About 25

Happy birthday to me! The day my parents said I was born.

I was initially going to title this differently, but I listened to Adekunle Gold's Ire recently, and it changed the way I thought. Not just because I like the song or because it's my first name(in Yoruba), but I came to understand that perhaps my life, the best parts and years of my life are in front of me.

6-year old Goodness

Somehow, birthdays give me a bit of anxiety, so I don't usually give them much regard. The thought of a new age is scary, ngl. And this one I turned—can’t be my real age; somebody wake me up—feels like the beginning of serious adulthood. Wdym I am this old? Whatt!

But hey, look who's turned 25! The one God has shown mercy. That God has saved multiple times. The one that didn't die from a BRT hit. The one that didn't go insane despite life's turmoils.

Couldn't resist joining the Ghibli trend

I know I've always been strong, but there were days I just wanted to cry because life was beating me hard, and I didn't know what to do. I've experienced different phases: good, ugly, and better. The ones I didn't know I'd get out of, the ones I barely made it through, but I did.

The past year of my life has been tough (like I knew) and rewarding, still. I'd finished school already in ‘23, so I entered the real world; navigating adulthood, friendships, relationships, and life in essential. I've made mistakes and picked my lessons, which I'm still picking. But I'm grateful to God for his saving grace and for being my best guide. Even on days when I was unfaithful and ungrateful, his arms were still wide open. I'm also grateful for friends who have kept me sane, even though sometimes, I do not think I do enough for them to be in my life. And I'm grateful for my family; doing life with them keeps me going every day.

Above all, I'm grateful for my life today. Despite the Ls that have happened in 24, I'm learning to count my blessings. Despite losing my jobs a few days before turning this new age, I'm learning to hold on to the fact that I'm still here today, thugging it like I've always done. And being a figure outer.

So, cheers to new beginnings. Cheers to doing things for the first time. I got my ears pierced for the first time, their daddy! And I plan to do many things for the first time as I turn 25.

I want to know I lived while existing. I've always been super confident in the eyes of many, but beneath that lies my fears. So this year, I will wield my fear like a pen and write masterpieces out of my life. I wouldn't say I will stop being afraid because fear never goes away, especially in the first moments. But I'm going to do it afraid. Take on chances; take a bet on me.

I don't know what's in it for me yet, but when has God ever failed? I know my best years are ahead of me. So, I'm going to pursue them while I live in the moment.

I do not have many words to say, to be honest (I don't know how I managed to write this sef). But regardless of the birthday anxiety, I'm excited for what 25 has in store for me.

I don't have any major plans. I'd probably go grab ice cream (for the first time ever) and reminisce about this serious, mature “you don dey old” age while I bask in the moment.

When you read this, please say a prayer for me, write to me or DM me here. Share my newsletter with someone. And send your daddy money (because I'm not your foking mate).

I love you so much, GOODNESS DAMILOLA SHITTU.

You're a star. I know you're so going to be prominent and impact lives.

Cheers to the best years of your life!

Your buddy fi life,

Damdam.❤️