14 Aug Birthday Reflections: My Biggest Lessons of 24

Birthday reflections always happen days before my birthday and honestly, it gets overwhelming.

It’s a few days to my 25th birthday and although I am elated by this day with the gifts, texts and calls, it is usually a day of reflections on my journey, failures and accomplishments.

This year is a bit different as I would be telling you a little bit of my biggest lessons so far, I mean it’s my silver jubilee so why not? And by the way, I got the inspiration to write this from a Blogger I found out about last week called Emma, check her out here: https://www.emmasedition.com/2020/02/biggest-lessons-of-27.html

I am amazed at how much I was able to do this year. Finally moved into a new apartment. I travelled to Ghana for the first time, I fell in love. Became a freelancer and launched my blog as a full-on website. Pretty good huh

Well, with all the highs, came moments I thought were my lowest which made me cry so much. I got angry at God and screamed loudly out of fear.

HERE ARE MY BIGGEST LESSONS OF 24

1. I AM STRONGER THAN I THINK

My theme for the just-ended year would be ‘strong and perseverance’. Because I really showed myself that my capacities and strength are much more than I ever imagined. and that really is my biggest reflection.

2. I WEAR MANY HATS AND THAT’S OKAY

I used to feel really guilty when I first noticed my interest in entertainment. I’m multi-talented and developed an interest in art since I was a kid, so I love music(started off writing music a few years ago), I love telling stories, I love acting, I’m an activist and I am very vocal about my thoughts(which is why I started my blog).

Someone had told me a few years back that I needed to focus on one ‘you cannot be all, you’re just forcing it at this point’ and the sad part was believed that…but not anymore. I am who I am and I am striving today because of all my talents so I cannot dim my light for anyone.

3. IT IS CRAZY SCARY TO TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS

This year I resigned from my first paying job as an Administrator to become a Writer. It was scary getting hired for the first time as a writer as I’ve only done and written for myself and personal blog. Not only did I get employed as a Writer, but a few months ago, I became a freelancer and I’m joggling over two jobs presently.

This is my business now. Writing and Creating Content and every day I am learning out of fear but because I enjoy it so much, I am sticking with it.

4. PEOPLE WOULD ONLY TAKE YOU AS SERIOUSLY AS YOU TAKE YOURSELF

One thing I’ve learnt about being a creative and a businesswoman, it is the power of branding. It shows prospective clients that you value yourself and this also translates to my personal relationship. However, I treat myself and other people would be used on me as well, so creating boundaries is very essential.

5. SELF LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS PRETTY

We hear a lot of relationship coaches say “love yourself, be yourself”. And then you think that’s a good thing, must be nice to repeat those words and sound brilliant right?

Well, I tried that, I have tried to love myself by getting to know what ticks me off, what I enjoy, why I enjoy them, my toxic traits and all that makes me who I am and let me tell you, it isn’t pleasant.

It is so easy to preach self-love but what if you do not like what you find out in the process?

So if you’re planning on joining me on this journey, please be prepared to find some hard truths about yourself because you would get to see just how shitty of a person you are. But you know what? I am loving myself regardless because I would rather be me than any other person.

6. GOD IS MY EVERYTHING

I have gotten closer to God in the past year that the lockdown of churches really affected me. There’s something magical about being in the same room with people who believe in the same thing as you. God has been there for me even in moments I had the darkest thoughts and couldn’t stop crying.
God is literally my everything.

7. I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO CONTROL MY EXPECTATIONS

On the condition I had died this year, Lagos vendors and delivery services most definitely would’ve been responsible. I got so disappointed at some point that I couldn’t utter a word and that is something I need to control. I shouldn’t have to pay physically and emotionally for things that are out of my power.

I’m also learning how to control my expectations other people in my life as related to how they act and it is helping me manage my anxiety even better

8. I’M NOT THE BEST AT HANDLING FINANCE BUT I AM GETTING THERE

It takes a lot to admit your weakness especially openly. I have written about my experiences with finance and how I am overcoming it. Here it is in case you missed it https://goldgerry.com/?s=financially+reckless

This year, I have made two investments so far, I have little savings and I’m on the right track. Still learning how to spend less but that’s okay.

9. I NEED TO CUT MYSELF SOME SLACK

If you have met me, you would know I am not in competition or comparison with anyone. Except for one girl and her name is Gold Gerry. That girl really be doing too much and I can’t keep up at times.

Some days I feel like I’m not doing enough, other days I just feel lazy. Sometimes this helps me get out of bed but not acknowledging my work, and effort has become an unhealthy practice.

Looked at my 2020 goal list a few days ago and I had accomplished over 70% of what is on my list. So this is a reminder that even little victory is a win and I need to appreciate myself enough.

10. I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT MY FUTURE

Now if you ask me what is your future about, I don’t know. I’ve never quite been able to answer the ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years question’. But what I know for sure is I’m going to be doing what makes me happy.
Constantly creating content for blogs and tv, and I would be surrounded by love.

I am excited about my potential. I am excited about new collaborations. Really looking forward to how much I have to offer using my platform for my 25th year.

Thank you for reading.

Please share with me some of your lessons of 24 or the age you are celebrating this year