Trust, Growth, and Gratitude: A Journey of Reflection

 

Which of the favours of my Lord can I deny? NONE!

The sun will always rise, but there’s no guarantee we will rise with it. Life is a gift, and every breath is a blessing. Speaking of blessings, my plants are pure joy to my eyes and well-being, constantly gifting me fresh air. Lately, I watched them shed their leaves, making way for new ones. At first, I panicked did I water them wrong? But then, I realized nature was simply doing its thing. Amazing, right? We often credit our efforts and forget that the Creator is truly in charge.

It’s been a minute since I last wrote here life’s rollercoaster came on full speed as usual. But hey, it’s all good; we’re still in January, and I have officially survived 58 days with my employer (yes, I’m counting). Not funny, but hey, we move! Shoutout to the amazing souls looking out for me. Also, quick question: if you don’t have a side hustle alongside your salary job, abeg, how you dey take run am? Please, show me the way!

Gratitude is a lifesaver, and despite my job not “jobbing” financially, I am grateful to even have one. Over the weekend, I attended a class with my awesome Hajiya K. (aka my hot grandma) may Almighty keep increasing her in abundance. The session was hosted by Coach Maryam Gwandu, a true gem and selfless servant of Allah. She gave us healthy overdoses of wisdom on mind power, emotions, strategic goal setting, and prayer visualization.

A quote that stuck with me? “Worry is an interest you are paying on a debt you are yet to incur.” Profound, right? The class wasn’t just enlightening it was a full-on retreat! We had good food, spicy tea, and loads of goodies. Imagine this: customized mugs, bags, and beautiful writing materials to inspire us. And all of this for a token! I kept wondering, did Coach Maryam even leave anything for herself? May Almighty bless her with more beneficial knowledge and crown her efforts with success especially in that upcoming promotional exam. (Go, Coach! We’re rooting for you! 😎)

One question has been ringing in my head ever since: How well have you been keeping to your Amana (trust)?

Let’s start with self-trust. Your life is an Amanah (trust) from the Almighty, so how are you taking care of it? Are you feeding it right, protecting it, and nurturing it? Are you actively working on your dreams, career, and purpose, or are you just going with the flow? What self-image are you carrying in your mind positive or negative? Do you have a map for yourself, or are you simply following the world’s map?

We all deserve the best, but to get it, we must do our part, put in the work, pray, and then trust the Almighty to handle the rest. Now, let’s talk about the trust others place in us. The rate at which people say one thing and do another is baffling! Imagine entrusting someone with something precious and mishandling it. Worse still, a married couple publicly discussing their spouse’s flaws instead of facing each other and growing together wild! Even within families, we could do better by holding each other accountable for growth and success.

And then, dear employers some of you need to sit up. When employees trust you to pay their salaries on time, please don’t break that trust. People have responsibilities!

Speaking of Amana, let me share a quick story. I got on a call with our very own brand Queen Muinatboluwasefe, and we got talking about a project I had abandoned but am now trying to revive. There’s something about sticking to your Amana it builds you up. You just have to be patient and determined to keep working, even when nobody is watching or clapping for you. This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way. But now, I am more determined to follow through, God willing. Know this: anything you tell yourself you will do, do it! The only reason not to is if it will hurt yourself or others. Otherwise, push through, because you won’t like the aftermath of not following through.

So today, I am deeply grateful:

1. For being alive to live another impactful day.

2. For my plants, constantly teaching me about growth and renewal.

3. For my friends who hold it down for me y’all are real ones! 🧡

4. For my hot grandma, Hajiya K. may blessings keep flowing your way!

5. For Coach Maryam Gwandu your generosity and wisdom are priceless.

6. And finally, for myself! Because, honestly, I’m doing my best, and that’s worth celebrating.

What are you grateful for today? Drop it in the comments I’d love to hear from you!

Till next time, keep counting your blessings and trusting the process. Gratitude is key!