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Friday, September 11, 2015

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

I’m starting with this picture because I think it is funny. Foluso Ajayi dug it up yesterday, and my Facebook friends seem to think it is funny too. I’m doing a few things in this picture I’ll most likely never do again: striking a hilarious pose, wearing green ‘canvas’, and generally trying hard to look like an Ibadan boy. Apart from highlighting how much I have grown, this picture does not contribute further to this post.
This picture was taken about a year after the first. I had gone up the Old Buka hill at the Obafemi Awolowo University with friends, and I was the designated photographer. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I took it, but I am glad I did. It is one of my favourite pictures of myself. It reminds me of a time that sometimes seems far away, a time when I had few worries, even fewer fears, and when I genuinely believed I could help heal the world.

*****
I can’t believe it’s already one year since I wrote my birthday post in 2014. It feels like it was only six months ago. I read that post again just now, and it still accurately reflects many of the thoughts swarming my mind today:

  • Gratitude for how far I’ve come on my journey, and the beautiful people I have journeyed with.
  • A burning consciousness that every night I go to bed marks one day less I have to be all I can be.
  • A grudging realization that I won’t be young forever, and I ought to pack every day full of life.

The year ending yesterday was a great one, and I am grateful for everything.

*****

I look forward to my best year yet, starting today. I just renewed my commitment to live and grow, to stand for my dreams, and to follow up the road that lies ahead.
The primary commitment I make to myself today is to live: to overcome fear of rejection, ridicule or failure and just do things; to give blinding focus to excellently executing the ambitious plans I make so well; to “fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run”; to step out in faith when God calls. And yes – to sky-dive as soon as I get the opportunity. - Koye-Ladele M., Happy Birthday to Me (2014).
I also look forward to contributing externally, more than ever before. I deeply believe the purpose of my life is bigger than me, and I look forward to doing more to help other people rise above their limitations and achieve their potential.

Maybe, just maybe – I’ll help to make life a little better for someone else, I’ll help to heal the world, and I’ll be forever young.

Happy Birthday to Me.

11 comments:

  1. Happy birthday Koye. All the best as you begin another year of development.

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    1. Thank you very much Seun. Thanks for stopping by and for the birthday wishes.

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  2. Wa last l'ori ile alaye nitori o ti ni Rock of ages ni baba. Oku, oku n'ibon ro.Gbeke, you're going places. Cheers!

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    1. Thank you very much SegzyWemzy. Really appreciate you stopping by virtually and in person. God bless you too! Amen, and thank you for the birthday wishes.

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    2. Always, welcome bro. God bless. Gracias!

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  3. Happy b day koye... More greater and glorious heights IJN

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    1. Thank you very much Tosin. Amen! :) Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Happy birthday Koye, I wish you more fulfilling years. I pray your dreams come true in Jesus name. Thankful our path crossed.

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    1. Awww Dunsin!!! I'm thankful our paths crossed too :) :) :). Thank you very much for the birthday wishes! Amen, and God bless you!

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    2. Happy birthday Koye! A big amen to your wishes and many more.

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  5. uncle Koye , long time no see and yes you do look funny in the pose and green canvas.

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