Michael Okunloro | Elevate Your Style

One vital lesson I learned from my mom before she passed away was her gratitude spirit. She was relentlessly optimistic; in every situation, she found something to be thankful for. When plans went awry, she looked within without emotion, learning from it, and showing gratitude – believing it’s either not meant for her or the pieces would fall into place with time. Her steadfast standpoint: as long as you’re still breathing, it is not yet over!

In 2020, as COVID-19 struck, I had to leave my flat after nine years of moving out and return home. It felt like life’s winds had blown me to rock bottom. My mom, each morning, reminded me of my dreams, listed things to be grateful for, and emphasized that it wasn’t the end. Today, I’m grateful I moved back home; it allowed me precious time with her and shaped my current path.

Gratitude permeated her life even during her battle with kidney disease. Amidst dialysis sessions every three days, she would say we should be thankful for those who invented the machines, helping her stay alive. Her philosophy, drawn from the Bible’s parable of the talents, echoed: those with more will be given, and those without will lose. Her cup was never half empty; it was always half full.

Gratitude changes everything – it’s about what you have, not what you want. There’s always something to be grateful for; gratitude gives hope. Look within, reflect on your journey, regardless of what might have happened, your story is one of a kind. Be thankful for your education, for being able to read this at the moment. Take a deep look into your life; there’s always something to be thankful about.

It’s a deep recognition of what you have and a true sincerity of appreciation – not comparing yourself to others. Those truly hopeless aren’t the dead; it’s those without a sense of gratitude. If you have a business without funding, thank God for what you have. If you’re a graduate but can’t find a job, thank God for the opportunity to search.

Giving gratitude in comparison, like being grateful you have bread when others are hungry, isn’t real gratitude. Life’s race is personal; there’s never a fair comparison. Let your gratitude be shaped by your personal convictions; only you know your battles and true wins.

I’m Michael Okunloro, also known as Xclusivemic. I wear multiple hats as a digital creator, fashion designer and event host.

Welcome to my journal, where I chronicle and share my reflections on life’s lessons and my journey of growth. If you’re passionate about Fashion, self-development, lifestyle, and Faith content, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Subscribe to my blog at https://xclusivemic.com/subscribe.

For collaboration, promotional opportunities, or speaking engagements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at 📩 bookXclusivemic@gmail.com.