2012 began with the completion of my NYSC and I had just landed a job. The pay was decent but it was the organizational setup I loved the most. It was in many ways, my kind of dream job. Needless to say, I couldn’t take it up because I had to go back to school for my masters degree. So, February 2012 there I was stuck in school on a programme I really didn’t feel I needed at that time.
I had entered the New Year with high hopes, amidst all the chaos of Occupy Nigeria (to which I had lent my share of effort), I was brimming with new optimism. I had a few new friends and had also met this amazing girl at the start of the year and fell in love with her.
I wouldn’t say my story this year was much fun, neither was it full of twists and turns. This year was more of a season where I have found my place. It wasn’t an emotional rollercoaster like previous years have been, no, it was just a period of slow growth where I have learnt to love those I love even more and ward off fickle friendships. I have also experienced firsthand the dear treasure that is family.
So I will limit this review to the aspects of family, friends, career and relationship.
“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
Princess Diana
I’m thankful that there was no loss in my nuclear and first extended families this year. There wasn’t any last year too, in fact I doubt that I have lost anybody closely related to me at all in the past 18 years or so. I would love that to continue on to 2013. My grandmother clocked a healthy 82 years TODAY, she is like fine wine, ageing gracefully. I have never loved her more. I hope, just as I have inherited many of her graceful traits, I also inherit her longevity. 2012 brought my families together several times, we have had weddings, thanksgivings, and many joyous occasions together. It’s a nice feeling to know that you have a whole army that’s got your back. Without any doubt, the improved relationship with my family was the best part of this year for me.
“But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes
This year was a great year for friendships. My old friends and I still have each other’s backs, budding friendships blossomed, I was even able to crank up an old flame *winks*. Two of my three best friends got great jobs this year, the third graduated from law school. Surely, what goes around must come around, right? I made a lot of new friendships this year that I’m sure would count later on. I also met a couple of twitter friends, some ‘p’lanned and some unplanned.
“A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”
Marilyn Monroe
A lot has happened for me career-wise this year, while there has been little growth, I’ve had a lot more focus. I had to turn down two good jobs this year because they interfered with my studies. Of these, one was particularly painful because it offered a lot of opportunity for career growth and personal development. Getting a second degree isn’t a decision that can be easily reversed and it is still too early to tell if my choice was right or wrong. I still have months to complete my project and thesis work, but I hope it’s all for the better, I hope…
“Falling in love and keeping a relationship are two different things.”
Keanu Reeves
I met Dayo in February and by March we had started dating. She is a great girl and I was content to be with her but the inevitable happened and we broke up in November. I guess the fire just burned out (blame fuel scarcity). Perhaps, distance just doesn’t work very well for me in relationships.
So there it is, the review of my very uneventful year. Maybe it’s because I am such a lousy storyteller or maybe it’s because of my very poor ability to recollect specific events, 2012 was generally a breeze for me. I enjoyed great moments but have little lasting memories.
I proceed to 2013 in very much the same state that I was this time last year – single and wanting of some form of change. 2012 taught me to interfere less in the scheme of things and let God have his way. I am a lot more aloof and you wouldn’t see me micromanaging any tasks. Ironically for the coming year, all I have are the exact hopes I had for 2012 only that this time, I am better prepared for the opportunities, I hope.
“Within our hearts is a single repository for both despair and hope. Filling that space with one totally drives out all but the most shadowy memory of the other. Today, I am filled only with hope.”
Charles Singleton in the book ‘The Twelfth Card’ by Jeffery Deaver
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Dipo. Thank you very much
19th Street 