Looking For God, Finding Community (Why You Need Community)

One significant shift in my mindset last year was the value of community. I undervalued the role that being part of a positive community played in one’s growth as a person.

As someone who spent a lot of her life doing things alone, not asking for help, sorting everything else herself and even calming herself down in the middle of a panic attack, community was the last thing on my mind. I never even really thought about it, apart from the blogging community I was a part of. I took so much pride in doing things alone until one day it hit me. If truly I was meant to do things alone, I would have been the only human being in existence on earth. Thankfully that’s not the case because what would I do alone? I can’t even hold a live chicken!

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Looking For God, Finding Self

I decided to go on a journey of re-discovery in the middle of last year. At the time, it was more of re-discovering God and less of rediscovering me. During the process of re-discovering God, I found myself disengaging from things I believed were true about myself, My likes, my dislikes, and overall who I was as a person, My personality began to feel a little strange. I didn’t know if certain things were true anymore. I didn’t pay any mind to that initially because my focus was re-discovering God. The lack of clarity surrounding who I was, at the time, seemed to be a distraction.

What I’m Looking Forward To At 24

I never get excited for my birthday. I’m very well accustomed to birthday blues and sadness. I’m no stranger to not wanting to do anything for my birthday and to feeling like, “Eh. It’s just another year.” This year was extremely different. I was very excited about turning 24.

I turned 24 on the 4th of February. Three days before my birthday, someone asked me how old I was and I very quickly said 24. Our conversation went on and I realised I wasn’t 24. “Wait! I lied! I’m not 24.” The person I was talking to gave me a puzzled look and I went on to explain that I actually turn 24 in about three days and we both just laughed about it.

You Can Also Read: Dear 30 Year Old Me

In the past, I never rushed to say my age because I felt I was too young. I suppose this was true because for a long time, I was always the youngest in my friend groups. I’m not excited to say my age because I don’t feel young anymore. I’m excited because I’m really looking forward to 24. I’m just very optimistic of all that is to come.

On my birthday eve, I was telling a couple of friends that I felt like I was entering a new phase of life where things probably won’t be easy but there will be a lot of growing and a lot of peace. I know I’m gonna be stretched this year and you know what? I’m here for it.

You Can Also Read: I Turned 22

At 24, I am giving up on trying to attain balance. I am almost convinced it is not possible. Instead, I will seriously be working on my time management. I am currently working on a number of things and I’m bound to add more to my plate by the time the year is done. I have concluded that time management is the way forward because so far, balance has failed me. I also recently heard that balance equals stagnation. That’s a theory I’d have to explain but it’s what I’m going with.

At 24, I would also like to serve my family more. I have been spending so much time serving other areas of my life and not doing the best job at serving my family. I want to be more present and really have good personal relationships with everyone. I wouldn’t want to serve my church or my job and not serve my family at all. Family is my first ministry! I will have to make adjustments to my day to day plans and make room for my family. I also feel the need to really work on this now because if I move out without having properly done this, that will be the end for me. Lol.

At 24, I need to make money. Multiple streams of income. I’m looking for ways to make money outside my 9 to 5. Sometimes, I wake up thinking, “How can I make money today?” I need to be earning. So many things need money so I’m gonna have to make money.

At 24, I will be falling more and more in love with Jesus. It has been such a beautiful and fulfilling journey so far. I believe there is so much more for me to learn and discover and I’m looking forward to doing this even more. I believe I’m a much better person because of my decision to consciously follow Jesus.

At 24, I’m looking forward to seeing myself bloom. I feel like I’ve been like a flower waiting to bloom and I am finally in the process of blooming. It’s quite difficult to explain this to people who haven’t witnessed the process. I am finally learning about myself and being confident with that knowledge. Thinking about the person I am becoming and the things I will be doing just gives me goosebumps!

Finally, at 24, I’m looking forward to maintaining healthy relationships. I am looking forward to love and everything it will bring me. It will definitely be a fascinating year for sure.

You Can Also Read: 21 Things I’ve Learnt In 21 Years

24 will not be the smoothest of years. What I do know for sure is there will be redefining, stretching, blooming and growth. I’m looking forward to all that this year has to bring. I am so excited and so expectant. I am so ready for 24!

I will have a podcast episode out tomorrow where I share 24 lessons I’ve learnt at 24. Be on the lookout for it! It is highly informative and fun. I know you’ll love it.

One More Thing…

For this year’s valentine’s post, I decided to do a Q+A with a twist. Let me explain. I need you to send me whatever questions you have regarding relationships, love, breakups or anything to do with the two. When you send me a question, I will send you a list of other questions I have received and you get to pick one, give me an answer and I will share it on the blog for everyone to see. You get it? Yes? Yes! So please send me your questions via email @doseofwonani@gmail.com or via Instagram @doseofwonani. Alternatively, you can leave your questions in the comments below! I am Looking forward to hearing from you.

Do you get excited for your birthday? Yes or No? Leave a comment and let me know. Don’t forget to listen to the podcast too!

Thanks for reading,

Love,
Wonani Xx

Hello Readers! We Have News!

Hello my very lovely readers! Before I get any further into this blogpost, I just want to say Happy New Year! I hope 2023 will be kind to you and good to you. I’m pretty excited about this year. I just feel so hopeful and excited.

Your favourite blogger, and stranger, has made a return. I am not here to talk about where I was in December because there is, indeed, nothing to talk about. What I will do, however, is bring the blog back and tell you what the vision is for this year!

