2022 has been one hell of a year, especially for Nigerians living in Nigeria (me! #smirks). On the same note, it’s been my favorite year so far, for a lot of reasons.
The first draft of this piece was over 3000 words, I had to create a shorter version for this post. I hope you enjoy reading me packing 360 days into a 6min read 😃
Since 2015, I have built a habit of writing down my goals at the beginning of every year, checking in every quarter, and at the end of the year, reviewing my life by putting it down in writing, I like to write a ‘yearly piece’, as I love to call it. I love to document my ups and downs throughout the year, as well as the lessons I’ve learned.
Unlike every year, at the beginning of 2022, I didn’t set any goal to achieve in 2022. I just wanted to live my life without the pressure of unachieved goals screaming at me from the first page of my journal, which like my notes app, I do not go a day without using.
I selected my major unachieved goals in the past years and thought it was time to achieve this. I also created short-term, and long-term goals for myself, as well as, monthly, and weekly goals, sometimes attainable, sometimes not.
Here is a screenshot of my weekly goal
This year though, my yearly piece wouldn’t be for my consumption alone. There is a lot of other content privately in my draft, let’s not add this.
Firstly, I did a lot of learning, unlearning, and re-learning this year. A lot! Philosophically, socially, emotionally, e,t,c… I could swear I believe in a policy right now, and in 24 hours, I would think the better option is the completely opposite one.
Although like a law I am yet to fully grasp the entirety, it was like the universe was waiting for me to record a huge Win, and then there is Lost patiently waiting next in line. I was always prepared. Usually, after the L, I would get discouraged, and just take the next available road in my head to depression, alcohol, or quitting totally. However, it’s totally different now, I’ve come to understand the concept of the rocky nature of life.
In 2020, I got to work on another part of myself (decided to start being nice intentionally), It was honestly a lot of work for me. I think I overdid it because, at a point, I suddenly realized around the early part of 2022, I didn’t know how to say no to people anymore, I started to work on that immediately after I noticed (still working on it).
I sure as hell don’t have all the answers to every question I’ve been searching for. I do not even have my life figured out to a significant extent. I’m not where I want to be, and even though sometimes, something in my head doesn’t quite agree with me. I’m not where I was yesterday.
If I am grateful for nothing, then maybe friends is spelled nothing. Fortunately for me, I’m not one of those people who are unfortunate with friends. I have people that were there for me at every point in my life, I mean every point!
That’s something I may never be able to repay because why care so much about a nonchalant person like myself?
I have a personal saying that my cousin always discourages me from yapping, but I wouldn’t listen (I am yet to work on being stubborn. I still am). But, I say all the time that I do not deserve the friends I have. They are good people.
I have Tolu if I need someone to listen to me or gossip with.
Summmyyyyy! She’s been a blessing, from career to personal development… of course, and humor
Ibukunoluwa also had a pretty rough year, but wouldn’t hesitate to pick my call if I needed her for one reason or the other… or even had to pay just for me to change my hair.
Dejareee is usually the first person I run to when I mess up, he has never judged me,
Don’t even get me started on Debbs or Olawumi!
Shoutout to Temi who I allowed to date my friend, but ended up breaking her heart, but we could remain friends.
Amaka would be mad if her name doesn’t appear.
There are a lot of people of great value who have significantly added to making 2022 such an eventful year for me. The mentors who believed in me, corrected me, advised me, professionally and personally,acquaintances... to name a very few.
On another note, the breakfast (rejection mail) I received this year is enough to last me for a lifetime.
The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learnt in 2022
- I shouldn’t pay much attention to my losses, and neither should I get discouraged by them. There is no harm in trying.
- I can’t keep learning without practice. I will start working on personal projects in 2023.
- Mentorship is quite important in my choice of career path.
- Networking as well!
- Do not shy away from things - Do it irrespective of how you think it’s going to turn out, the reception, or other syndromes.
- Consistency.
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Reminiscing on my romantic life this year makes me cringe, I got carried away and got emotionally vulnerable. I don’t even know how. However, luckily for me, I don’t live with regrets. It was an entirely new experience for me, but at least, I know I’m not special now.
As a result, I knew right away that I had to take new precautions to protect myself. A lot of my beliefs have changed too.
Nothing special. I was let down by people and disrespected in one way or another, life threw lemons at me, and I did not even dare to make lemonades. Sometimes though, I made lemonade.
I’ve been sad, I’ve been happy, I’ve been drunk, I’ve cried, I’ve made people laugh, I’ve pissed people off (I could be annoying af), I’ve made friends, enemies, and acquaintances. However, most importantly, I’ve grown.
On a final note, the best advice I have received this year came from one of my favorite persons. she said and I quote, "Queen, you have built your walls too high, be careful not to get stuck in it. You won't be able to get out if you do"
I thought about it literally, and I see it's quite deep. I'm yet to fathom or understand that statement but I'm definitely working on it. I do not mind an explanation, if you understand that word of advice.
Again, I ask myself if 2022 is a W or L for me?
I can not wait to read about your 2022, and goals for 2023 🤗
Thanks for reading