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One of the greatest gifts on earth is a grateful heart.
Gratitude encourages optimism and optimism builds hope. It is an attitude for a healthier and longer life.
It is also a mindset and a choice.
I have kept a gratitude journal for as long as I can remember which allows me to express my gratitude about things that have happened to me and experiences that I have had.
This gratitude journaling:
- helps me to notice the joys – big and small – that have occurred and that might otherwise slip past my attention.
- helps me cope when the hard times come.
By choosing gratitude, I can notice the little things of each day and keep my cup full.
I am sharing my 2023 gratitude journal for the first time in the public domain to encourage you to pay attention, count your blessings, and stay hopeful, cheerful, and joyful.
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2023 was…
- My year of daring. I challenged myself to do things that I had wanted to do for a long time and was terrified to do. I also challenged myself to actively curate enriching experiences in 2023. I am very thankful that I did dare.
- A year of being fully present intentionally in the lives of my loved ones and in projects I wanted to be involved in. I was able to devote my undivided attention – emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to all these. I laughed when life was ridiculously funny, cried when my heart broke for inconsolable events, and was privileged to share brief precious moments that were gone in an instant but will remain memorable for a lifetime.
- My year of rest, leisure, and self-reflection. I took the entire year off work and chose to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and the direction to take it. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity as it has blessed me innumerably.
- A year of service that allowed me to give of myself, time, and presence to projects that I was passionate about without stressing about the time spent. I loved every moment of my service which was fulfilling.
This is a very personal blog post and will become a regular feature on my blog annually.
This is my list of experiences, people, and things that I’m grateful to have experienced last year in no particular order.
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- For everyone who was present in my life, and who allowed me to be present in their lives.
- My health and well-being – I do not take it for granted as we lost people in 2023.
- My marriage turned 17 – I am thankful for my husband of 17 years who holds me together when life gets tough, who has had a courtside view of my challenges and triumphs, and who always celebrates with me. Another Year Has Gone By (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=8WcWjP_z3JI) by Celine Dion sums up how I feel every Christmas with you by my side.
4. We officially now have two teenage daughters in the house and are so thankful for them. We are strengthened by our love for you both. Please do not ever outgrow my hugs as I need them more. I dedicate these two ABBA songs to them – My Love, My Life (song by Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, and Meryl Streep) in Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtEGNJpl2lM) and Slipping Through My Fingers – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF9wHFw3kTw)
5. I ushered in the New Year with my husband, daughters, and only sister and celebrated in style with afternoon tea at Harrods. This was memorable and special.
6. I chose happiness over being right this year – I forgave a lot of toxic things that I had struggled to let go of and focused more on peace and joy. I kept saying that I would rather be happy than right. This song by Idina Menzel – No Day But Today (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OM65pAXZrE) helped me to just focus on today.
7. One of my brothers pushed me relentlessly to do what I truly wanted to achieve this year, which was to get this blog started, and he supported me so much in making it a reality.
8. I finally binge-watched The King of Boys series on Netflix with my husband over the holidays – We had been looking forward to it following recommendations from friends. I am a big fan of Sola Sobowale, and she blew us away!
9. I introduced my two daughters to our sisters’ traveling traditions by taking them on a sisterhood trip to France. It was memorable, and we all had a blast. It is my hope and prayer that in the future they will travel together and curate their own experiences.
10. Our family watched the Mandela Broadcast – Best Seat in Your House by the Young Vic Theatre. It was memorable and triggered family discussions on the impact of the sacrifices and losses experienced by Mandela’s family in the journey for freedom in South Africa. In December 2022, we went to the Young Vic to see this show and were extremely disappointed when it was canceled just after we sat down in the theatre. It was a relief to watch from our seats at home.
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11. I enrolled in the Financial Joy Academy and had access to various courses and masterclasses which have helped me in my blogging journey.
12. I had coffee with a friend who introduced me to a charity organization that I ended up selecting to raise funds for in 2023. This charity empowers women and young girls to gain the skills, confidence, and wisdom to thrive in life, work, and family. I learned how to fundraise through Enthuse and even introduced the charity to them as well.
13. Attended the TCS London Marathon Meet Our Experts event where I learned about planning the training for the marathon which included long runs, posture, injuries, nutrition, recovery, hydration and dehydration, fundraising, footwear, and apparel.
