Fresh page

 The sunrise will always rise, but we can only give praise to the Almighty if we’re privileged to witness it again. The sheer beauty of its presence, coupled with the hope it brings, reminds us that we’ve been gifted one more chance to make an impact. Let’s embrace this opportunity and live mindfully.

Mondays are like fresh pages in the book of the week. They arrive with a refreshing sense of hope and a spark of energy or at least that’s the motivational spin. In reality, it’s the start of work, and while I’d love to claim boundless excitement about resuming, let’s be honest: bills aren’t chilling, are they? Mondays are like that one friend who drags you to the gym after the holidays, insisting it’s for your own good. You appreciate it… eventually.

To all those working tirelessly, sometimes with little to no break, I hope your employers treat you generously. A special shoutout to everyone who worked through the festive period to ensure the rest of us enjoyed our holidays. Your dedication deserves strength, blessings, and more recognition. Imagine being the unsung heroes of the season while others were busy binge-watching holiday movies and munching on festive treats. You’re the real MVPs.

Speaking of the holidays, I had an encounter that truly put things into perspective. While visiting a popular shopping mall, I noticed a sign claiming, "Our staff are friendly." Yet, one particular staff member wasn’t smiling at all. In fact, stress was practically etched on her face. My friend, ever the mischief-maker, pointed out the irony: “It says here you’re friendly, but it seems quite the opposite.” She managed a tired smile and explained she’d been working every single day since the festive period began. We empathized with her exhaustion, though my friend couldn’t resist jokingly asking if the company at least planned to reward them well for their hard work. Her resigned smile said it all.

That moment made me even more grateful for my own workplace, which gave us a much-needed break. It was a chance to recharge both physically and mentally. Employers, take note: giving employees adequate rest is not just humane but also beneficial for organizational growth. Overworked people are not productive people. Some employers didn’t even pay their staff during the festive season, leaving them unable to meet their needs or celebrate with their loved ones. God, please help us all! And honestly, if there’s any justice in this world, the unsmiling mall staff should get an all-expenses-paid vacation and a lifetime supply of snacks. She deserves it.

As we dive into 2025, let’s set some priorities straight. First, learn skills that will enhance your performance at work. Whether it’s mastering new technology or perfecting the art of looking busy during team meetings, self-improvement is key. Second, consider starting a side hustle if your salary isn’t enough (note to self: this applies to you too). The era of one income stream is over. It’s 2025; even cats on social media have multiple revenue streams. Third, prioritize your mental health and fitness because a sound mind and body are essential for working well. Remember, a burned-out you won’t help anyone, least of all yourself.

Employers, please invest in your employees. Organizations that care for their workers always reap the rewards. Yes, business may not be easy in Nigeria but remember that your employees rely on their salaries to eat and pay bills. Pay them on time, treat them well, and they’ll give their best in return. And to my fellow employees, let’s also deliver our best efforts it’s a partnership, after all. Think of it as a dance: if one partner steps on the other’s toes, the whole routine falters. Let’s all keep the rhythm.

I’m grateful to have a job to return to and an employer that considers the well-being of its workers. Not everyone is this fortunate, and it’s a blessing worth acknowledging. For those in less-than-ideal work situations, hang in there. Keep pushing, keep striving, and most importantly, keep believing that better days are ahead.

Now, let’s talk about how Mondays secretly hold potential. Yes, they can be annoying, but they’re also a chance to reset. Think of them as a mini New Year’s Day that comes around every seven days. You can start fresh, set weekly goals, and maybe even tackle that dreaded to-do list. Or at the very least, trick yourself into thinking you’ll tackle it. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

And let’s not forget the joys of small wins. Whether it’s surviving a marathon meeting, dodging the office gossip, or finding that one colleague who stocks good snacks, there’s always something to celebrate. Mondays might not be glamorous, but they’re yours to own. Take charge, sprinkle in some humour, and keep moving forward.

Here’s wishing everyone an amazing and productive week ahead. May your coffee be strong, your Wi-Fi stable, and your Monday blues short-lived. Remember, you’ve got this!