Reflection: Life’s plot twist

Olabayo J. Awodirepo

(Witty_Pen)

Day 2/365

Reflection (part 2)

Wow! Can you believe we’re already hours deep into 2025? It feels surreal to step into a new year, especially as I sit here reflecting on how quickly time has flown and all that it has carried with it. Time really does fly, unlike my 2024 resolutions, which never even got off the runway! I’m still writing on “reflection” and can’t help but laugh at my overly ambitious January self from last year. Oh, the grand plans I had!

I was going to write more poems, mentor at least 10 budding writers to get published, create 4 video content pieces a month, start a podcast, optimize my YouTube channel, and, just for kicks, actually go to the gym. Spoiler alert: I accomplished a whopping 30% of that. My 2024 resolution list now looks like an abandoned construction site. Don’t judge me ooo (lol).

But life, as it always does, had other plans—plans I hadn’t even thought to write down. Turns out, unplanned achievements are the best kind of plot twist. Here are some highlights:
– Became part of the editing team for Red Rook Press at UA, where we collaborated closely with authors to refine their manuscripts and played a pivotal role in helping three of them achieve publication in 2024.
– My debut poetry collection, Tale of Medouze, was selected for a graduate course on 20th- and 21st-century poetry at the University of Alabama. (Yes, me! On a syllabus!).
– Presented at my first academic conference.
– Received an Outstanding Service in French award during 2024 Honors Week at the University of Alabama – a recognition that celebrated my dedication to promoting French language and culture within the university community through initiatives and academic excellence.
– Was a guest speaker at the Ife Multilinguist Conference 4.0 at Obafemi Awolowo University.
– My team, Witty Writers’ World, hosted a 2-day creative writers workshop.
– My team, Witty Writers’ World, collaborated with P. English Literature to organize the “WittyPel Poetry Competition,” where top poets were rewarded.
– Took on roles in two major E-Boards: As P.R.O. of the African Students Association, I worked on enhancing the association’s social media presence and proper dissemination of information. As the Social Media Officer for the University of Alabama Languages Conference, I helped establish a digital footprint that continues to grow.
– Maintained a 4.0/4.0 CGPA for four consecutive semesters of graduate studies.

None of this was on my resolution list. None. Funnily enough, I didn’t even remember half of these wins until I sat down to write this. It’s a good reminder for all of us: before you let the bitter thoughts creep in about unmet goals, take a moment to reflect. What did you achieve, even if it wasn’t part of the original plan?

As for me, I may not have checked every box on my 2024 list, but I dodged disasters, stumbled upon unexpected blessings, and found grace where I didn’t expect it.

As we move on into this new year, life has placed a blank sheet before you, a new opportunity to write, create, and grow. Don’t let regrets of unfinished tasks stain the first page of this fresh start. Instead, fill it with gratitude, hope, and determination.

Let’s make this year unforgettable, one step at a time. See you around!