14. Having my gait analysis done at the New Balance store in Central London, and having a set of trainers that made me feel like I was walking on air. Hoka and New Balance trainers changed my walking and running life. I was able to train well for my marathon.
15. I fundraised through my local community – I spoke in church and was supported by loads of people whom I had never met before and who have now become acquaintances and friends.
16. My Mother visited and spent three months with us from Nigeria. It was a blessed time for us. Anyone with elderly parents will know that time spent with them is precious and we value this time a lot. I am because she is. I dedicate You Raise Me Up – a song by Westlife and Secret Garden – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipUzLjzjrvk) to her. I tell my friends that even if we disagree with our parents, we will miss them when they are gone so we need to cherish them.
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17. Seeing the King and I musical at the New Wimbledon theatre with my Mum and family in celebration of her 71st birthday. I loved this musical as a child and we used to watch the movie where I would simply drool over the dresses. The timeless songs of this Richard and Hammerstein epic performance inspired my love of theatre from a young age. I think the movie also sparked my love of Thailand. I saw the musical theatre production for the first time in the Sunderland Empire with my husband over sixteen years ago. So seeing it in the theatre with my Mum and daughters and friends was full circle for me.
18. Seeing the African Fashion Exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington with one of my daughters. The African designs and pictures were inspiring. Seeing the black and white pictures reminded me of albums from my grandparents’ and parents’ time and I hoped that more of these sorts of exhibitions would be curated. Representation matters.
19. We spent time with my mother-in-law who turned 83 years old this year. It was indeed a blessing to share a lot of family celebrations with her and my Mum this year. For this we are thankful.
20. My husband taking his Mum to see the Hamilton musical at the West End in celebration of her 83rd birthday. She enjoyed it thoroughly. I wanted to join them but this would have been my third time and it was a special time for both of them.
21. We celebrated birthdays in our family this year with museum visits, paintballing sessions with family and friends, dinners, and theatre trips. For this, I am so thankful. I love celebrations and find reasons to celebrate.
22. We celebrated hubby’s birthday at the 84 West Restaurant – an Afrofusion restaurant. Everyone loved the food and the service too.
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23. I celebrated turning 44 at the Yumyum Restaurant. I love Thai food and is my go-to comfort food anytime I need a pick-me-up. We watched a Netflix documentary where Gordon Ramsey identified this restaurant as the best Thai restaurant in North London after an extensive search. My daughters then chose it as the restaurant to go to for my birthday. The food was yummy and the service was great too.
24. Spending time with my cousins all through the year intentionally. We spent a special day with three generations at the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
25. For my siblings who continuously keep me accountable, grounded, real and honest. I love you guys unconditionally. I dedicate this song by Thomas Rhett – What’s Your Country Song – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBzduwzZH-w) to you. I love this awesome song so much and I know that this song evokes emotions and memories for them. I hope that they continue to embrace their stories and find joy and connection through the music and traditions they love.
26. For my family of friends – life sisters and brothers who have accompanied us on our life journey while also on their own. We appreciate you all.
27. I had promised myself that I was going to launch a blog before my 45th birthday, and I am so thankful that I launched this blog – in fulfillment of another dream that I have had for over 12 years and was just too scared to leap. I dedicate this song to myself and sang it a lot this year – Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslDnwerQRA) This song encapsulates my whole approach to 2023. Everyone deserves a chance to fly.
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28. I watched The Iron Lady – a 2011 biographical drama film based on the life and career of the late Margaret Thatcher and loved a special quote of hers. “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that. And I think I am fine.”
29. I fulfilled a dream of spending Holy Week in Rome with my family participating in the activities and also being in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ urbi et orbi blessing for Easter. I made this wish when I first visited Rome as a teenager 27 years ago and saw the late Saint Pope John Paul II.
30. I ran the TCS London Marathon and finished with a finisher medal to prove it and the experience of a lifetime. This marathon was scary as I did not know what to expect. I am not a runner but I overcame a lot of fears and learned a lot on my journey. Having my husband, daughters, friends, and family cheering for me at different stops along the way was encouraging, nurturing, and loving. I felt a sense of community that day. You can check my blog post on the experience here – London Marathon Wisdom: 20 Lessons in Resilience
31. I discovered the OOFOS recovery footwear – The women’s OOriginal Sandal– which saved my feet and reduced the stress on my feet and joints after my marathon. I wore them non-stop daily for 9 weeks to go everywhere.
