2023: Cheers To The Survivors!
As we end the year, we might as well go out dancing to "Party" by Master KG ft Lebb Simons & Makhadzi - https://open.spotify.com/track/5hy36nE094rb2JvdWR8TBa?si=053d0cd970754d09
For what it’s worth, this is an appreciative post. Don’t be fooled by the title. I do have a lot to be grateful for in the year 2023. It was awesome. I made amazing friends. I published two short story collections, the latest of which you can buy here. I also discovered a little bit about myself. I learned to be more accepting of life’s punches as opposed to trying hard to weave and bob my way out of them.
Truth is, this year, a lot went into me learning to be at rock bottom and seeing if I had the guts to survive it. Well, here we are. I survived another 365 days. I survived many thanks to the amazing human beings I call friends, family, and acquaintances. And the best part of this: they survived too. And in all honesty, that is my biggest takeaway this year: that in 2023, I and those I care about and love dearly survived together. We made it despite all the odds.
The Survivors
Tomi, my love, made a killing in work this year. She did this despite a lot of emotional and physical concerns that threatened her peace and health.
Ibrahim clocked one plus year of marriage. He also took a chance on getting back to his short story writing ways despite the looming threat of rejections.
Tobore thrived in love despite the distance between him and the love of his life. He’d probably rub it in my face, but I think lover boy won the jackpot.
Kwame thrived as a fresh-faced PhD boss. When others are running from academia, this young man is embracing it —too warmly, if you ask me.
Ade, my younger brother, survived the frustrations of life after graduation. Promises were made and broken, but he remains steadfast.
Irete, my younger sister, survived a job loss. She now thrives in finding her footing in a new role with the hope of better to come.
Sylvanus survived the many throes and pitfalls of the NYSC program. He found solace in friendship and his burgeoning faith.
My parents survived another year of the many uncertainties that come with aging. Yet, they still were the best support system for all of their children.
Rotimi survived Nigeria and thrived in his happy solace of solitude while being open to love and the bliss of faith. More importantly, he stayed true to himself.
Cynthia survived anxiety, worry, and the overaching anyhowness of life. She made memories worth remembering with friends.
Halima survived her unnerving worries about her life and found her voice and strength. Also, she aced a professional exam —go girl!
Uchenna survived Nigeria and the strenuous process of the japa wave. Now mans enjoying the adventures of the UK.
Odera survived the same japa hustle too. He now thrives where there’s snow in December and the maple leaf adorns the flag.
Ifedolapo survived those headaches from hell. She also thrived at her job while managing to still put out her dope newsletters.
Esther survived and thrived. She earned her Masters degree like it was nothing; then chose to stun and stunt like the Ugandan goddess that she is.
Viola thrived in finding her own pocket of happiness and love. She also made sure her loved ones join in on the fun too.
Rizqah survived moving to a new country and the harshness of the winter weather. She also found a way to love me from afar. 🤭
Peter survived his bevy of beautiful women in Nigeria. Then like a boss, he found more of them to thrive with in the abroad as well. (My mentor!)
Zhay survived juggling school, work, and tough nights. Despite this, she still found a little bit of time to be creative and open to the experience of life.
Papa and Mama Kobi (IJ & Urch) thrived in work and school, respectively. They also managed to raise an amazing kid while they were at it.
Oluchukwu survived a broken heart, silent tears, and a toxic work environment. She found her peace in her evocative and thriving art.
Adebola survived not coming to Nigeria for Detty December. (I know if he reads this he will definitely curse me out 😂)
Jennifer survived. Adaeze survived. Mowunmi survived. Bukunmi survived. Maurice survived. Dennis survived. Samuel survived. Precious survived. Iseun survived. The list goes on.
And So It Goes…
..that I survived because they survived. Even better is the fact that in each of them, I recognized the immutable desire to not just survive but to thrive. So, while not everyone of my dear friends, family, and acquaintances may have thrived in this past year, without a doubt in my heart, I am confident that 2024 might just be their year —our year.
So, cheers to that!
Here, here!