2023:Lesson Learned The Hard Way

Hello everyone, I would like to share what this year taught me.2023 has been one of the bitter-sweet years, I cried and laughed.I also learnt a lot but I really want to talk about the lesson I learned the hard way which is to ”Put myself first” and here is the back story;

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I traveled a lot this year for work. I knew I enjoyed being an Environmentalist but I didn’t know my passion for the work was through the roof.It got more exciting when I worked on climate change projects.

It started with me having biscuits for breakfast.I was so into my work, I barely had time for myself, family, friends or any other thing.I had this mandatory evening call with my mother everyday but it turned into once a week because your girl was always too tired.

I became comfortable skipping breakfasts.For my lunch, I would always have Ga Kenkey which always made so satisfied enough to skip supper.I would go to bed very late working and wake up very early.It continued for a couple of months and oh calls with mom ended up not lasting for more than a minute.

On the 20th of February, this year I woke up very tired.It was beyond normal body pains.I ignored whatever was happening to me and started preparing for work.It was not until I took my bag to leave the house that I was faced with my greatest nightmare.I threw up for more than an hour,my temperature went so high, I was so dizzy and I could not even speak.I texted my colleague at work to pick me up to the hospital.After a series of tests, “You have ulcer” the doctor told me.I really didn’t think ulcer could make me feel like I was dying .I was admitted for weeks because according to the doctor, it was a critical stage but guess what? Work still went on without me,life still went on without me.

My mother became so worried after finding out which was really unfair because she was the same person I chose work over.I later got to find out my cousin who is now deceased was even very sick and I regret not spending time with her.(May she RIP)


No matter what happens, put yourself first.
If you die today, the world still continues , everyone will move on and life still goes on.You come first and you’re one of one so don’t compromise your life for anything.
Thank you for your time.