Can we talk about how 2024 has simultaneously been too long and too short? It feels like I blinked, and here we are, but also, what a marathon! I started the year feeling somewhere between lackadaisical and cautiously optimistic. One of my big prayers was for a stronger relationship with God because, let’s face it, that’s the ultimate survival kit. Looking back, it feels like a classic “What I ordered vs. what I got” situation. Lol. Still, I can confidently say I’m ending the year in a much better emotional place.
Heartbreak Na Your Mate?
Let’s kick things off with January, the month that humbled me. Imagine being served a steaming plate of premium heartbreak breakfast. It was shocking, to say the least, and hurt way more than I anticipated. I was so sad. I thought, this time will be different. It took months to piece myself together again, and during those months, I was in full-on is-this-my-life mode. At one point, I started wondering, Am I one of those women just unlucky with men? How else could I explain it? To survive, I had to deepen my prayer life. I prayed like someone on a mission. I even bought a Bible. Imagine, heartbreak made me buy a Bible. But the prayers worked because, eventually, I started to feel better and found myself in a much healthier place emotionally.
Moving On, Moving Up!
Once I started to heal, I threw myself into work and personal growth. Around this time, I began writing for HH People, which turned out to be oddly therapeutic. I also poured energy into a personal project for my YouTube channel called “She Stoops to Conquer.” I interviewed young female entrepreneurs about their journeys, and this opened doors to some strategic relationships. Oh, and guess what? I published my second book this year!
On the work front, I didn’t exactly crush all my goals, but I had a major mindset shift. I stopped obsessing over the finish line and started focusing on the work itself. That mindset change? Game-changer. It also taught me to validate myself instead of chasing validation from people who wouldn’t give it to me even if I danced for it. Oh, and I took a mini-vacation for my birthday this year. I even wrote about it in one of our HH People issues.
I Am Not the Victim
After my birthday, I had a major meltdown. I remember calling my friend that morning and crying like my life depended on it. I felt lost, unworthy, and like I wasn’t enough. Even I was shocked when those words came out of my mouth. Who was this girl spiralling into insecurity? Me? Keren? The poster child for confidence and self-love? Wild. Thankfully, my friend talked me off the ledge, but I knew it was time to head back to therapy. I’ve always been vocal about therapy because I want us to normalize it. Do you feel ashamed to say you went to the hospital to treat malaria? Then why feel ashamed to address mental health struggles?
This phase made me confront something I’d been avoiding: I wasn’t a happy person. Sure, there were glimmers of joy, but overall, I was sad. Instead of running from it, I sat with it. I let myself feel it. I also started going to the gym more and prioritising self-care. I stopped learning to love myself and just loved myself instead. It’s funny how we always say we are “learning” to love ourselves. You shouldn’t learn to love yourself; you should just love yourself. Like, do you learn to love your parents? No, you just do. That became my mantra: Love me, no questions asked.
Omoyeni Alaran: My Work Person of the Year
Let me take a moment to celebrate Omoyeni. One of my goals this year was to build better relationships with my teammates and getting to know Yeni has been a blessing. My respect for him grew immensely when I stepped in as his relief officer while he was on leave. Omo! Yeni does a LOT. Silent waters truly run deep.
I sing his praises daily because he’s a genius. We complement each other perfectly. His strengths balance my weaknesses and vice versa. Yeni, if you’re reading this, you deserve your flowers every day!
Grief, the Unwelcome Visitor
This year hit differently when I lost my grandma on August 28. Even though she was old and had lived a full life, the news was still a punch in the gut. Death is so final. It’s like the universe slamming a door shut. What hurt more was realizing how much I missed out on with her. But I’m comforted knowing she’s in a better place. This loss reminded me how fleeting life is and how important it is to chase purpose now. Stop procrastinating. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
There is Hope Yet (2025 and Dirty December, Obviously)
I’d love to share stories of Christmas traditions and festive dishes, but honestly, my Christmases are usually boring and a bit lonely. Not everyone gets the big, happy family experience. But this year, I’m determined to dirty December! Fun, naps, and binge-watching Scandal are on the menu.
Looking ahead to 2025, I feel hopeful. This year taught me that our thoughts shape our reality. I’m done seeing myself as life’s punching bag. Now, if something bad happens, I cry, pray, and keep it moving. And when people try to hurt me, I clock their insecurities for what they are and refuse to let it stick.
With this perspective, I know 2025 will be beautiful. My dreams will come true because I’ve decided they will. Why? Because I’m no longer the victim. I’m the main character. The girl who gets it ALL.
