As I stand on the cusp of my 30th birthday, the repeated question echoes, “Michael, how are you celebrating?” Truth be told, my plan is simple – a quiet day. In the days leading up to this milestone, I’ve found myself in a contemplative mood, reflecting on the journey that brought me here.
Lacing up my running shoes for the traditional birthday run, my heart swells with gratitude. It’s been 946,080,000 seconds since my first breath, each one a reminder of life’s fleeting nature. Losing my mother was a profound turning point, teaching me to savor every second, to find joy in the smallest moments, we will not be here forever, I’ve learnt to enjoy every moment.
Life has taught me to be grateful, not just in the highs but also in the lows. Grateful for what I have and what I don’t, for aspirations and accomplishments, for wins and failures, and for both acquisitions and losses. At 21, I moved to Lekki, acquiring a car and property in Lagos, fostering a mindset that momentarily led me to question others. Yet, life humbled me, revealing that success is not solely within human control.
The journey to this moment has been far from easy, marked by ugly events. Yet, I find gratitude in the strength that allowed me to stand tall. In retrospect, there are inexplicable blessings, a testament to a power beyond my understanding.
Earlier this year, I prayed for wisdom, only to be confronted with life challenges – some born of my own mistakes, others shrouded in mystery. The question “why always me” echoed in my mind, but as I run and reflect, I hear a whisper. I realize that the challenges are life lessons, a continuous source of wisdom until our last breath. Everything is working for me, not against me, as I’m not alone in this journey.
Quoting Psalms 23:4, I find solace in the face of life’s shadows. Turning 30, I am profoundly grateful for the support and kind words received. Thank you for allowing me to share my gift with you. As I embark on this new chapter, I humbly ask for your prayers.
I’m Michael Okunloro, also known as Xclusivemic. I wear multiple hats as a fashion designer, event host, digital creator, and blogger. If you have a passion for fashion, faith, self-development, and lifestyle content, I’d be delighted if you could join me on my journey. Subscribe to my channel at https://xclusivemic.com/subscribe.
For exciting collaboration and promotional opportunities, please feel free to contact me via email at 📩 bookXclusivemic@gmail.com
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Michael Okunloro | Elevate Your Style 