We Have Some Changes

I’m super excited for the blog and everything I hope to do with it this year. I’ve decided to add on to the content I already share. This last year, I decided to embark on a faith journey. Just really learning about God. My faith has always been a big part of me and really influenced who I was, my decisions, etc. Now, I want to create room for that on my blog. You will notice that I will have some faith content added to the mix. I’ll be sharing my journey, my discoveries etc. I don’t think it will feel so different or look different because I’ve really always shared about my life.

Another change I’m making this year is a change to my posting schedule. The plan last year was to post every fortnight and that did not go well at all. This year, I have a better grasp of things and I have decided to go back to posting weekly. As I was in 2021. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated.

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

You Must Fill In This Survey

As part of my efforts to revamp the blog, I made a survey for you, my lovely readers, to give your thoughts on the blog and let me know what changes you would like to see. I will work with your ideas and implement them the best way I can, hand-in-hand with my personal ideas.

You can find the survey here. Please answer all the questions honestly. I will really appreciate your feedback! Thanks in advance.

Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash

The Blog Had A Baby

I’m so glad to announce that the blog had a baby and Dose of Wonani: The Podcast is here!!! This may come as a surprise to those who don’t follow me on any of my social media.

We finally have the podcast I have talked about for years. This has been on my list of goals for the year for the last four years and I am so excited it is finally alive and breathing. The introductory episode as well as the official first episode is already out. If you love the blog, you’ll love the podcast!

On the podcast, I talk about the real things I’ve gone through in life, share lessons learnt, tell stories and really just have a good time with good conversation. If the comments I’ve received so far are anything to go by, you are in for a ride! Please, do listen to the two episodes that are already out here or on any other podcast streaming platform.

I will be releasing new episodes fortnightly. Look out for the next one on the 25th of January, 2023!

Finally, the blog is still open to guest posts and collaboration! I’m looking forward to working with as many people and brands as I can this year. If you would like to work with me, send me an email on doseofwonani@gmail.com.

Well, these are all the blog updates I have for now. I’m looking forward to blogging freely again this year. I hope you stick with me this year. Also, if you’re reading this and aren’t subscribed, make sure you do so that you don’t miss out on anything I share this year. Don’t forget to take part in the survey!

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Wonani Xx

November Journaling Calendar

Hello my lovely readers! A few months ago, I wrote about why you need to start journaling. I got great feedback on the post and during my interactions with my Instagram followers on the same, the idea came up to create a template that I can share with everyone. That is what I will be sharing today.

When I posed the question about whether people journal or not, a few people responded saying they don’t journal because they don’t know what to write about or how to go about it. I then asked if they would be interested in some journaling prompts and they said they would. That’s why we are here.

Journaling Topics

The journaling calender follows four main themes: Gratitude, Introspection, Reminiscent and Future-self journaling. With the help of a friend, I chose these four because I believe they are all encompassing. There is a lot more that could be written in regards to the themes than what I have shared in this calender so I hope you have the freedom to explore that even after we are done with this month.

Gratitude

Over the years, I have learnt to express gratitude for the big things and especially for the little things. Gratitude journaling is something I do every time I journal regardless of what my main journal entry is about. I make it a point to mention at least one thing I’m grateful for.

It is important to develop a heart of gratitude. This makes you aware of the good things going on in your life and also helps you identify silver linings in tough situations. Gratitude journaling develops helps you to develop a positive mindset. Gratitude journaling helps you remember what truly matters. It is a reminder of all that is good.

Photo Credits

Introspection

This is a big one! One fear people have when it comes to journaling is coming face to face with who we really are on the inside and not the person we pretend to be. Sometimes, people like the pretend version of themselves more than the real version because that one could be more likeable, fun or just easier to get along with.

Introspection can be defined as “the process of attempting to directly access one’s own internal psychological processes, judgements, perceptions, or states.” Introspection is important because it allows you to understand yourself and process what you learn about yourself along the way.

Lose The Mask! Photo Credits

Reminiscent

Reminiscent journaling is simply writing down your memories. I enjoy doing this especially when it comes to writing down things that happened years ago that I never want to forget because I tend to forget things I haven’t written down.

Reminiscent journaling requires that you go back to an event that happened years, months or weeks ago, recall how you felt in that moment and how you went about it and then write everything down. There are people I never want to forget, places I never want to forget and emotions I never want to forget so I gladly write them all down.

Future-self

I don’t future-self journal often but when I do, I absolutely love it. Two of my favourite blogposts here were future self-related. You can have a look at my letter to my future boyfriend and my letter to myself at 30 years old for ideas.

For this theme, I thought it would be a great idea to write about our goals and dreams without doing it the traditional way of making lists. Future-self journaling is important because it allows you to keep track of your goals, make better decisions and develop a positive mindset because I believe no one willingly sees themselves failing in the next 10 years. I am most excited for these ones.

I’ll share an image of the calendar below but I’d highly recommend you download the pdf version here because it simply looks better and you can keep it on your device and easily share it with others.

Please follow my Instagram @doseofwonani to keep up with my journaling posts this month on my stories. I will be posting everyday and will also be explaining some of my prompts and letting you into my journal on some days. So be sure to follow me so that we can keep up with each other’s journey.

Leave a comment and let me know if this is something you will be taking part in. Also, let me know which theme you are most excited about. I would love to know and also interact with you.

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Wonani Xx