Family, Resilience, and New Beginnings: Reflecting on Year 2024
2024 has been a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and growth. As I reflect on it all, one thing is abundantly clear — every person I encountered this year has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. Even when I struggled to believe in myself, their staunch belief in me has carried me through some of the most challenging moments. They stood by me not because they had to but because they chose to, and that fills my heart with gratitude. It’s been a tough year, but knowing I had people in my corner gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.
I owe a special thanks to my family — my wife, my son, and my extended relatives — for their constant support and love during a year filled with ups and downs. My wife, my anchor, was there in my moments of doubt and frustration, offering words of encouragement and uncompromising love that only a true partner could provide. She believed in me when I didn’t have the strength to believe in myself, and I am forever grateful for that.
My son, with his innocent laughter and boundless energy, was a source of pure joy amid life’s storms. Celebrating his second birthday this year was a moment of unfiltered happiness. Seeing his smiles and the love from everyone who came to celebrate with us reminded me of what truly matters in life. The simple moments of family and togetherness brought more fulfilment than any material achievement ever could.
This year was marked by an unprecedented surge in inflation, a challenge that affected everyone. Prices soared, making even the most basic necessities feel like luxuries. The cost of living became unbearable at times, and I often felt its weight not just for myself but for everyone around me. It was a shared struggle that brought out the best and worst in people. My empathy grew as I realized how many were silently enduring this hardship, doing their best to survive. Despite the difficulties, I’m proud of how we, as a family and as individuals, stayed true to our values and pushed through. The resilience I witnessed in others inspired me to keep going, even when the odds felt insurmountable.
One of my personal victories this year was returning to school to pursue a postgraduate degree. Taking that step was not easy, especially as it meant juggling academics with work and family responsibilities. Becoming the course representative of my set was an unexpected honour, but it also came with challenges. I had to develop new habits and leadership skills, balancing the needs of my classmates while managing my own studies.
Interacting with people from different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds was a learning curve. At first, it felt overwhelming — trying to understand and navigate my peers’ diverse perspectives and expectations. But with time, I found my footing. I learned to listen, empathize, and adapt, which helped me build meaningful connections with my classmates. Together, we formed a community of shared purpose, supporting one another through the ups and downs of academic life. Helping others with their challenges gave me a sense of purpose, and I also took the opportunity to hone my academic writing skills by assisting with a few assignments. It was a period of significant academic and personal growth, and I am proud of my progress.
Work, however, was a different story. This year was particularly challenging on the professional front. Gigs were few and far between, and I found myself relying on past clients to stay afloat. There were periods of complete drought when I was out of work entirely, and those moments tested my faith and resilience like nothing else. It felt like walking through a storm with no clear end in sight. But with God’s grace and the unwavering support of my loved ones, I managed to navigate that difficult phase.
At one point, the challenges became so overwhelming that I had to contact close friends for help. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me an invaluable lesson — there is no shame in asking for help when you genuinely need it. We all need a shoulder to lean on at some point in our lives, and I hope to be that shoulder for others when their time comes. Knowing I had people willing to step in and support me during my darkest days reminded me of the importance of community and connection.
This year also brought a life-altering experience when I survived a ghastly bike accident. The incident left me physically wounded, requiring stitches, and emotionally shaken for weeks. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how everything can change instantly. I am deeply grateful to have survived and to have had the support of my family during the recovery process. The experience made me appreciate my health and the preciousness of life in ways I hadn’t before.
On the brighter side, my family’s health remained largely stable this year. I didn’t have to worry much about medical bills on that front, which was a blessing. My heart goes out to those who are grappling with health challenges, and I pray for strength and healing for them.
The joy of family extended beyond my immediate circle. This year, one of my brothers got married, bringing our family together in celebration and love. Another brother welcomed a bouncing baby boy, adding to the blessings we had to be grateful for. These moments of togetherness reminded me of the true meaning of life — family, love, and shared joy. They reinforced the importance of cherishing the people who matter most.
Special thanks go to my boss and Founder of DxTalks, Rudy ShouShany, who believed in me and offered the kind of leadership and support that motivated me to stay productive. Rudy, alongside our SEO wizard Saheed Oladele, Operations and Social Media handler Sandy Hyacek, and the rest of the DxTalks team, played a crucial role in helping me stay focused and aligned with the organization’s goals. Their collaboration, encouragement, and teamwork created an environment where I could thrive, even during trying times. I’m deeply grateful to be part of such an incredible team and to have been part of the progress we achieved this year.
Social media also proved to be an unexpected avenue for growth and connection. I met incredible people online, some of whom became more than just contacts — they became friends, collaborators, and even clients. Through these connections, I was able to secure a few jobs, proving once again that opportunities can come from the most unexpected places if we remain open to them.
2024 also allowed me to give back in ways that were deeply fulfilling. Sacrifice, kindness, and being there for others became the defining themes of my year. I organized events, spoke at gatherings, and volunteered my time to make a difference. Mentoring business owners, content creators, writers, and social media managers was one of my most rewarding experiences. Seeing the positive changes in their careers and lives as a result of my guidance brought me immense joy. These moments reminded me that even when we don’t achieve all our personal goals, the impact we have on others can be just as meaningful.
As I look back, I realize that while many of my goals for 2024 were unmet, the year was far from a failure. It was a year of resilience, gratitude, and growth. The lessons learned, the relationships strengthened, and the moments of joy shared have made it a year worth remembering.
I believe I’ve done the groundwork for what’s to come, and I’m entering 2025 with hope and confidence. The challenges of 2024 have prepared me for the opportunities ahead, and I’m ready to harvest the seeds of hard work, resilience, and faith sown this year.
To everyone who stood by me, believed in me, or lent a helping hand — I thank you from the depths of my heart. You made this year what it was, and I’ll carry your kindness and support with me into the new year. Here’s to a brighter and better 2025, filled with love, growth, and endless possibilities.
