Grateful Fridays: Reflecting on Life, Nature, and Little Moments

Fridays have a natural charm, don’t they? There’s this calm, positive aura that comes with the day, as if the universe decided to press the “relax and rejuvenate” button. Add a holiday vibe to the mix, and it’s nothing short of bliss.

Today, I find myself brimming with gratitude for the little things like my plant. Yes, my humble, ever-resilient plant! Watching it blossom daily, even with minimal care and light, is a reminder of life’s quiet miracles. Yesterday, I didn’t even bother to take it outside for some sun, yet here it is, thriving. Occasionally, some leaves die off to make way for new growth. Isn’t that a metaphor for life?

It made me reflect: we are here today, but tomorrow is never guaranteed. Our ancestors have moved on, paving the way for us, just as one day we’ll make space for the generations to come. Imagine if everyone from history our forefathers, the Prophets, Hitler were alive today. The world would be one crowded, chaotic place! Nature, in its infinite wisdom, balances itself beautifully. Sure, we try to “assist” sometimes, but more often than not, we disrupt. Think of GMOs, chemical overuse, and other so-called innovations. Creativity is a blessing, no doubt, but wouldn’t it be nice if we set boundaries to ensure balance?

Fridays also bring a sense of rekindling relationships. For Muslims, it’s a day of connection reaching out to loved ones, spending quality time, and reflecting. I’m immensely grateful to witness another Friday, another chance to connect, love, and be loved.

Cooking with Gratitude and a New Twist on Yam

Today, I decided to cook in the most natural way no MSG, just pure, wholesome spices. I boiled yam with cinnamon, coriander, curry, thyme, and a sprinkle of cloves (let’s call it “follow spice”). Then, I fried it up to create my own version of golden yam with a unique vibe. To complement this masterpiece, I whipped up a pepper sauce, adding a touch of kpomo and beef for extra flavour. All praise to Almighty for the mercy of provision and the creativity to come up with this new twist on yam!

Feel free to try out my recipe you’ll love it. Cooking this way reminded me of the beauty of simplicity. Sometimes, all you need are basic ingredients, a little creativity, and a dash of gratitude to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fitness, Focus, and Funny Mishaps

Fitness has become my sacred space, a lifestyle that keeps me grounded. For me, it’s not one of those “New Year, New Me” things. No, fitness is my daily prayer, a ritual that rejuvenates my body and soul. Today, I am especially grateful for the discipline to keep up with it.

Here’s where things get funny. Picture this: I was on my way to exercise, completely in the zone, calculating how many kilometres I could cover before the sun turned into a merciless fireball. The bike I took gave me a change of ₦600. Did I notice? Nope! My mind was already sprinting ahead to my workout. Later, mid-run, it hit me I didn’t even check the change properly. Cue a replay in my memory: the bike guy muttered something to me, but I was too distracted to listen.

Now, before you jump to conclusions and say, “He took advantage of you,” let’s be fair. Yes, he did, but I also bear responsibility. I wasn’t mindful enough to double-check. This little incident reminded me how amazing our memory is. It’s like our brain’s version of AI storing, replaying, and processing moments. Unlike AI, though, it doesn’t delete anything permanently; it just blocks out hurtful moments to protect us.

Lessons from Memory and Mindfulness

This experience taught me a lot about mindfulness. How often do we rush through life, so consumed by our plans that we forget to be present? My memory played back the moment for me like a highlight reel, showing me where I could’ve done better. It also reminded me of how our actions, no matter how small, leave an imprint on others. That bike guy probably didn’t think twice about short-changing me, but the feeling lingered.

Similarly, the way we treat others matters. Words, gestures, and actions positive or negative are never forgotten. They settle somewhere in our minds, shaping our feelings and relationships. That’s why kindness is so important. Be it a smile, a compliment, or just genuine attention, these little acts go a long way.

Nature’s Balance and Human Creativity

Circling back to nature, I can’t help but marvel at how it balances itself despite our meddling. My plant, for instance, grows and sheds, adapts, and thrives without any fancy fertilizers or interventions. It’s a gentle nudge to trust the process of life. Sure, we’re creative beings, but creativity should complement nature, not compete with it. Imagine if we focused more on eco-friendly innovations clean energy, sustainable farming, and biodegradable materials.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There’s a lot of hope in the world, and every Friday feels like a fresh start to make things better.

Wrapping Up with Gratitude

As I reflect on this Friday, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for:

The calm, positive energy that Fridays bring.

My resilient plant, a symbol of life’s ability to adapt and grow.

The wisdom of nature in balancing itself.

The creativity to cook a wholesome, MSG-free yam dish that’s both delicious and healthy.

My hairstylist, who is a creative gem.

My fitness journey, which keeps me grounded and strong.

My memory, a superpower that replays, reminds, and helps me learn.

The opportunity to connect with loved ones and share moments of joy.

Gratitude is a practice, not a one-time event. So here’s my challenge for you: take a moment today to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Write it down, share it with a friend, or simply whisper it to yourself. Let gratitude be your lens as you navigate life’s ups and downs.

Call to Action

Now, over to you! What are you grateful for this Friday? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me if you’re writing your own gratitude post. Let’s spread positivity and inspire each other. Remember, no gratitude is too small it’s the little things that make life beautiful.

Here’s to more Fridays filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Cheers!