Keep showing Up, Don't Stop

I have this urge to stop writing.

I have this urge to hide.

I have this urge to stay away.

But I’m going to do the exact opposite.

I’m not going to stay away.

I’m going to write.

My best friend said to me a long time ago: When life happens to you, keep doing the things that make you happy.

And writing is one of the things that makes me happy.

The last few days have been extremely stressful. I thought my event last weekend was my final one for the year turns out I have another coming up. It’s been hectic, layered on top of everything else life is currently throwing my way.

But this time, I’m staying true to myself.

I’m not giving up my writing.

I’m not giving up who I am.

I’m going to keep showing up here, daily. Whatever that looks like. Whether it’s good enough or messy, or doesn’t quite make sense. I’m going to do it anyway.

And if you’re in a similar space, unsure, tired, overwhelmed, surrounded by uncertainty, know that you’re not alone. But also know this: keep doing the things you used to do.

If you go for walks, keep walking.

If you swim, keep swimming.

If you write, keep writing.

It doesn’t even have to make sense. Honestly, half of this doesn’t. And I don’t care. I’m still writing.

Cook. Bake. Watch TV. Do your work. Rest. Create.

Whatever it is that makes you happy, keep doing it.

Another thing that helps me when things feel heavy is gratitude. When I’m sad or overwhelmed, I go to my happy place.

On my desk, I have a picture of myself at five years old.

My mum and dad had sewn my outfit. The clothes I wore were made from my dad’s native attire, and the gele and aso-oke were from my mum. I remember how excited they were that I was turning five. I remember being told to stand in front of the camera. I don’t remember who took the picture, but I remember the flash. I remember how happy I felt.

That little girl didn’t have it all. But life was beginning to bloom. Things were slowly looking up for us. We lived in a small house, three bedrooms, a sitting room, a dining room, a tiny kitchen, and a little backyard. The house was full. I lived with my parents and a few cousins. And somehow, it was everything.

At that point in my life, I couldn’t have imagined where I am now. I didn’t know it was possible.

So when life feels unsure, when it feels loud or heavy or confusing, I take myself back there. I look at that picture and remember a moment where I was genuinely happy.

If you have a happy place, a memory, a photo, a moment, go back to it when things feel uncertain.

Keep doing what makes you happy.

Keep showing up.

Have a lovely Thursday.

With Love 

Ayo ♡