The Ember Months: Not Over Until It’s Over

How quickly the year keeps running and gradually coming to an end. One thing I know about Ember months is that they usually come with mixed feelings. Immediately I heard the sound of the ember month, I said to myself, "Another round of festivities is approaching again." On the other hand, I asked myself, "But what have I achieved so far since January that I am proud of to be talking about the ember month?" It's easy to be excited about the year-end and all the goodies that come with it, but no one fails to reflect back on the journey so far; it's necessary.

So far, the year hasn't been bad; I have learned to be very grateful for even the little things. No room to complain or murmur, you know why? Being alive is the great gift and achievement as well. Remember, life doesn't end with our calendars. Whatever we hoped to achieve this year, and perhaps it didn't turn out as we envisioned it, there is always time to try again. By the way, it's just the beginning of the last quarter; a lot can still be achieved, and a lot of new opportunities can still be explored, so no hard feelings, and no being ungrateful for any reason. I have been blessed.

I wouldn't deny that the year haven't stretched me and my growth; they have so deeply. I win in some areas and fail in some areas. I have faced rejections, disappointments, near-success syndrome, and terrible health challenges, but on the other hand, I have achieved mega growth in certain aspects of my life. By God's mercy, I have been blessed with two huge assets so far, despite the downside of the year. We can't win all the time, right? I guess that's how God designed it to be. But I am happy to see life differently nowadays, with not too many high expectations. Even though as a human, I can be worried about seeing things turning upside down after spending millions of naira, for the part I won and achieved nice things, I thank God for everything.

There is still much I am looking forward to achieving before the year comes to an end. My strength has been tested several times; my resilience and perseverance have been tested. I remember telling my friend that my strength is failing me already and I feel like quitting this particular project that is stressing my life, but her words brought life back into me.

So yes, no room to say no, no room to quit; the goal is to keep pushing until I am satisfied that I have done my best and then leave things to unfold naturally, as I have already committed it to the hands of God.

Finally, there is still much time to take that bold step, there is still time to keep grinding on any unfinished project, and there is still time to learn a skill. I don't assume that it's all over, and I'm not waiting to begin a new year come 2026, no! There are still more aspects to push myself and add to my wins so far, and at the end of the year, I will look back and smile at my milestones.

This post is in response to the #hive learners community contest on the topic titled , THE EMBER MONTHS

Images were taken from canva