about my self-reflections – I want to record everything, every little tidbit of change; every little thought; whereas, I could simply let things lie, let time pass, and then one un-foggy day, as clarity is restored, I might see vividly the colours of the winds of change. But I can’t help it. Nevertheless, if I look back from Lincoln to Madrid to Lagos, certain things stick out:
- I am in the prime of my life, and I must consciously live like it, aware of my youth and taking advantage of it, as best as I can – somehow, despite the conservativeness of my character, I have to take risks; jump at them wherever they present themselves.
- Consequences are just hurdles waiting to be overcome, and save for death, there’s nothing that cannot be overcome.
- It is important to say how you feel to the people you feel towards. Open a door, and you might find that they will open one in return. Don’t close yourself off for the sake of protecting yourself. See 1.
- Your current job: maybe yes, you’re just passing through. There is a finish line. You can see it right there. But don’t stare too hard and miss the things that are right here.
- That you don’t read as much as you used to is not a bad thing. Make time, but don’t beat yourself up about it. It means you no longer have to compensate for your real life in the pages of your fictional novels.
- There is lots of time left to get what you want. Don’t dwell. It’ll come. Or it won’t. Either way, don’t dwell. You have so much.
- Be kind. Bury that instinct to be any other way and just be kind.
- God is real. Faith is real. Sow into the latter and connect with the former. It’s important. But keep your curiosities and questions alive.
- One day, you will fall in love. And it won’t be like the books or the films. And there will be times when it feels so ordinary, you forget ever wanting or wondering about it. Those moments – those will be the best of times.
- Try. For every idea that pops into your head, there is just enough time after all the festering for you to try and see where it leads. Don’t be afraid of success, don’t be afraid of people watching you, don’t be afraid of the spotlight – try, and you will find more of yourself in everything that you do.
- Money is everything. Not really. But really. It drives all that you do and all that you cannot. It is not noble to ignore its importance, rather, it is foolish. Save. Save some more. Try again. Save for the rainy days, so that you never know what it is like to feel truly stranded. Save for the dream trips. Save for a car, for a home. Learn what you can about money, and you’ll find that you’re better – and perhaps, richer – for it.
- Instagram is a mindless venture. Share content. Be visible. Stay relevant. Or don’t open it at all.
- Don’t stop journaling. You have a backlog of empty days. It’s fine. Pick up where you are. Keep picking up from where you are and you’ll soon find the strings of a narrative start to form.
- Stop saying if. There is no if. There is only when.
- Netflix is a gift and a curse. The next time you have the urge to hit “delete and play next,” pause and think about it. What else (more productive) could you be doing? If you end up succumbing to the continued binge, it’s fine – forgive yourself. Then try again.
- Don’t digest anything passively. Listen. Hear. Ask questions.
- Nothing comes easy. When it does, look upon it as a gift. When it does not, don’t sulk, don’t whine, don’t get upset. If it’s worth the fight, it’s not worth the sulk.
- This city, the people, society, will only change you if you let them. Don’t.
- This list will get longer. Be ready, be open. Leave room. Let it.
