As I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by darkness and silence, I’m reminded of the journey I’m still trying to navigate. Once a self-proclaimed night owl, I’ve gradually transformed into an early riser, embracing the quiet morning hours to gather my thoughts and set intentions for the day.
The clock reads 5:40 am—a time when the world is still asleep, but I’m wide awake, ready to start my day. This wasn’t always my routine; in fact, I used to be a night owl, clinging to the late hours, uncertain and hesitant about the dawn. But life has a way of nudging us to grow, and I’m learning to embrace these early hours, where the silence helps me find clarity amidst the noise of life’s uncertainties.
As I wait for the water to boil, I reflect on how far I’ve come—still a work in progress, but moving forward nonetheless. From a young girl who once watched her siblings rush out the door, dressed in their corporate attire, wondering what adulthood would hold, to now being that young adult, navigating her journey with all its complexities. The world I once imagined is now the reality I face every day, full of lessons that come not just from successes but from missteps along the way.
I’ve come to find strength in the stillness, in the moments when I’m alone with my thoughts. My faith and imperfect strides push me forward, even when I stumble. I’m learning that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line—it’s messy, and filled with setbacks and doubts. But each mistake is a lesson, a chance to rise again, a little wiser and a bit stronger.
There’s something comforting about reflecting on the simple truths life has taught me so far. I’ve realized that comparing my journey to those of others, even my siblings, doesn’t serve me. We each grow within the limits of what we see and know, shaped by our unique experiences. Life, I’m learning, is best appreciated in small, mindful moments—tiny slices of time where you find peace, even if it’s fleeting.
Living in a city like Lagos, where the hustle never stops and the chaos is constant, I’m still finding my way. But even in this imperfect city, there’s a kind of beauty that comes with embracing the chaos and learning to find your peace amidst it all. Sometimes I still wonder if there’s more to life than this daily grind—if there’s a bigger picture I’m missing. But I’m slowly accepting that the journey itself is the destination. Each step forward, no matter how uncertain, brings me closer to discovering who I’m becoming.
