The bible in Ps 103 says;…Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…
I remember, this time last year on a cold evening downtown Chicago, I was meeting with my coach at the Hilton for my 2015 plans and she asked me “what do you want to achieve at the end of 2015” and the only words that came out of my mouth were “2015 would be my year of Advancement”.
Fast forward to Dec 2015, I must say it has been an amazing year for me personally. This year, I learnt a lot about myself and found my voice…which is one thing I am most grateful for amongst many other blessings.
2015 ushered me into a new decade as I turned 30…reflecting on the year. I must say, it has been a journey of hope. Although, the year for me started with uncertainties as a lot of plans I had were not yielding the desired results. At some point, I felt like God had forgotten. I had so many expectations and desires but they all seemed unresponsive at the time.
In the first quarter of the year, I was in a place where I felt stuck and if I did not get out, I might have lost my mind. Only a few friends and relatives knew the full story of the challenges I was facing then. Those who did not understand fully, stood afar to make their conclusions about that season of my life. Nevertheless, all of it turned around in the 2nd quarter of the year. In the midst of all of the ups and downs, I took a bold step to move back to Nigeria…without knowing what the next steps were. (Call me stupid…but in the process of transitioning I learnt a whole lot about myself). I discovered courage and confidence on a whole new level.
The year 2015 taught me that with God all things were indeed possible. One of the best investments I made in the year was on personal development, in order to become a better version of myself. Some of these development steps included attending workshops, conferences, master classes etc. I gave up what was not working to enable me build on my dreams and aspirations as laid on my heart.
The most important lessons for me would be: The best investment you can make is investing in the PRODUCT CALLED YOU, BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT GIVE WHAT YOU DO NOT HAVE.
Another lesson would be: “NEVER MISTAKE THE CHANNEL FOR THE SOURCE.”
Come 2016, I am rest assured it is my YEAR OF NEW AND GREAT BEGINNINGS. A few of the goals I am set to achieve are as follow: Host the 1ST ANNUAL DESIGNED TO INSPIRE CONFERENCE by June 2016, starting a CRECHE and growing DELATOUR CONSULTING (a brand consulting company founded 2015).
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Oladoyin Taiwo is an Entrepreneur, Brand strategy consultant and Inspirational Speaker.
30 Days of Gratitude is a month-long series curated by Leading Ladies Africa. It chronicles the unique experiences of different African women, and presents them the opportunity to share their, life-learned lessons, dreams& aspirations, and their hopes for the future.
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