Seated at Boston Logan as I write this. Waiting for my friend whose flight got delayed to get here. We haven't seen each other for years, but speak almost every week. For the first time in a long time, I not only got to the airport in good time but alas, my flight got here early as well. After taking the past few weeks off, I feel grounded. And I love it here.
Anyway, I turn 29 in exactly seven days and I feel really good about it. One of the things I do several times a year is write a letter to myself, especially around big transitions and always on my birthday. Sometimes, it's my original writing, other times it's 3rd parties’ writing and other times it's a combination of both, with my own special ka - commentary. Given that I have the time, the platform and the right mind space, I figured that I could pen this down here.
Truism - A phrase or statement, so sensible and worthy that hits the right spot just when you need it to. Also, a statement you believe or know to be true. - June Okal
Imagine it's not a must!
You have to try really hard to fail.
Imagine, you'll just be fine.
If it's yours, it's yours.
Be nice, be good at what you do and have the right networks.
There will always be people better and worse off than you.
Whether you believe it or not, the world is unfolding just as it should.
You got this.
Vulnerability is sexy.
Focus on the facts.
Make the best decisions with the information you have.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Proximity buddies are a thing and that’s just fine.
When you know, you know.
If you work hard and give it everything you got and give it everything, tomorrow will be better than today.
Your job is to make your boss look good.
You got you.
Wat en wat.
Criticize in private, praise in public.
It’s possible for two things to be true at the same time.
A to do list and sticky note on the door will make you a less forgetful packer when travelling.
Industry and frugality.
Mind the business that pays you - the most.
Loyalty is to yourself.
Whenever in doubt, pick the one that gives you the most options.
Ask: does this make me better, does it bring me joy, does it make me money? If no, I don’t make the time for it.
Suffering is overrated - grossly.
She doing her thing tho!
When people tell you of their experiences or show you who they are, believe them. Listen keenly, pay attention to their words, what they say, their tone, their actions.
When it’s all said and done, in Morrie’s words, …
"It's very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you'd always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Ageing is not just decay, you know. It's growth. (Cue in Insecure Gif)
I spend a lot of time on YouTube. I really do believe that there is nothing new under the sun, and that all you need to do is either pick up a book, ask someone or watch a YouTube video on it. (Sneaked another truism in there ;-))
Njoki Chege and Rookie KE have a candid conversation video on family and social relations black tax, careers, transitions here. I legit feel like this 36 minutes weren't enough and there needs to be a sequel but oh well, we take what we get. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Here’s to, “Embracing Aging”.
Happy New Week!