CHAPTERS OF GRATITUDE - 5: NEW EDITION

 It's been a while since I journaled for reasons best known to me; however I have decided to start this again for two main reason: (1) It is an obligation and responsibility I have placed on myself this year; (2) I believe I am in a very good state of mind now (somewhat linked to 1), to do this objectively).

At the close of 2025, I had made up my mind that it was time to reorganize my life, retrace my steps, find that inner peace that made me make decisions I will forever be proud of and thankful for, and get back on the bounce. I first started to write plans for the year in 2009 and the first I wrote was a 5-year plan. I make bold to say that I achieved all that I wrote down on that small piece of paper, which I carried in my wallet, within the set time frame. While achieving set goals and objectives might seem a thing to be grateful for, I learnt, upon the achievement of the last of those goals on my list, that this comes with its set of problems as well. At the time these goals were been crafted, all I wanted to do was to win - literally- there was no game plan after that, the objectives in themselves were noble, but the reason behind them were personal, to prove a point and to overcome some childhood trauma. Honestly, I felt good (for a brief moment) when I hit the last of the goals, however, the deck had started to crumble even before I got to that point.

Fast forward to 2025, through the influence of my girlfriend, I drafted an extensive vision board for the year (or so I thought). Upon analysis of the plans at the end of the year, I had achieved most of what I had put in there, but there were more of habit changing and financial achievement. i still felt there was something missing. In 2026, I have finally come up with a manual for my life. For some people this would seem boring, because it would mean that I have to engage in routine activities, but what I have found out is that, routine works well for me and I work well with routine. I generally like to plan and this just works well for me. Since I have started on the 2026 journey, i have seen incredible improvement in my life and I will list a few:

1. I have quit smoking (well I haven't lit or smoked a stick of cigarette in over three weeks), and more importantly for me, I do not feel the urge to do so.
2. I have not tasted or had any alcoholic beverage; instead, I have consumed more water and it is sweet!
3. I now take fruits daily. Not just apples, but an assortment of them fruits. I buy and prep them myself. Sometimes I even juice them.
4. I have been resting more
5. I am more present in conversations and engagements
6. I believe I am getting closer again to my maker and our relationship is getting even stronger.
7. There is an unusual calmness and peace I am starting to feel.

In summary, I am grateful for how the year has started and the strides that I have made so far. The overarching goal is to be better with each thought and action, to be kind, generous and helpful as best as I can and to ultimately do the will of the Almighty and fulfil the purpose for which I was created.