Hello friends,
How are you? How are things? Are you enjoying the holidays? Is work a little bearable ( for those who are still working like I am)? How are your family and the ones you hold dear to heart?
Well, it’s almost 2024 and I want to check in with my lovely readers. I apologize for the silence lately; this is life’s fault because I was doing everything possible to stay above water. The waves didn’t overpower me, thankfully. That is why I’m writing to thank every single one of you for staying and supporting me. I do not take your love for granted.
The year will be over in less than 24 hours. Everywhere you turn, everyone’s giving a review of the year, making a “what I achieved in 2023” lessons list, posting pictures of places travelled to, fitness goals achieved, marriages, proposals ( this past week, it was almost as if a trumpet blew from heaven that the last person to get married or engaged is unworthy of love finding them in this life), relocation etc. essentially good news and there are people who feel numb because 2023 was a tough year.
Your feelings about the hard year are valid, it may seem like the sun is setting on you but, you have life and there can always be a change. Do not give up! Restrategize, plan better, seek help ( in your career, family or any area that feels hopeless), pray and hold strong to the people who love, see and appreciate your existence. 2024 will be much better!
I will keep this as short as possible. As always the books have to come first.
2023 in books…
The pictures tell the stories of the pages that kept me company through 2023. I discovered new-to-me authors like Kia Abdulah and Ashley Poston; read interesting debut novels and delved into the YA genre. I couldn't do the ‘Read the blacklist’ of Lisa See, Kennedy Ryan and Elif Shafak challenge I put up in January (I bought the books). There is still time!
The books I loved were the following;
Reel by Kennedy Ryan: Ms Ryan makes you work hard for a happy ending. She explored chronic illness, loss of a parent, resilience, forgiveness and pure love.
Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai: Historical fiction about the tragedy of the Vietnam War in the lives of two sisters.
The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar: A bake-off show featuring young children.
Next of Kin by Kia Abdulah: How far would you go for the ones you love? This tells the story of two sisters who are torn apart because of a death: electrifying courtroom drama and mindblowing twists.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: Elizabeth Zott, a chemist hosts a cooking show where she encourages women to pursue their dreams in 1960s America
If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga: An unnamed Egyptian-American woman travels to Cairo to “find” herself and ends up entangled with a boy from Shobrekit who envies and resents her life. I enjoyed the experimental writing form used in this book.
2023 in life lessons…
This year taught me the importance of standing on business( a slang that means firmness or assertiveness in all doings) in anything I’m involved in. It was hard but I knew what needed to be done and I stuck through it.
Friendships are important in this life; what’s equally important is to have uncomfortable conversations with your friends. It shows genuine care for the relationships.
You can be the villain in someone’s life. As much as we don’t want it to happen when it does, have the courage to admit it and act accordingly.
Do not let friendship fall-outs or heartbreak change the core of your person. It is easy to become cynical and decide not to be kind or good rather than staying true to yourself. Even though these events hurt, here’s something I learned earlier in the year that prepared me for the eventual fall-outs; “you haven’t met all the people whom you’re going to love or those who will love you.” It was hard dealing with the hurt at the beginning but towards the end of the year, I was given the gift of friendships again and they have enveloped me in the warmest embrace.
Do not be afraid to be vulnerable with the people you love. People may see it as a weakness but, I have come to fully embrace my vulnerability and it is a wholesome feeling.
It can’t be me but, what if it is you? Think about it!
Apart from life’s lessons, I learned new things about myself such as my growing interest in home interior decor, art, jewellery, solo dates, fragrances, recipes and meditation.
What’s something new you discovered about yourself this year? Sit, think and write them down. If they made you happy, do them more in the coming year!
Alright, this is it! We’ve got a few more hours till 2024 and I hope it is a wonderful year for you and the people you love. Thank you for everything!
xoxo
Ebele