32. Our first daughter was invited to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camila in recognition of her year-long volunteering work within a committee of Girlguiding group. We were so proud of her achievements and commitment to service.
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33. My family and I were privileged to celebrate a close friend’s 50th birthday with her family, friends, and community. It was an incredible experience for me. Her entrance song – Selense by Banky W and Mercy Chinwo – (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mgfGb0ycW8) set the tone for the day. Being a part of the planning committee was an eye-opener to how one needs to live a good life and give without expectations. She gave to everyone unstintingly and everyone turned up to celebrate her. She has indeed been a blessing and an inspiration to us all. Her birthday has given me another chance to reflect on the years we’ve known one another and how grateful I am for her.
34. Our first daughter prepared and received her sacrament of Confirmation which is a huge milestone in her journey of faith. We were thankful to have our community comprising of family, her Godparents, and friends who commemorated the occasion with us.
35. I stayed debt-free for a third year straight and kept track of our finances.
36. I created and piloted a free coaching program for 12 young people over 6 weeks in the summer. I am thankful for this experience and the feedback I received from them all. Priceless moments for me as this was a dream that became a reality.
37. I went away with one of my sister’s in-laws, her friends, and a very close friend of mine to celebrate her 50th birthday in Marrakech. Lovely memorable and amazing moments to treasure – Quad biking in the desert, Spa Day, outings, dancing, and shopping. Loads of laughter and cheer.
38. I attended meetings and training as a school governor and learned so much in this volunteer role. It is indeed fulfilling to give back to my community.
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39. Both our daughters attended their National Youth Choir (ages 9-15) residentials, made new friends, and performed in a concert in Saffron Hall. I missed them both terribly when they were away from home.
40. I took an important SEO course that has changed my mindset around blogging – simply a game changer for me. Thank you, Mike Futia, for your Stupid Simple SEO course!
41. My daughters organized an African Food Sale Day during Black History Month for the second year in their secondary school. Our flamboyant food culture was celebrated. Supporting them was a no-brainer for us. Made us proud to be a part of their journey.
42. I spent countless hours learning new skills, listening to videos, reading blog posts, and writing in preparing this blog. This was a labour of love for me and I had to overcome a lot in my journey to this point.
43. I was inspired by several bloggers who fearlessly went after their dreams, and worked extremely hard to be successful. I prayed a lot asking if my blog was needed in the world, and the incessant feeling to publish never left me. This feeling of Elsa launching “Into the Unknown” song by Idina Menzel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIOyB9ZXn8s) resonated with me. I am thankful that I have started now.
44. For an awesome website designer who patiently worked with me to bring my blog to fruition.
45. I fell in love with South Korean dramas – this is serious as I had resisted it for over 4 years. Now I listen to the soundtracks of some favorites even as I write in my blog.
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46. My God sons turned 17 and 2 years old in the summer. Very thankful for them.
47. My God daughters turned 15 and 12 years old in the autumn. Very thankful for them.
48. I focused more on my dreams this year and less on my fears. I finally figured out the saying that ‘what people thought about me was not my business’.
49. I traveled and spent some time in Bristol, Framlingham, Manchester, and Wales – I had promised myself that I would travel more within the United Kingdom and Europe in the next two years.
50. My first daughter auditioned and got accepted into the National Youth Theatre in May, and also progressed following an audition into the National Youth Choir (ages 15-18), in November. On each occasion, we screamed the house down in excitement and danced around in joy. We are incredibly thankful to be a part of her life journey. The auditions though challenging have helped her build more confidence and comfort with the processes.
51. We celebrated Thanksgiving with family and friends. It’s an American tradition we adopted 11 years ago and I have loved it more every year. I prayed for our table to be longer to receive and welcome friends and families God sends us and every year we receive more friends who join us at our table. In November, I also wrote a blog post on Thanksgiving titled Reshaping Thanksgiving: Embracing Truth, Healing, and Social Justice. Hopefully, if it goes well, I will do one annually.
52. Seeing the legendary Angelique Kidjo perform her 40th anniversary of music and activism was inspirational. Watching her enjoying her craft and working hard at it encouraged me to be more committed to launching my blog.
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53. Our second daughter went for her first long weekend sleepover with her Girlguiding group and had a blast of it.
