Twenty for Twenty-Twenty
Tags: Mothers, Gratitude Journal, Thanksgiving 2020, Thanksgiving, Gratitude

Red Rose (Photo Credit: Scholastica Olanrewaju 2018)

‘Ekene dike na nke ome, ome ozo' - Igbo Proverb.

I have heard my Mother and her Mother say this proverb countless times. It translates to - If you thank a strong person for what he has done, he will do more. The year 2020 was filled with many twists and turns which tested our resilience as a species. There is no doubt that it was challenging to adapt to a ‘new normal’ imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In spite of all the negative news and events that saturated 2020, I don't want to remember it for only the bad. Therefore, as we celebrate thanksgiving today while the second (and third) wave of the pandemic rage on, I decided to write down twenty things I am grateful for in the year 2020. I choose to document this so when I look back at 2020, I will remember that in spite of it all - the following (not in order) were some of the positives that bettered the year.

1. Family- I have an amazing Mother and brothers who I can always count on. I am thankful that the COVID-19 'lock down' and remote working arrangement gave us the opportunity to spend quality time together.

2. Friends- I don't take the gift of true friendship for granted. I am grateful for the friends in my inner circle that are bold to tell me the truth anytime and strong to offer me their shoulder to lean on. Thank you Ayobami, Ololade, Nandi, Ademikhe, Oluwapelumi, Ebele et al.

3. Health- Health of body, mind and spirit. I'm grateful that I and mine are healthy.

4. The Goodbyes- I am grateful for the good byes. In some cases, I held on to things, people, anger etc. that caused me more harm than good thinking 'how will I survive without them'. I'm grateful that I received the strength to let go and I did. I am also grateful for The One that left after showing us a practical example of how to be an amazing mother and human.

5. Learning Opportunities- I had the privilege to learn a lot this year; from mentors, family, friends, courses, books, movies etc. I'm grateful for every one that gave me this privilege to learn one or two things. You rock! I like that I learnt programming and project management this year.

6. Udacity Bertelsmann Scholarship- This scholarship gave me an amazing opportunity to learn programming - python and SQL in 2020 in the Data Analyst Nanodegree program. Although it was challenging to learn this new skill, I loved every bit of it.

7. Provision- I love to call God El Roi (The God who sees me) because he sees me and always make provisions to meet my needs. This year, I had many material loss but somehow somehow El Roi just dey show up for me. Everywhere I look- provision! #BurstMyHead

8. New Job- I got a new job during the pandemic!

9. Ability to Give- It is true that you can't give what you don't have. I'm grateful I had the ability to give money, time, smiles, books, trainings etc. I am thankful that I could be there for friends and family when they needed support.

10. Blessings in my Neighbourhood- I am thankful for the abundant testimonies received by family and friends. I loved every bit of hearing and sharing in the sound of rejoicing in my neighbourhood. #MoreOfThisPlease

11. Experience New Places- I got to visit two new states- Plateau and Kastina. Visiting Plateau was extra-special for me because it had been n my to-do for over four years now....I am glad that I finally got to do it with thanks to my gracious hosts.

12. HealthCare Workers and Researchers- I am thankful for the millions of healthcare workers who are in the frontline of the war against COVID-19. I am also grateful for the researchers who put in the efforts to ensure that the world gets effective vaccine to halt this pandemic.

13. #EndSARS- The courage shown by Nigerian youths even in the face of principalities and powers to fight for a better Nigeria is love. I am grateful that the hope and courage it filled us with.

14. Intimacy with Self- This year, I got to know and love me more. (Ps: all that lock down was not in vain. ) I also like that I am more easy on myself and accept me with all my flaws/weakness. It was fun to try out things I 'assumed' I would like only to find out that I don't like it. For example, I now know that I must get a Gardener if I want to keep plants- alive.

15. Opportunity X- I will not be specific with this as I am posting this in a public platform. All I will say is that I am grateful for a casual conversation with Peter that linked to opportunity X.

16. New Connections- I am grateful for the new connections I made this year both personally and professionally. These connections have saved me costs, offered me opportunity for career growth and even helped to review my work. Thank you!

17. Critical Thinking- The fact that I can analyse facts to come to my 'own' conclusion is a thing to be grateful for in this age and time especially in light of bandwagon syndrome.

18. The Marriages of My Friends- I am grateful that God blessed my friends with great and supportive spouse. I am glad that I am surrounded by happy marriages and I don't have a reason to arrange 'sense setting' for anyone.

19. Books - I am grateful for the books I read that added to my knowledge and gave me new insight. They include:

• Thrive (Arianna Huffington)

• Atomic Habits (James Clear)

• Making Ideas Happen (Scott Bellsky)

20. K-Drama- I discovered K-drama on Netflix and my chill time is never the same again. From 'Crash Landing on You', 'Start Up', 'Her Private Life' etc.; I am thankful for the people behind it who kept me entertained.

For all this and more, I thank you El Roi.

Happy Thanksgiving 2020!