Hello there, and thank you for being here. Not only because writing this is fulfilling for me but also because you deliberately try to be better. After all, that is what I and this blog are all about. Sometimes, I think about what pops up in your head when you get my post notification. Do you go, “Oh, yes, it’s here!” A sweet excitement and anticipation, or, if you think, “I hope shots don’t get directed at me this time”.

Whichever one it is for you, in my books, it is entirely worth it; every click, read, like, comment, or compliment is heaven to me. It does not stop there; there is also euphoria when you can understand and relate to what you read here. It’s you making it a point to remember what you read here on Mondays to make life slightly better for you.

I also think about what led you here and made you stay. If this is your first time, you are more than welcome. If not, you must have thought this at some point “This makes sense; I would like more of it.” That is why I owe it to you to keep writing as long as you will let me. But here’s something important for you to note: I am as clueless as you are.

What you read here are things I struggle with, and I am a work in progress, just like everyone else. My imperfections won’t stop me from writing, so don’t let your mistakes stop you from owning up to your duties. I call it responsibility because there is no other way to define adulthood.

There’s no one to hold ransom for your poor decisions or someone to blame for how your life turns out except you. So, whatever it is you choose to live for and whatever you decide to achieve, its responsibility is entirely up to you. And if it is something almost entirely based on people’s opinions of you or what you do, you have it tougher than most people.

It’s like a terrible scandal for a celebrity; one wrong move and you take ten steps back, if not entirely out of the game. I mean, it will be unreal if you meet me and realize that I do not believe what I write here. If I was just good at putting words together for the sake of it. If I had no depth or integrity, or if I suddenly decided not to be responsible for my life, what would that say?

This isn’t to pressure you, but that notion of you not owing anyone anything is a big fat lie. First, you owe yourself a good life. You are here because you need to be, so make it count. Then you owe everyone who is and will rely on what you have; it’s bigger than you and deeper than you think. 

Your smile, quirks, flaws, skills, way of thinking, and every single detail that makes you unique are not only for your sake. If it were, you’d be the only one who exists in the world, but you’re not, so yes, you owe it to us to show us what you’ve got. How many hits can you take and still take a stand? How badly can you get hurt and still be vulnerable enough to go through pain again? 

Or how many rejections, disappointments, and betrayals can you live with? It is your responsibility to show the world just how well you can live despite all odds. Because if you don’t, we will never know, and that is the saddest story anyone can have.

Here’s a song that just hits – Matilda – Harry Styles

Enjoy your week and a new Nigeria.