The Gift of Just Being

 

If the weather had a mood today, it would be: finally chilled.

After days of being roasted alive like puff-puff on hot oil, the skies decided to give us mercy. A soft drizzle came down, not too loud, not too shy. Just right. The kind of rain that cools the dust and invites your heart to breathe slower.

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good. – Maya Angelou

It got me thinking what a privilege it is to just be.

To be here. Alive. Breathing. Safe.

Especially in a world where headlines can often make you feel like hope is on life support.

Now before you roll your eyes and say, “What’s this one preaching again?” stay with me. I promise, there's a gist. And muscle pain. And gratitude. Lots of it.

Mondays: The Great Pretend

I have a soft spot for Mondays. Not because I’m a super-organized queen (I mean, I try), but because society collectively pretends to be serious on Mondays. It’s hilarious and wholesome at the same time.

People suddenly remember they own deodorant, wear their “I mean business” clothes, and walk like they’ve got 10 meetings lined up even if their calendar is empty. It’s like we all reboot and hit "Boss Mode" for the first 24 hours of the week. I love it.

My Morning: Chaos & Choices

I woke up feeling a bit sick head foggy, body heavy but spiritually and mentally, I was surprisingly okay. Grateful, even.

It was 4:00 a.m. when I first opened my eyes. You’d think that would be the start of a super-productive day. But no. I snoozed my alarm. I even snoozed Her Highness my cat, Moori when she tried to nudge me awake. Honestly, I owe her a treat.

Eventually, I got up and decided: gym or stay in bed and scroll Instagram pretending to be productive?

The gym won. Barely.

From Keke to My Creator

I followed my neighbour out, planning to get off at the junction and walk to the lake to warm up. But my body said, “Sis, don’t play with me today.”

So I hailed a keke. Zero shame.

Once I reached the lake, I took that walk. Slow steps. Deep breaths. I chanted the remembrance of my Creator, letting each word ground me. Nature has this magic it clears out the noise inside you. By the time I reached the park, I was more present.

And then came Coach Sam.

Pain is NOT Just in the Mind

At the park, my gym sister, Achalugo Mrs. Ebele, and I met with our no-nonsense Coach. He wasted no time. Warm-up? That’s a myth. We went straight into fire mode: arms, shoulders, back.

Let me tell you something when gym motivational speakers say, “The pain is in your mind,” they’re partially right… but also partially mad. Because my biceps were screaming in real time.

But there’s something beautiful about pushing past your limits. Not for aesthetics, not for Instagram, but just to feel strong in your own skin. I broke into a full sweat, lungs burning, heart grateful. We didn’t cheat our sets. We gave it our best even when it hurt.

Zoom, Zzz, and Self-Check

Rushed home for a virtual class with the amazing students of Mastermind Catering and Culinary Institution. For the past two weeks, I’ve been part of their growth journey, sharing lessons, hearing their dreams, and watching their confidence bloom. It’s been a joy.

But somewhere between my third sip of tea and our Q&A session, I dozed off. Just a light nap. Five seconds max (okay, maybe ten).

After the call, I paused.

Why was I so drained?

Then it hit me I hadn’t taken time to ground myself in gratitude. And I was fasting. Double combo.

So I pulled out my journal and my heart and wrote this list:

Today, I’m Grateful For...

1. The strength to fast and still move my body.

It’s not easy. But the energy to honour both my spiritual and physical well-being? That’s divine.

2. The students and staff of Mastermind Catering and Culinary Institution.

You’ve inspired me just as much as I hope I’ve inspired you.

3. Safety.

In a world where insecurity is becoming normalised, being safe is no longer a given—it’s a blessing. May Almighty protect us and restore those affected, tenfold.

4. Sisterhood.

I had a book review with my COHATA sisters. Beautiful. We had good food, great laughs, and even better tea (you know I’m a tea babe). Hosted by Signature by LPG an aesthetic space that felt like a warm hug. She’s launching full-time next month. Go show her some love. May God reward these generous sisters abundantly.

5. Good neighbours.

You know yourselves. Thank you for the chats, the rides, and the unspoken community care.

6. Her Highness, Moori.

My cat, my shadow, my cuddle queen. You annoy me, fight me, comfort me, and somehow still own my heart.

7. Big Sis Jemila.

Ended up in her office today, and she poured me a cup of love, gist, and sisterhood. Thank you for holding space for me. I love you for the sake of Allah.

Negative thoughts don’t just cloud the mind they also weigh down the body. When we dwell on fear, anger, or self-doubt, our nervous system reacts by triggering stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this constant state of alert can lead to tension in the muscles, fatigue, poor digestion, and even weakened immunity. It’s like carrying invisible baggage that tires us out. That’s why gratitude and positive thinking aren’t just feel-good practices they’re medicine for both the mind and body.

Dear Reader...

Have you counted your blessings today, or were you too busy whining about the Wi-Fi, fuel price, or that one person who still hasn’t texted you back?

No judgment I’ve been there too.

But take a breath now. Pause. Look around.

There’s something, no matter how small, to be grateful for.

Write it down. Say it out loud. Share it in the comments if you want. Let’s hold space for each other. This life, with all its chaos and unpredictability, still holds so much beauty. Sometimes, you just need a rainy night, sore arms, and a purring cat to remind you.

Until next time, keep blooming.

Keep showing up for your life.

Peace.