When I saw this prompt, I had to do the mathematics to see where I was 15years ago and it actually took me back in time to all the dreams I had growing up, thinking life was easy. Like I had everything planned out, I didn't have to worry about anything, just what to wear to church or go out or passing my exam was my only worry.
If I look back to fifteen years ago, I was just a young girl and had just finished primary school, preparing to enter secondary school and I was becoming a big girl. Then, I didn't have much worry, I thought I had life all planned out and all. One of the plans I made then with my friend was to graduate and then rent an apartment in Lagos so we can escape from the stress our parents give us 😂. But life had other plans for us.
So much has happened in these period of fifteen years, both good and bad and it has made me grow. If the girl from those years ago saw me now, she would be shocked, and surprised. She would be surprised not because I became a bad person but because I have changed, emotionally, physically and mentally. Things I set as priority then are no longer a priority to me, I have new priorities.
Back then, I thought life was a bed of roses. I didn't know every step we take had it's own struggles. I thought I had everything well laid out, go to school, graduate, get a good job, get married, have kids and live happily ever after. But now I understand that real life is not that simple.
When I think of the biggest change in my life, it came when I got married and gave birth. When I got married, it was not just about me, I had to think of my husband also. Then I gave birth and had to think of my children too, I had to grow up fast. My dreams and plans had to adjust to the new reality of being responsible for others. My world now revolve around my husband and kids, they make me whole and happy.
Both marriage and motherhood taught me different things. Marriage taught me patience and understanding while motherhood taught me strength and sacrifice. I became more careful, prayer and mature with the choices I make. That girl of fifteen years ago would not believe how far I have come, the strength I carry and responsibilities manage everyday.
Looking back at the decisionsbi have made, I don't regret anything. Even the hard decision shaped me into who I am today. Ofcourse, I have changed but I have grown, I'm proud of the woman I'm becoming, even though I still have a long way to go. Change is part of life. I may not have everything I dreamed of yet, but I am moving forward, step by step, and writing my own story.
As much as it is inevitable, this is one part of life that kinda scares me sometimes. One minute, you're little, the next you're the one taking care of others.
Looking back just helps us to reflects on how to become better, helping us direct our steps of today so that the next time we look back, we will be happy how far we have gone.
You're right. This minute we are little and then boom we are big and have to responsive for things.
Marriage and motherhood will definitely teach people the greatest things and lessons. At that point, one’s life revolves around making sure the family are doing good and are happy. Though we had dreams while growing up but life comes with a different turns for us.
That's just it and whatever life throws we should be ready to take it and adjust with it.
Surely you have growth to be beautiful, bold and courageous, so you shouldn't relent on being better more.
Thanks for the nice comment and advice.
You are welcome