Flip the pages.

Grateful for the small things, big things and everything in between.

The end of the year comes with a silent but intense feeling of optimism that the coming year be much better than the last. We can only hope.

Christmas

And for the first time in xx years, Christmas felt like Christmas. 

There was no Christmas tree or any decoration of that sort around the house. Heck, I didn't go home until the night before Christmas Eve. Nothing symbolized the festive season but for the first time since I had to grow up, I allowed myself to experience the feeling of Christmas. 

This Christmas, I did everything to feel the season.

I wore a cute gown.

I watched Christmas-themed movies. 

I designed a cute, personalised card and sent it to my friends. 

I got myself a Christmas present.

I got gifts from my siblings. 

I ate lots of food. 

I danced to praise music. 

I spoke to an old friend. 

I avoided all visitors. Adult! Yayyyy. (I’ve been doing this for the longest time but this year, my mum didn’t even stress it or beg me).

I didn’t do unnecessary chores. Soft day, fr. 

Over here, traditions will be upheld to me, for me and by me. 

λυπημένη (lypimeni)

A year ago, I never in my wildest dreams expected 2024 to unfold the way it did. A lot of good things happened, and bad things too. 

Some feelings are too profound to be expressed, yet too significant to be silenced. 

I went through it, this year. I was crippled at a point. I fell over and over again. I fell to the point where it became funny to even myself. Overnight, laughing became a coping mechanism. 

At midnight, when I was settled at the feet of my bed with nothing but a human-sized shadow resting beside me, I learnt to hold my hands and wipe my tears. I woke up giving myself pep talks to get through the day. I walked through the day holding my falling pieces together, as close as I could. 

Ws

• A year and a trigger later, I processed the loss of people whose bonds were almost as close as family. 

• I saw my vision board, through. 

• I am loving every part there is to me. Even the ugliest sides. 

• I forgave and forgot. 

• I prioritized myself. 

• I started writing, again. 

• I had over 2k reads in all my blogs combined. 

• I stayed consistent with my quiet time and devotion. 

• I gave my service to the young girls' community. 

• I experienced the Hallelujah Challenge. 

I can’t record all my wins. But I’ll keep counting my blessings.

2024 Wrapped

Spotify wrapped, Snap wrapped, X wrapped. 

Now, Arewa Wrapped for the year 2024. 

January, I took a liking to African books. 

February, SRC stressed me. I experienced hair loss (my locs). I started this blog page. 

March, I took my intentionality to another level and planned two friends' birthdays. 

April, SRC stressed me, but I made life-long friendship connections. 

May, I got certified as a Digital Marketer (I am unemployed, btw and actively searching). I also got to educate young girls on Menstrual Health Management. 

June, I was in a very dark place. 

July, I started my final year vlogging on TikTok and IG. Content creation? In sight. 

August, I created content with great people in my team. I experienced school fees drive at university. 

September, my teammate made it a lot more special. 

October, I processed a hurt of about a year. I let go. 

November, I went to events outside of my usual. 

December, I was outside, inside and intentional about doing things for myself.

Alone not lonely.

Things I unlearned this year

Waiting on people. Expectations. Attachment. Holding on. Empathy burnout. Talking when I don’t feel like it. Shalaye. Getting bothered on others' behalf. Thinking of myself last. Humans. Digesting content on social media. Fixing what I did not break. Apologizing for healthy boundaries. 

While I have a lot of things to unlearn, I am more aware than ever before.

Things I learned this year

God. Myself. Support of family. Friendships do not have to feel like a stub on the toe. Letting go. Observing. The art of silence. Seasons. Efforts. The present. Thanksgiving. 

Growth

2025, I’ll write extensively on this. 

School

Final year szn! God is in control, always. 

Spirituality 

I found God. I didn’t find God sitting among the brethren. 

I found God with tears running down my cheeks. 

I found God with my heart clenching. 

I found God in the darkest place. 

I found God sitting on my balcony at 2:00am. 

I found God holding my hands. 

I found God in bible verses. 

I found God in the sermons. 

I found God through the Holy Spirit. 

This year, I attended church service more. On some Sundays I couldn’t go, I made sure to stream the service. 

Friendship

Even roses have thorns. 

Wrapped, with love. 

It’s you, always.

This year, I was tested more than ever. I lost a lot but also won. I doubted myself. I cried. I laughed. I learned. I lived. I loved. But most importantly, I am still here. 

Thank you for patiently reading. I pray 2025 be soft, for you. 

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