This year, I am immensely proud of the person I've become. It's refreshing to say it was a good year - a rarity in my experience. The journey started quietly and peacefully in 2023, but everything changed when Seraphic called me out of the blue, and the "yes" calls never stopped.
Throughout the year, I faced ups and downs. In February, I had a moment where it felt like I might lose a parent, but God showed up, reminding me of His unwavering presence. Physically, I embraced a healthier me. I drank a lot of water, Over Three million steps, and yes, I hiked and even shattered my 5km daily run record with an incredible 13km. Looking forward to a 20km in 2024! (Because healthier life choices never hurt anyone).
"Year Highlight"
"You should get back to school," Charles Ojonugwa said on a cold morning in the "finest city in North Central Nigeria." Those words sparked a journey. Lilian echoed the call, promising to always foot the bill if it ever came to that and Mujahid guided me through course selection. It felt like the Universe conspired for my growth, and I listened.
Reflecting on life, I found myself overanalyzing everything until Ezekiel gifted me a timepiece. It wasn't just a watch; it was the most beautiful gift I had received in a long while, reminding me that time is the denominator in all battles. In my darkest moments, I remembered God’s words: "he did all things well."
On mental health, it got much better. Paul consistently prayed for me, Musa emphasized the importance of rest, and Precious unwaveringly believed in me. "Speak it, walk it, believe it," Precious would say. "Any organization would be lucky to have you."
Taking a chance on myself, I'm reading a lot to find my values, meeting people, trying new things, discovering my strengths, and figuring out who I want to be, who I want to surround myself with, and who I want to love - following my father's counsel: "In life, it's the people beside you that truly matter, not the money or the cars you’re driving."
On music, my 2023 soundtrack includes Maverick City Collective, Tom Walker, Dermot Kennedy, Dean Lewis, and Capaldi. Listen to them, and you might just find my headspace.
A love without Conditions: I am very much in awe of the love my Family, Winnie, Zaks, Max, Moses and Seraphic has continually given me. The simple things like kindness, generosity, Job Alert, the CV reviews, the Referrals. This love has supported me through the good and tough times.
To my incredible village:
Attahir, Aisha, Augustine, Aluko, Benjamin, Borokini, Charles, Chikas, Chirdap, Dabiyam, David, Emmanuel, Ezekiel, Galadima, Gozhi, Hassan, Isaac, Jacquiline, Joe, Kyenret, Lilian, Maryam, Mashan, Maxwell, Micheal & Tami, Moses, Mujahid, Musa, Nwa-Amaka, Paulinus, Precious, Sarah, Sarpiya, Seraphic, Solomon, Tobi, Uche, Uchel, Ugochi, Victor, Winnie, Yachit, Yokyil, Zecharia, and many more: Thank you for weaving yourselves into the fabric of my year. Your love and support made this journey unforgettable.
Looking Ahead to 2024
In 2024, I'll keep it simple.
I'll learn a lot (do a lot of academic pursuits). Please, send those fellowship opportunities my way!
I'll embrace small chances because every opportunity, no matter how seemingly insignificant, holds potential.
I'll extend more grace to myself, friends, family, and everyone I meet.
I'll try to believe in this love.
Find more collaboration and foster opportunities for my circle.
Unlearn some weirdness (this one's for you, Uche!).
And most importantly, I'll laugh. I'll laugh until my sides ache.
Cheers 🥂 to a year that has been hard for us, no doubt. Let's raise a glass to a better one
Death is an inevitable part of life.
PSA: Just two days after the article's publication, my deepest fears manifested. I lost my beloved father, Innocent Ibeh.
I am broken. If you are a praying person, please say a prayer for him.