2017, succinctly, wasn’t too kind. I can’t say it enough; even if it does seem like I sound like a broken record. But like I mentioned in my last post, I have chosen the thankful route, the irrational but ideal route. Any average Nigerian who made it through the chains of crisis that this yuletide brought upon us, deserves to be called a HERO. I will refrain from shaming my country or the leaders but hang high hopes on a better day-if it comes…I’m still thankful. For all the truncated expectations, disenchantments at various levels, barrel of the bottom episodes, I remain grateful. For the highs and the lows, the good and the bad, fuel scarcity or not, I’m thankful. With bated breath I await 2018, as it prepares to emerge in a grand style, I’m equally preparing to usher in 2018 in a grand style, my own kind of grand.
Truth is, I had no survival strategy or better still, New Year resolution in this 2017; I still won’t have any in 2018, why? I’m a disaster with any semblance of hard and fast rules, a complete flop with guidelines and a non-adherent to unrealistic principles, so New Year resolutions are probably not for my kind, because often times, I find myself “consciously” doing the exact opposite of the things I vowed not to do and yes, I am a maverick…sometimes.
It appears to be more convenient to be fixated on the things “not achieved” than the ones “achieved”, I’m the first culprit here, but it makes a whole lot of sense to be thankful for everything; regardless. No day in life is guaranteed, because life, in a passive sense, is a gift!
So while I sit in my little corner, fuming over why petrol supplies in Lagos during Christmas periods, are in trickles, I insist that I have to be thankful. I’m learning how to have a second attitude to life, to live in the moment and totally relish it. A rebel against protocols, and a stickler to divine orchestrations. So my personal mantra is, has always been, pray, strive and embody the process. More so, having finally admitted to not being a vertical thinker, it’s safer for me to not deviate from my age long personal niche; pray, strive. Wait? Depending on how long, else? Well, repeat the process I guess.
On the other hand, I already have a mental picture of the few items that are not likely to be features in my life journey come 2018; would that also be categorized as a New Year resolution? i think it’s more like “lifelong resolution”. Vibes are critical; they should be given all the attention required. Be conscious of who gets into your personal space and why, negative energy is simply negative, period.
Seriously though, I advocate for moderation, party, eat, wine and dine moderately, yes it’s not the longest of holidays, but it’s okay to not overindulge. I’m a tad bit unconventional with certain issues, most likely my Christmas and post-Christmas, would be what it has never failed to be since I attained my self-realisation stage; introspection! (Please don’t borrow a leaf, it can be boringly unconventional), maybe a cup or two of wine will get into the mix, just for good measure.
In 8 days, God willing, 2018 will be upon us. I look forward to the New Year with little expectations (expectations are pranksters) and huge determination to rival myself, in many different aspects of my life. Most importantly, I’d love to be one of my own life’s activity spectators in 2018 and several dozens of decades to come, that’s not a strategy, more like a prayer.
As 2017 winds down, I thought to take a moment to say massive thank you, to everyone who stood by me and believed in me even when I had no iota of belief in myself. To everyone who created virtual pitfalls…those pitfalls jostled me to a self-realisation journey; thanks, whatever happens in Rome stays in Rome…no baggage from the old and dying 2017 is stepping into the about- to- be born 2018. A special thanks to my personal manager, Blondie, you brought a refreshing perspective to what I thought life entailed, kindly remind me to always say THANK YOU every morning. I also made friends with an amazing person towards the end of the year; now I know we find friendships in unexpected places. So, I may not have bought that Bugatti Veyron, nor have gotten a mansion in La Zagaleta, but I’m thankful for those little things that didn’t seem much, but aggregated to an awesome unit of blessings.
Folks, merry but please do that responsibly, pay attention to discretion. Let’s do it again in twenty eighteen. From a place of love and gratitude, I wish every sane soul on this planet, the happiest of holidays and an accomplishment-filled 2018.
Kisses and hugs.
