Life 20years ago

Looking back at my life 20 years ago, the difference in all aspects is clear. The physical difference is there, the growth in terms of lifestyle and also achievements. The growth has been a positive one, and I'm not mincing words.

Before picking up my phone to type this, I logged into Facebook and went to the first set of photos I uploaded way back, and I smiled. Seriously, the saying ***that growth or money changes someone's look*** is very true.

There’s a photo where I was dressed in corporate wear with a tie and suit, and that was when I had just gotten into church and religion as a newbie. The dressing clearly shows how my life was then. It reminds me of the bitter struggling days, though I was living with my parents, life wasn’t fair then because I had nothing on me. But now, man has grown, living alone and for a very long time has not called parents for food or any financial assistance. Maybe this is not a big deal to people out there, but hey, it’s a big flex for me.

I’m not there yet, at where I want to be, but following the education path shaped me a lot — not the academic studies per se but how I see things.

Like I’ve mentioned times without number in my articles, I almost gave up on my academic pursuit due to consistent failures in graduating from secondary school. I wrote numerous SSCE exams, but they kept firing back at me. Just when I concluded that it would be my final try, it clicked, and that’s when I proceeded. Passing through school made me see things differently. It exposed me to the kind of life I once believed was the best kind of life while in the village. Mingling with people and students and traveling far in the course of education to live with totally different people changed a lot in me.

I remember when I rounded up my NYSC and returned home to gather some stamina before zooming off to the land flowing with milk and honey, even though it wasn’t coming through then. I had one of my pastors at that time in my hometown stylishly telling me to stay in the village and serve God more.

Well, there’s actually nothing wrong with the advice, but based on my exposure, I kicked against it and travelled to the city. If it were back in the days when my brain was shallow, I wouldn’t have had a say. I would have totally stayed put in obedience, and maybe I could still be in the village till now.

Exposure has a way of opening one’s eyes — to make important decisions, to take a stand, and to take on responsibilities. That’s what I have had over the years, and I haven’t regretted it at all.

Before I drop my pen, life back then — I hated my complexion to the core due to rampant bullies. But it was when I left home, when I left for school, that I realized that there are people who are wishing to be like me, and from there, my mindset changed. I loved myself the more.

Thanks for reading.

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*This is my entry to Week 183, Edition 02 of the Weekly Featured contest in Hive Learners Community*

*Image used is mine*