Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

What makes you happy in life. The answer, life. Because life is a gift. When I heard these words the other day on social media, I knew it was time to return here. For the past 2 weeks, I have been working non stop with limited sleep on a proposal that stretched me thin. I did so while also navigating the dissertation of three students, plus the proposal of 2 more students still yet to go out. All of that meant that I have been venting and angry. Other things and people made me angry. I have vented about the pain I experienced this year. Vented about the people and places that deserted me this year. I have even vented about the air. Yes, I literally have a humidifier with me these days just so I can be reminded about why the air we breathe matters. I share all this to say this year has been painful. It has also been uplifting and inspiring. I have indeed changed too. Life has taught me profound lessons that left me speechless as I watched it unfold it purpose on me. Through it all, one thing has remained constant. This life is a gift. I know that with each passing day. I know that even more too because everyday I didn’t reflect here, I realized I vented more. So I am back. And I begin with life. It’s a gift that gave me purpose and meaning this year. It also led me to my core, my essence, my dreams which scare me but the desire to still hold on to them. Life is a gift. I am learning that everyday. I intend to cherish it purposefully because it’s all we have.