Fresh Start

In my culture, as long as we see each other for the first time in the year, we exchange compliments of the new year unprovoked. It may seem unusual to some, but yeah, cultures differ. So, with that said, let me seize this moment to say: Happy New Year to you all, happy 2025!

It feels surreal to be typing this as I sit on my bed with the laptop on my lap because, at some point, I thought I would never return to blogging. Life has been a rollercoaster since I have been off blogging, and it feels good to be back after such a long break. Here I am, standing in awe of God’s goodness over my life. Looking back, I could tell you so much that it would take a full Netflix series to unpack the whole journey. All I can say is I have been served, loved, transformed, and renewed. Growth has been my priority, and I’ve embraced the beauty of becoming at ease with myself.

Why the hiatus?

Sometimes you have to step back to move forward – Anonymous.

My break from blogging was quite unplanned, stretching for nearly two years, Chile! It all began after the June 2023 Afro Bloggers Festival, where I had posted content daily for 25 days. What was meant to be a short break extended into months, then a year, and before I knew it, two years had flown by. I also felt like my creative juices had not been flowing as they should. So, I kept postponing my return.

When I finally attempted a comeback, I discovered that most of my content had been deleted. Since I had no backups and my hosting service only retained inactive accounts for three months, I lost everything. Posts, subscribers, views, and drafts are gone like the morning mist. But instead of dwelling on the loss, I embraced the opportunity for a fresh start. And I am loving every moment.

Lessons from the journey

Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again – Proverbs 24:16.

Despite the setbacks, I have gained more than I lost. I recalibrated in areas that were lacking substance, prioritized what truly mattered, and found a deep sense of purpose. Restoration is a process, and one must be willing to walk through it. Now, there is a great sense of clarity. I understand who I am, why I am here on earth, and how vital it is to let God lead. Life is indeed spiritual. This realization has been a guiding force as I continue to seek Christ, allowing Him to reveal Himself more profoundly to me. Today, my soul is lighter, and my spirit is at peace. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

Do not be afraid to start over.

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new – Socrates.

One thing, I learned is that nothing changes in life unless you do. If you keep postponing change, time won’t wait for you. Before you know it, years will pass, and you will be left with regret, wondering why you didn’t start sooner. It will be very challenging, and at that time you have more other things to squeeze into your life. Start now before it is too late. God’s plans are the ones that prevail all the time. Starting over is scary, but “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

Can we talk about those many plans? You see, it is out of those many plans that only His plans will prevail. I believe it is worthwhile to make those plans and take action on them, with the assurance that your plans are not in vain, and His plans only concerning your life will prevail.

New Year, New Me?

To my ‘New Year, New Me’ squad, where are you at? I see you! I hope you are aware that it is February. Take intentional steps and act on them, or else you will still be singing the same song next year, the same rhythm, no harmony. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), so let’s align our words with action and see God move.

(You may also check, About)

Reflections

If there is one thing I value, it is transparency, maybe too much! Losing my dad in November 2024 was a defining moment. Oh, very sad and one of the hard times of 2024. However, his passing ushered me into a deeper level of maturity and forgiveness. Painful as it was, it became a teachable season that reshaped my perspective on life. I have a lot to say about this part of my life, for now, let’s park the car here for later posts.

Reintroducing myself to the world

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream – C.S. Lewis.

This is my official, ‘I am back!’ moment, and I hope you’ll welcome me into your space once again. Whether you’re a returning reader or new here, I can’t wait to connect with you. I love meeting new people, and I’m confident this platform will help me to do just that. If you need a friend, confidant, shoulder to cry on, vent buddy, faith-based buddy, Bible study friend, prayer partner, and a sister, oh boy, I got you!!

So, tell me, which friend do you need me to be for you? Drop a comment below. And do not forget to like, share, and subscribe.

From my heart to yours.

Cheers!