My Neighbour's Kids Wouldn't Stop Calling me by my age.

Argh. Just tell me why they keep calling me "22 years old boy."

Ever since I told them my age('cause they asked), they haven't stopped calling me by it. Talmbout "see this 22 years old boy," like I don't have a name or I won't be a year older next month. It's not their fault sef, na me wey tell them. But really, these kids should stop.

Udoh, Kachi, Sarah, and the last one which I can't remember (it's always these igbo children), I have a name and you know it. Don't try it in front of my crush pliss.

T for tenks.

Anyway guys, that's not the focus of this letter. But I just had to come like that. I got inspiration while washing clothes outside my father's house(even though Udoh kept disturbing me). And you know what I said about inspiration. Check here if you don't.

Btw, how has this week been for you? Feel free to rant to me.

But, I want to talk about something and I'll use my neighbours as a case study.

And it's about being content.

Playing Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City 

I hope you know there's a thick line between being content and overly ambitious. I know you know there is. But, where do we draw the line?

Playing Ordinary People by Cobhams

If you've ever heard of ordinary people, I think my neighbours are a good definition. Imo, these are people that are content with their lives and they are not "ambitious." Maybe they are. But they'd rather settle for the "little things that matter."

I have noticed this family of 6 from their small home; from their morning devotions (with the rickety voice of the children) down to when they sleep; how they've cultivated good habits in the lives of their coconut head children. When I saw these things, I realized that some people are fine living an ordinary life.

What do I mean?

It's not like that they don't yearn for a better life. Of course, they do. But, if the little things that matter keep coming in steady, then they'll hold on to that life. And that's fine. Not everyone wants to rule your world or be everyone you go. 

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be ambitious. If you want to be the first black man to go to the sun, and you think you can do it, that's fine. You can still be ambitious and be content.

But, you don't have to be overly ambitious like our Nigerian Batman or achieve the world at the expense of other people's joy or even ruining your own life.

I think being content is knowing that your life isn't the same as others, and you're not trying to run someone else's race. It is knowing that everything that happens in your life is a phase. And if you work towards something, you can make it happen –ambition.

But, I hope you know that doesn't stop you from having a hustling spirit. Give your fucking best, bro. The only thing you can bet on confidently, is yourself, sis.

Why am I saying these things?Maybe you can pick one or two nuggets…

But understand that some people wouldn't reach for the stars like you would or want to. They'd rather stay in the sky. Don't invalidate their feelings. Circumstances may turn them like that. You can motivate them. But, if they choose to be like that, so be it.

And here's where I'll drop the pen. Know where to draw the line between being content and overly ambitious.

But what do you think? Write back to me. I really want to know.

And jsyk, don't mistake contentment for comfort. Comfort can be dangerous.

Till we meet again,

Love and Magic,

Damdam.

P.S: Don't forget to post a screenshot and tag me (dammyshittu_) on your socials any part that resonates with you.