2024: My Becoming Year
Looking back, 2024 was definitely my year of growth. It came with a mix of everything — joy, laughter, happiness, and even some tough moments like depression. But through it all, I found friendship and experienced a lot of personal growth. My self-esteem got a boost, I matured in ways I didn’t expect, honed my skills, and most importantly, I learned to truly love myself. I wouldn’t call it my best year, but it’s definitely one I’ll never forget.
Becoming Lagosian
I’ve heard plenty of tales about Lagos — the infamous traffic, the bus drivers and their conductors’ endless “wahala,” and of course, the agberos. Lagos truly isn’t for the faint of heart. On my very first day heading to work, I found myself praying not to be late because of the antics of a certain bus driver and his conductor. The driver outright refused to move, claiming the bus wasn’t yet filled to capacity. When frustrated passengers started complaining about being late, the conductor had the nerve to say, “You dey go work wey suppose start by 8, and you dey leave your house by 7:30 for this Lagos?” He went on to say, “No shout for me o, I dey my own work too.” I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh that day while praying I wouldn’t get to the office late.
And that wasn’t even the wildest thing. Should I mention the time an agbero at Oshodi got into a full-on boxing match with the conductor of my bus? Or the countless times I was nearly scammed out of my fare? Or the constant rise in t-fare daily just because of fuel? Or maybe the days I’ve spent hours sitting in traffic? But I think the moment I truly felt like a “Lagosian” was the first time I had to wade through murky, rain-flooded streets after a heavy downpour. That day, I’d had enough of the “new surprises” Lagos throws at me daily. I threw my steeze aside, dipped my feet in the muddy water, and forged ahead just to avoid the inflated fares conductors were charging.
Becoming Adult
The lady who sang “Adulthood na scam” didn’t lie. How else do you explain the fact that, just days after receiving my monthly salary, I’m already searching for it like it disappeared into thin air? Growing up, our parents, uncles, and aunties made this adulthood journey seem effortless, but the reality? It’s anything but easy.
Adulthood is much more than meets the eye — it’s a mix of physical and emotional rollercoasters. It’s not just about paying bills; it’s about navigating relationships, learning from past mistakes, and making decisions that will inevitably shape our future, for better or worse. This year, more than any other, has taught me lessons about adulthood that my parents never could. Truly, experience remains the best teacher.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the power of saying no. Setting boundaries and prioritizing myself — my mental health, self-esteem, and peace of mind — has been liberating. With this newfound clarity, I’ve noticed it’s easier to handle people and make decisions without second-guessing myself.
I won’t pretend I have it all figured out, though. I’m still discovering what it truly means to be an adult. But one thing is certain: adulthood is less about age and more about maturity. And in this phase of life, relying on God has been essential. His guidance has helped me in ways I can’t fully comprehend or explain.
So, did I become an adult this year? Yes, I did. Have I mastered it? Not quite. But one thing’s for sure — I’m on my way, and I trust I’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
God’s Crush
From the beginning of 2024 till now, it’s been God all the way. So much has happened in my life this year, and I often find myself questioning how it was even possible. Have you ever been in situations where things unfold in ways you can’t quite explain? That’s exactly how it’s been for me.
This year, I’ve drawn closer to God than I have in the past few years. Is it because of the challenges I’ve faced? Maybe, maybe not. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. But I know it’s mainly because I made deepening my relationship with Abba one of my top priorities for 2024.
Am I where I want to be spiritually? No, not yet. I’m not at the level I want to be, but I am so grateful for where I am right now. The spiritual growth I’ve experienced so far fills me with hope, and I’m confident that by the end of 2025, I’ll see an even greater growth in my walk with God.
Now, you might be wondering why I call myself “God’s Crush.” It’s simple — I feel greatly loved by Him. I know, it sounds like a cliché, but it’s the truth. I’ve never gone to my Father with a need and been turned away. In fact, there are things I don’t even talk to Him about, yet He still takes care of them for me.
For example, when I was rejected at a previous location for my service year, I prayed to Abba for a new opportunity. He answered by providing a place just 30 minutes’ walk or 10 minutes’ drive from my home — a position that even pays me reasonably well as a corps member. And when I do ask Him for something, He doesn’t just meet my expectations — He exceeds them. That’s the kind of Father He is.
So, everything I’ve accomplished and all I’ve overcome this year, I owe entirely to Him. He alone made it all possible.
Cheerleaders
This year has been a rollercoaster, but having people around me to support, encourage, and motivate me through it all is something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
It’s been a year since I left school, and it’s also been a year since I last saw most of my friends. Yet, the saying “true friends are known when apart” couldn’t have been truer for me this year.
Whoever said, “Friendship isn’t about whom you’ve known the longest; it’s about who came and never left your side,” was absolutely right. Some of the people in my life now are those I never imagined would still be here, and their unwavering presence has been a blessing. These people are pure gold to me, gold that I will always treasure.
This year, they’ve taught me the true meaning and value of friendship. They’ve stood by me through challenges, supported my growing career, and always found ways to show up for me despite life’s circumstances.
Along with my family, these beautiful souls made me understand a quote by an anonymous author: “A good friend accepts who you are but also helps you become who you should be.” To me, this means: Amarachukwu, I accept you for who you are, for everything you’ve done in the past, but I also want to help you grow into who you want to be. I don’t care about what people say; I believe in the person I see standing in front of me — not in hearsay.
When this realization hit me around June or July this year, I cried. I hadn’t fully grasped how large and incredible my support system was until that moment.
And so I dedicate this section to my family and friends who have stayed by me through thick and thin. A special shoutout goes to those amazing friends who support my growing career by eagerly waiting for my next story, article, or poem. You are the MVPs and true cheerleaders of my 2024, and I’m forever grateful for you all.
Memoirs
In as much as the year has been a wild one, I still found ways to make the most of it by hanging out with friends and going to some events.
I attended the GTCO Food and Drink Fest and enjoyed myself to the fullest. My pocket definitely suffered a bit, but it was worth it. Leaving the venue that fateful Saturday evening, I promised myself that I will return in 2025 better prepared.
I went for my NYSC camp. Now, this is an interesting tale as my experience was different from every other person’s. The camping experience was a mix of boring and fun but majorly boring. But in the midst of the boredom, I was able to meet some beautiful souls.
I went for a church program — a praise night — Unusual Praise, and it was filled with unusual experiences. I danced and sang all night, and when I got home, I slept like a log of wood. Truly, in the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy. I felt so full of joy and happiness.
I created a lot of memories this year that, if I start talking about them, it would become an article of its own. These experiences and memories were the highlights of my 2024.
2024 has been a beautiful, challenging, and educational year — a discovery year. Hence, I call it my becoming year. I was able to learn, unlearn, and relearn a lot of things. I also pushed myself to take on challenges and become better. Through these challenges, I discovered my capabilities, my incapabilities, and my weak points.
It was a struggle but a beautiful struggle because it made me realize the following:
- God is my number one supporter.
- I can’t do it all alone; family and friends — my support system — are very important.
- Challenges are good.
- Failure is only a stepping stone and a sign of progress.
- My mental state is an important aspect of self-care.
- My dreams are valid.
- And above all, “Trust the process.”
Thanks for reading, and I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