54. I spent a special day out with my sister, a very close friend-sister, and one of my daughters in London. We had a special lunch at Dalloway Terrace, with retail shopping therapy, and went to see Wicked the Musical. It was a lovely day. Days like this keep my cup full.
55. Seeing Flavour at a concert this year with a close friend was incredible. The dancing and singing were awesome. I love his songs which were a huge feature of my 40th birthday US road trip with my sister.
56. I spent a day at a lovely beach in the Middle East with a close friend, her Mum, and her daughter and enjoyed an amazing sunset. It was memorable as we chatted, read, slept, and got that much-needed vitamin D from the sun.
57. I attended my school’s reunion for the first time this year and met up with loads of women I had not seen in over 17 to 25 years. I loved it and danced my shoes off on the day. Meeting ladies who graduated from my alma matter over 30 years ago blew me away.
58. Praying with my family and saying our favorite psalms daily. I am mindful that this is a huge blessing for us and also a source of strength for me.
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59. A close friend of mine published a healthy lifestyle book – with tips to reset one’s mind and body – that she had been working on for almost two years. She had invited me in 2022 on the journey to proofread the book for her and it was simply inspiring to see her dream come to fruition. It was an incredible experience as it showed me the power of sisterhood coming together to support a dream for her.
60. I watched a Formula 1 race with friends this year in the Middle East.
61. Our community had a cultural day that celebrated and showcased our heritage. It was an incredible day of service, joy and culture. The younger generation had a chance to watch and learn from the older generation. I had a joyous time of it and could not stop dancing. We are thankful for the family and friends who joined us for the colorful and memorable occasion.
62. For old friends who left our lives in the last year, I will dedicate this song to you – For Good (From the Wicked Musical – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ0pXUb5jVU&list=RDCSDCNhEASg8&index=5) Ultimately, relationships shape and transform our lives and I valued the experiences.
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63. I read at least a dozen books. Some of my favorites were:
a. Your Money or Your Life, (https://amzn.to/47GxbOV – UK)
b. Thinking for A Change, (https://amzn.to/48LSBeT – UK)
c. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, (https://amzn.to/3u0lYLs – UK)
d. How to talk so teens will listen & Listen so teens will talk, (https://amzn.to/4b2HCzg – UK)
e. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, (https://amzn.to/3O8v5QY – UK)
f. Inventing Ourselves (https://amzn.to/48IyUVa – UK), and
g. Good Vibes, Good Life (https://amzn.to/3U7DlV4 – UK).
Also, check out My Bookshelf for more book recommendations.
64. Hamilton: An American Musical Soundtrack was at the top of my Spotify playlist. I love this musical so much that I have seen it twice and would happily see it again.
65. Meeting and listening to Cherie Blair at the Award and Speech Night of the school where I am a school governor. She was inspirational and spoke of the importance of the themes that are the foundations of my blog – education, mindset, financial independence, resilience, empathy, and perseverance.
66. Spending and chilling for a whole day with a very close friend-sister I had not seen in a year and catching up on life. Her support and advice for my blog were all-encompassing. She has always supported whatever dreams I have.
67. New friends came into our life this year – we are grateful.
68. For the kindness shown me in innumerable ways – for a friend who encouraged me to launch this blog, who was excited and very happy to visit me on Christmas day to check it out, give me feedback, wisdom, and loads of hugs. For the friend who spoke to me about my blog being a seed and the persistence, I needed to show in nurturing it.
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69. For spending an awesome and joy-filled 2023 Christmas holiday season with family, and friends.
70. I ended the year alive and well with my family. I am thankful for my love of music, dance, and theatre. I look forward to what the future holds as I commit the next three years to blogging. 2024 will be my year of abundance and exceptional growth.
You can check out my other post on:
- 93 Blessings and Gratitude Quotes – which I use for reflection, daily journaling prompts, writing messages to friends, and speeches.
- The Ultimate Guide to Gratitude Journaling
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and are inspired to start documenting the things that make your year in 2024.
On reflection, what were you most grateful for in 2023? Please comment below.
If you found this piece helpful, do share it with others. Above all, remember to be grateful and pursue joy and happiness in everything.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info
Vee your work is truly golden. What you’ve acknowledged by your accomplishments, your learning and experiences. Your love and will to celebrate goes beyond GOLDEN…
Happy Self Reflection this month and always. Keep CELEBRATING!! ❤️
Thank you so much Jo. Let’s keep CELEBRATING!!