Notes on Life: Seeing Life from Different Lenses
We cage ourselves and stop ourselves from living freely, from enjoying the beautiful world around us
Hi Friends! It’s currently 11:02, and I’m listening to Snowman by Sia. I’ve played this song so many times, I feel like I’d win a gift for it. I love it that much! I remember this time last year, I was so happy with life. It was a beautiful moment. I lived each day as it came, and the universe made it all fall into place. It’s funny how music can take you back to specific moments in time, like a portal that reminds you of who you were and how you felt in the past. That song will forever be linked to this exact moment for me, and I think that’s the magic of life—how certain things, like music, memories, and feelings, can make time feel like it’s standing still, even when it’s rushing forward.
Meanwhile, it's a new month! How are you feeling about it? I’m realizing how fast time flies, like it’s in a competition. Two years ago, I was in a very interesting situation. I struggled with settling into my new location and wondered if life would ever be good. It was tough! I experienced a different side of life during that time, an adventure filled with challenges. But looking back, I can see how God was intentional with my growth. The challenges, the frustrations, the uncertainty—they all shaped me into who I am today. And I’m so thankful for it. Sometimes, it’s only after we’ve gone through something difficult that we realize how much we’ve grown.
Have you ever reflected on how you see life? Have you ever thought about how you view life or how you want to be remembered? It’s something I’ve been thinking about lately, especially as I get older and experience more. I’ve realized that our principles are often like cages we put ourselves in. Over time, I subscribed to being principled, guided by rules, living life in a certain way. But have we ever thought about how these rules might be keeping us from living freely, from becoming our true selves?
I’ve often wondered if I’ve been too caught up in trying to follow a script that someone else wrote—whether it’s society, family, or even my own self-imposed expectations. We often live for others—afraid of judgment, afraid of how people will perceive us. The truth is, some of us are living in the shadows of people who don’t care about us. We cage ourselves and stop ourselves from living freely, from enjoying the beautiful world around us. I’ve had moments where I stopped myself from doing something simply because I was afraid of what people might think. But I’ve come to realize that life is way too short to live in fear of others’ opinions.
We forget that life is fickle. We can sleep tonight and not wake up tomorrow. Anything can happen. The real question is: Have you lived well enough to die anytime? It sounds harsh, I know, but it’s a reminder to live with intention, to make the most of every moment. Life is precious. We’re all given a limited amount of time, and we often spend so much of it worrying about things that don’t matter, or holding ourselves back because of what others might think.
I hope we can all live more freely, without worrying about what others think of us. The world is big, and it’s filled with so many opportunities and experiences waiting to be explored. Why limit ourselves? Why live by rules that no longer serve us? I know I’m ready to break free from that cage, to chase after what truly excites me and not just what I’m expected to do.
Catch up with Imisioluwa
I started sales on December 1st, and the turnout was beautiful! I’m so grateful to God. A lot of effort went into that sale—paid influencers, a graphic designer, print branding, product purchases, changing my phone, and more. It was all worth it, and I’m proud of myself. I won’t beat myself up if it doesn’t do well. The mere fact that I took the leap to do something different, to step outside my comfort zone, is something to celebrate. Many people never even get that far. I’m just happy I did something out of the ordinary.
Capitalism wants to deal with me, but I’ll deal with it first! It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind, the constant pressure to achieve more, earn more, and do more. But I remind myself that life is not just about money—it’s about balance, fulfillment, and the experiences that make it all worth it.
I got my product management certificate, but I feel indifferent about it. I have certificates in so many things, so I’m not really moved anymore. It’s a funny thing, isn’t it? We chase after these external validations, thinking they’ll bring us fulfillment, only to realize that they don’t always live up to the hype.
I want to make bastard money and be rich like Tony Elumelu. There’s something about financial freedom that just excites me. But beyond that, I want to use that wealth to impact others. Success, to me, is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about using it to create opportunities for others and leave a lasting legacy.
This week, I’m wishing someone would pay for my facials and massage—then play some Lofi or jazz music. I’ve suffered enough. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves to slow down, to take care of our bodies and minds. The hustle is real, but so is the need for rest and relaxation.
I also wish I could swim this week. I don’t have the money for it, neither do I know how to swim. but I’m still wishing. It’s strange how even the simplest pleasures can feel out of reach at times. But I’ve learned to find joy in the little things, even if they’re just dreams for now.
This year has been full of surprises, both good and bad, but I’m grateful for each experience. I’m learning to let go of what no longer serves me and embrace the unknown. I’m learning to trust the process and, most importantly, I’m learning to live for myself.
Until next time, see you soon! 🤎