2021: We Need To Communicate

Dear Tola,

I have known you for over 23 years;more if we count the time in safe haven, and possibly really well for 15 years, if we count our earliest memories; some of which I vaguely remember. So imagine the disappointment I have that I have never thought of writing a letter to you. I know what you are likely thinking, reading this and all; Why can't I just text, whatsapp, or send you a dm?

Well you know the answer - it takes ages for you to reply to long messages on those platforms. Plus I figured, since you are working and school is about to start you will likely check this. Disclaimer: Yes! This is going to be long - well slightly due to the fact that I preview 2020 but don't worry, you will preview year 2021 in 2022 ("hopefully"), and yes I counted with my fingers, but that's besides the point. For now, you better read this and reply in February! (Jokes aside), it’s only going to take approximately 2hours for preparations. Speaking of months, years, goals, rewards and whatnot- do you see the certificate/picture below? Please take a moment to read and digest it very slowly..



CONGRATULATIONS! You actually graduated from 2020, with a B+ and this is very remarkable because, the university of life's averages were deadbeat low, plus 2020 was a major "B"( average...), anyways, let's take a look at the major highlights from the 2020 syllabus.

January 2020- Forest fires, some "beef" and turkey was going on in some places; won't get into details. A bit of trouble here and there. But it was A- okay! January starts with J for a reason you know; Joyful, Just, Joy, Job, the list goes on, but think only positive ;).

Mid March 2020- The women’s gala took place, it was a beautiful occasion and you enjoyed the talks and dances. You also got free food! ( because it was a reward for doing well on the “SEAT” program). It was simply beautiful. You got ever younger, but things happened, so you didn't have the chance to get your gifts from stores you rarely go to in a year- but again its okay! It gets slight better (well not really, but you learnt a lot, so that's a bonus!)

May 2020- We finally took the course we had been contemplating to no end on for a year, so this was a highlight; great job! Online learning was great; or is great rather. You learnt from Dale Carnegie, and so many other wonderful writers. On the other end, you stayed away from the news, because it was getting depressing, your dad and mom were also spamming your WhatsApp on safety guidelines everyday, for over a month ( it’s a miracle your friends didn’t, because they were experiencing it too, plus they are so thoughtful). Cheers to thoughtful friends, and wonderful parents.

August 2020- I honestly forgot what happened here, I mean you were surviving and people were staying 6ft away, plus you didn't have to go out of the house for the past months, for parties that likely drained you, you only left the house when it was absolutely necessary; getting food. TP a.ka Toilet Paper was scarce for a while but it became available later, because people, were people. Speaking of August, why does the year start with January instead August? I mean, I did some research and I got to the information about Greek gods and whatnot, but I had to finish this letter because of time constraints. When you get this letter, please look it up and tell me about it in February! And oh- you were looking for a new apartment, because our brother wanted to move; annoying I know, but it paid off I guess.

December 2020- I know I skipped a lot, but this can be compressed, plus I have something amazing to show you. So, you finished the Design course you registered for in November- you got to work with clients, teammates! A.k.a "hell"(it’s so different from uni). It was a challenge, and this is why you got a B+, but like I mentioned earlier: much better than average.

But much work is needed; and don't worry! there will be help along the way- Me, Myself and I, and of course family! Another highlight was finding an awesome tool, for time management( you guessed it) ; and I made a surprise for you, with the help of different heroes.

Overall, the awesome trips you planned got cancelled, but you were able to travel and meet lots of friends online; from eventbrite, to meetups, YouTube and even hackathons. You simply went places!

Which finally brings us here, the last year of Uni, but surely the beginning of new greatness. You are back to January; A month so young, but oh so old- The oldest baby of all time. And so, with babies, comes delicate care. so let's nourish him/her/it well.



January: The Month of First Resolutions.

I remember you told me that your resolutions almost always ended sometime in February, so I did some research and found a solution; but for this to work, we have to work together each month, and I think this is do- able. So without further ado! Let’s get to it

General Goals For The Year!

~Not in order and not limited to this: because January is not the whole year!



Spend money wisely: This is a general rule of thumb for us. Why did I add this and what do I hope that we accomplish? Simple, but no so simple; to not live in despair, and to save the planet, or in this case our apartment, and sanity . I know it's not a big goal for some, but let's work wisely and smartly the whole year to accomplish this. Remember: "We are each other's accountability buddy" and of course we have help from others!

Enjoy school and keep being knowledgeable: So you are graduating this year!! No words can quantify the joy I have right now.But as you have learnt recently; school is not the end of shool(education). You will enter a new phase in your education: Looking for a job related to the field you want to work in, and forming new relationships (no matter how small).

And remember you also have the digital art courses you are taking on YouTube? Though you get frustrated at times, remember this: Practice makes improvement- or perfect I guess-. What I am tring to say is this; ~Enjoy the process~

Maintain great relationships: Reason- It would make you a better person. Maintain your relationships and don't hold anything against anyone. If things don't work out with someone: move ahead, wish them the best, and don't hold anything against anyone; there is more to life! Overall, maintaining this will make you happy! So stay happy.

There may be more, but we will figure it out along the way!



Goals For January

So this is just the beginning and I plan on filling out the agenda daily, weekly and month to month (whenever it's my turn ofcourse). From the files, you will see the to-do list, weekly and daily goals , the journal and even a section for school, and work to make life easier.

I know working on this is challenging, but the more we practice, the easier it gets. I have so much more to say, but I still need to set the goals and projects for this week done, plus you will see the work.

I reiterate: Please continue the work in February (make sure you tell me how January went, and also why the year starts in January) . Thank you so much for reading my email, I know I can trust you to put in the work; and finally- please reply unfailing by February 8th 2021 (or no rewards).

Sincerely,

Tola.