New Beginnings

Reflections on my 22nd year 💗

🦋 As I write this, it’s the eve of my 22nd birthday and I’m full of so much gratitude. Thinking back at the past year, it was nothing I anticipated but everything I needed. Today’s newsletter is slightly different. It’s quiet free-flowing and I’ll say my most unplanned newsletter. I’ll be sharing five lessons I’ve learnt in the past year. As I write this to you, I’m writing this to myself too, and as always I hope this meets you where you are.

On Beginning Again

The past year I had to learn this in different ways. I chose to start again on dreams and aspirations I had unknowingly let go of over time due to unmet expectations, disappointment etc. Knowing I have a purpose to fulfil and there are lives attached to my obedience kept me going . I’ve learnt that the end of myself is truly the time to begin again with God. There were also projects such as Uncovered Conversations which I’ve shared a few times on here, that I began again. After continously building it, hosting events etc, I was ushered into a season of stillness and quiet where I had to pause. I remember being so nervous about this time because I wasn’t used to complete stillness. But in this time, I learnt the importance of allowing my identity remain rooted in God, and not in what I did. It was hard because there were days where I wondered if I looked uncommitted, but I learnt that true success is found in obeying God. Externally it looked like I wasn’t ‘doing’ anything, but on the inside the transformation I experienced and I’m still experiencing is truly all that mattered. I was at peace knowing that I was exactly where God wanted me to be and that was more than enough. Who we are becoming is more important than what we do, what we do should naturally flow from who we are.

Redefining Success

That leads me to my next lesson, on redefining success. It’s so easy to attach success to external achievements. And whilst there’s a place for the physical fruits of our labour to show, success for me is based on living a life in alignment with God. We can have external accolades, and even the appearance of success but our lives can be far from God’s original design. As long as I obey God per time and per season, I’m living a successful life. God knows why He placed each of us on earth and what He has placed within us to bear fruit at the appropriate time. Our ability to fulfil what He has created us for, for me, is where our success lies.

Navigating Relationships

With changing phases has come a change in relationships and dynamics. I’ve really learnt that friends are either there for a reason, season or lifetime. Being able to discern where people fit into these categories takes time, and I’m learning to be patient but also accept change when it’s clear the time has come for a different dynamic. Quality over quantity and allowing what needs to be, be have been two phrases I’ve held unto. It’s important to not be quick to let go of relationships even when it gets hard. Sometimes relationships will demand more of us than we’re used to giving and this is where the element of sacrifice comes in. Quality relationships are not easy and they certainly require continuous investment over time.

Internal Work

In the past year, I’ve had to do deep internal work and I’m still in the process of this. This links back to what I shared earlier on who we are internally rather than who we appear to be. I’ve had to allow parts of myself to be torn down and rebuilt through the Bible and build my life completely on God. It’s been challenging, but I want to be one who lasts and is able to remain a solid foundation. To be one who is not easily swayed, but is able to stay above the noise and stay true to who I am. This can only happen when I spend time with God and allow my sense of worth and value be found in Him. Internal work is not easy because it requires us to ask ourselves the hard questions. Why we believe what we do, why we act the way we do and so on. But it’s worth it. Eventually, everything comes to the surface, and I’m learning to be unafraid to ask the hard questions and stay patient for answers to come over time.

Showing up in A New Way

With asking and answering difficult questions sometimes comes having to show up in a new way. I always say to myself, I only want to be who I’ve been created to be. This has looked like unlearning certain patterns of behaviour I had become used to, to begin to truly uncover who I really am. Where I thought I was shy, I’ve learnt that I have a voice. Where I would previously have given up easily, I’m learning to keep pushing and trying again. Showing up in a new way could also look like rising again, even when it looks over and choosing to speak words of life over seemingly dead situations. There’ll be tests and trials, but God’s word will never fail.

I’m entering my 22nd year expectant and full of faith. I’m not completely sure what it will bring, but I know it will be beautiful. Even on the hard days, I’m committed to drawing strength from God and bearing in mind, that with Him, all things are possible. Victory is certainly assured.

I’m “Osarhieme”- God’s gift and I know it’s time to walk into the fullness of the meaning of my name. I recognise that there’s so much more to me than meets the eye and it’s time for the world to experience this. I hope as you read this to, you are reminded that you are here for a reason. All things are truly working together for our good and even when the vision tarries, remember a way has already been made for you, it will surely come to pass.

So to chapter 22, I know you will be beautiful. It’s another year of trying again, believing more and continually demanding for more in all areas of my life.

As I wrap up, here’s a scripture I’ve currently been meditating on:

⚓️ Isaiah 43:19

‘Forget the former, do not dwell on the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.’

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, and as always I’ll love to hear your thoughts. Share with someone too !

I’ll see you in the next one :)

Love,

Rhieme