August 12: A Letter To Myself On My Birthday, By Olasunkanmi Nurudeen Oduntan
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate”. ~ Oprah Winfrey
Dear Olasunkanmi,
It’s your Birthday today, and I’d advice you put a smile on your face and ignore all the things that let you down. Wish you a very Happy Birthday!
Congratulations on turning “Three Decades and Two”. Your journey to this day has been very exciting and challenging so far, I know.
Over the past three years, you’ve had some great times and really tougher ones. However, it is the beginning of a fresh chapter in your life.
You may not believe it, but all of the events that have occurred in your life have a purpose.
“Call it fate, call it luck, call it Karma, believe everything happens for a reason”.
Many of us believe in fate because it offers us comfort and security. When bad events occur, fate tells us that this is all part of a greater plan.
With this letter, I have some important messages to share with you, these are notes to keep you grounded, when you have eveything in life you currently dream of. Always remember this time that prepared you for everything. Remember this Process always.
I know the challenging yet nourishing journey you have till this day. I also know the challenges you faced, the Sacrifices you made, and I also know the secrets you hide from the World.
…”But don’t worry, great stories never made in single day or week”.
Twists and turns are the undeniable parts of the great stories. These are the elements that transform any normal story into “The Great Story”.
As you age, your challenges also increases, now you are on a way to creating a base for your future self, in the coming years.
I know, you always complained, why life has done this bad to you. But remember, life beats everyone, so life teaches everyone.
So stop making excuses and figure out what lessons life wants to teach you.
After all, life also knows what you have planned to achieve, that’s why it prepares you for the future.
Daily struggles, hustles, and challenges are nothing but stepping stones that are ultimately there to test you and make you ready for your Brighter tomorrow. Don’t worry, you’ll pass all the hurdles and reach your ultimate goal.
Everyone out there has its challenges and tough times. So if you find anyone like you, be with them, support them, and try to lighten their life. Similarly, you feel good about yourself, inside.
Make good memories, create stories that you will like to remember afterward. Be with those, who are supporting you and value your presence.
Don’t hold grudges too long, they don’t deserve you, so leave them in the past.. Cut off such people who have no respect and care for you. You don’t need to take it along with you.
Leave things that hurt you, Thank those who have rejected you. But live life freely for your friends and family who are there for you.
In any journey, at the beginning and in the end, there is only one person who will be with you and that is YOU. You may come across random people in your journey and some may claim that they will be with you till the end. But, believe that, they’ll leave you in the midst of the story when they meet their destination (Because they are also on their journey, don’t forget that).
On your 32nd birthday, I’m writing this letter and wishing you, …. All the Best for a new life phase, Have great fun and don’t forget to enjoy your journey. Keep hustling with the new mindsets and get ready for the new challenges as well.
Remember, I will always be with you from start to end. And, will support you, give you hope back.
Don’t worry if you can’t find me around you. I’m always there… within you!
I pray, may Allah bless you. May the Almighty keep you safe and secure. May He keep you strong, your Heart strong and always smile at you.
Once again, Happy Birthday to You.
Your own friend,
You
Olasunkanmi Nurudeen, ODUNTAN