Hey there, friends!
I remember when I used to work a regular 9-5 job in Lagos, my sister-in-law (who worked at a bank) would sneak up on me, and in this booming, deep voice, she'd say, "Ye, tomorrow is Monday!" It was so dramatic that it would send me into a mini panic. And for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why I was freaking out about Mondays! I didn’t have the same crazy deadlines as she did, so I had no reason to stress. But somehow, her anxiety would rub off on me, and I’d find myself getting sucked into this pre-week pity-party. I started realizing this wasn’t a healthy cycle, so one day when she came at me with her usual Monday mantra, I told her to leave me out of it! We both laughed about this years later, after we both left the 9-5 grind and became entrepreneurs.
This brings me to my topic today: sometimes, we carry other people’s problems as if they’re our own. I mentioned earlier how I would stress over Mondays, even though I had no reason to. It’s like when you take sides in a fight that has nothing to do with you, just to show support. Or when you dislike someone simply because your partner doesn’t like them. It’s so easy to get involved in someone else’s battle when you’re not even part of it.
This past week, I made a conscious decision to try something new instead of just going with someone else’s opinion. I’d been hearing mixed reviews about a place, and I had spent years avoiding it. But then, I got curious after doing some research and decided to check it out for myself, because, what if I like it? So, I dragged the usual suspects, and we set off for the place. And guess what? We had an amazing time! Everyone had their own take on it, but the overall experience was great. As we were leaving, I asked the crew what they thought, and we all agreed we’d definitely go back!
Can you believe I’d avoided this place for three whole years, all because of someone else’s review? Granted, this person is someone whose opinion I trust, but we are different people. If I hadn’t gone, I would’ve never known what I was missing. It got me thinking—how many times have I passed on something, a place, or even a person, because someone else gave it a ‘meh’? What if I liked it? What if it spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect?
From now on, I’m curating my own experiences. If I want to try something new or go somewhere, I’m going to do it! Not because I’m being rebellious, but because I want to experience life for myself. As Natasha Bedingfield said, "The rest is still unwritten." So, why not discover it and share my journey along the way?
Before we wrap up, I’ve got to ask—what hobbies have you picked up lately? Have you tried anything new? I’ve gone back to reading fiction! I’m working on finishing a book I started last week—not because it’s boring, but because life (and work!) keeps getting in the way. But it’s been great to get back to old habits, and I’m loving it!
Have you ever passed on an experience or a friendship just because of someone else's opinion? Or have you stepped out and tried something new, and liked it? Or did you try something new, and it was epic fail? I'd really love to hear about your own experience(s), let me know in the comments!
Just remember, life is too short to limit yourself based on other people's feelings, opinions and fears. Create your own path and write your own story! I'm learning to step outside the boundaries set by well-meaning people and take that icy-cold plunge! Life's magic is in the details, so I'm embracing every season and moment along the way. Till we catch up again, I'm sending you love, light, and all the warmth this week! Stay true to yourself!
In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
Forever,
Emaleecious!
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