On turning 24! A memoir to my 23-year-old self.

Hurray, it’s my birthday!

Last year I turned 23 and that was indeed a year I am so proud of and one to be remembered. It wasn’t the smoothest ride but it was full of many lessons. Here are my Top 24 lessons in the last 365 days. 

24 lessons as I turn 24

1. You are loved by God. Don’t ever doubt that! Not even on days, you don’t feel like it. Trust his word over your feelings always. Engrave 1st John 3:16 on the tablet of your heart this new year.
2. Believe in yourself! The world mirrors your energy.
3. Don’t neglect your personal development. It determines who you become and how you show up towards achieving your dreams.
4. You are the only one responsible for the outcome of your life. Never forget that your actions are compounding. It can be positive or negative. That depends on the habits you are cultivating and the corresponding behavior.
5. Life is in phases and seasons. Always embrace them as they come.
6. You are enough! What you have is enough! and in times when you feel otherwise, remember it always starts with who you are.
7. Focus on your strengths! There are so many things you do so well, do more of that.
8. You have a voice! A voice that has the power to influence people and communities. Stop keeping quiet! Lives are tied to yours.
9. Done is always better than perfect! You can always improve on what you started but you’ll never start if you don’t take the first action. Just Do it!
10. You won’t always feel inspired or motivated. Always focus on your why and let facts guide you over feelings.
11. This too shall pass! Never forget this especially in difficult and trying times. 
12. It is happening for you, not to you! No, God is not punishing you for anything. When difficult things happen focus on the lessons in the experience. Best believe it will be for your good. 
13. You are beautiful! You are God’s masterpiece and he has deposited so much in you. Insecurities will always be there but always learn to look to the word. That’s what defines you.
14. You are not your experiences! It’s easy to define yourself by the things that happen to you. However, you are not defined by your experiences.
15. Always see failures as lessons or feedback.  The good thing about that is you’ll never run out getting better. Failure at something is only another extra way to do it better.
16. You’ll never feel ready. So just take the first step believing.
17. Overthinking is a sister to procrastination! Don’t engage them.
18. You can’t do it alone! You need people. Build relationships, learn how to communicate. There is such a thing as having a community.
19. Place premium value on your family! They are irreplaceable.
20. You can learn anything! It’s always difficult initially but once you give it time, you’ll eventually get it. Remember Rome wasn’t built in one day.
21. Live a little more! Document your Journey, take more pictures, explore your inner baby, meet new people. 
22. God is working in you! Never doubt it. Even when in trouble and hardship. Phil 2:13
23. Learn to ask for help! You’ll be amazed at how willing people are to offer help.
24. Finally, Joyce, never forget who you are and whose you are.

 I’m really grateful for an added year to my life. When I think about the phrase that describes who I want to be and how I want to show up up this year, it’s “Living with Intention”. It’s my prayer and desire that this year, I steward all the gifts that God has deposited in me and I live fully regardless of the difficulties ahead.

This year, I chose to celebrate my birthday by launching my personal brand website and blog. This was something I procrastinated on for 2 years even after purchasing a website hosting and the domain joycebusola.com. I finally committed to launching it about 5 days ago. It’s been a lot of sleepless nights and it took a  whole village to make this happen on short notice. I’m grateful to everyone that has supported me on this project. There are still a couple of things yet to be sorted but I believe “done” is always better than “perfect”. 

 Welcome to Joyce Busola- My little corner on the internet where I share my experience and expertise with you. I’ll be creating content on my current Journey as a Dermatology Resident Doctor, Living and schooling in Russia, Faith, Beauty, and everything in between. Join me on this journey of discovery and becoming.

 

Kindly share with me in the comments which of these lessons resonated with you.

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