2020 In Retrospect
By: Alimi Faruq
Tags: 2020, Feelings, 2020 Reflection, Wins And Losses, Learnings Of Life

It’s a known fact that we were all pumped to see what 2020 has in the bag for us. However, what a lot of us envisaged to be a great year turned out to be the one that shocked us the most — the pandemic, the global and national protests as well as the incessant carnage. It has been a bumpy ride so far. Be that as it may, we all had our wins and losses. Maybe not every one of us.

Before diving into details, I would like to state that the inspiration to write this piece came from my former colleagues, Fred Akinmuyisitan and Onyedikachi Ibejih. You both rock!

As far as the wins go, I was moved to a digital team of skilled guys who know their onion. I had more responsibilities to cater to, and sometimes, had to lead and oversee creative works. I particularly found this thrilling as my thirst for being proactive doubled. Between then and now, I’ve added brilliant works to my portfolio. Works I’m extremely proud of. Shout out to Oladunni Elemide, Veronica Anani, Oluwatoyin Faleke, and Deola Jaiyesimi for helping me settle in amidst the transition.

Speaking of losses, I had just one major one — my relationship of almost a year. It legit crumbled before my very eyes and I felt helpless. It was the loneliest and lowest part of my entire life. To top it, it came at the wrong time — during Ramadan. I was fasting with hurt scavenging my heavy yet shredded heart. I never saw it coming. I think I was so convinced that it was going to be my last but life happens and we have to deal with it. Healing on the other hand is a different kettle of fish. Almost like a pendulum. One minute you feel good, the next you’re swung back into emotional squalor. I was going through a mélange of mental and emotional deterioration that medications couldn’t fix, constantly bottling up. Now, when I look in retrospect, I’m glad I’m moved way past this and in a better state. Most importantly, I appreciate the guys who were there for me during the breakdown — Hamza Adisa, my cousin, and Kayode Lasisi, my best friend.

Other than writing poetry, I found a new hobby, hand lettering, to constantly distract me from my mental state. I found hand lettering calming and profoundly therapeutic. As for writing poetry, if you know me well, you’ll know I love playing with words, a lot. It almost feels like the only cavity through which I can express myself as well as diffuse unsettling emotions etching my mind. In a nutshell, these two things were my catharsis.

I’ve always marveled at how best friends, sometimes, lovers, move from being so tight to becoming sheer strangers but hey, it’s a real thing. It happens but life moves on and so should we.

Personally, I have a firm belief that 2021 will be a deciding year for a lot of people as well as myself. I’ve set plans in motion, daring myself to take daunting challenges. Life itself is challenging, why not look it in its face and grab it by the horn. A few things I think I need to highlight are:

· Never assume plagues, no matter the weight, cannot befall you

· Everyone is going through something — overtly or covertly.

· Sometimes, you’ll lose what you cherish the most.

· People would always form an opinion about you. Rather than mull over what they say about you to others, do you.

· Impostor syndrome is a real thing.

· No one knows it all. Even me. Sometimes, I shut my mouth and listen.

· Challenges make you stronger.

· Life is very short. Go out often and relish new cuisines. I’ll advice French cuisine. Feel free to ask me why.

· Strengthen your circle with those in power. Those with the right connection.

Thanks for reading and see you in 2021.