The Rooms In Our Lives

 A little birdie says- There is a sweet gift at the end.❤️🥺

 Hey Starsss ⭐. How are you doing—no, scratch that—how are you shining?

Lol…

(P.S — Someday, I will share the story of our name change from Sweet Dreamers to Stars. If you are new here, welcome home, and do well to read other amazing pieces.)

It’s been a while, and truly, a lot has been going on that made the pen take a pause. Consistency is a game changer, yeah, but endeavour to give yourself a treat when needed — that’s a retreat. You feel the lines today, right?

For some reason, I was beaming with smiles while writing this. Not because it’s been a perfect day, but because I had a perfect meal tonight. Lol… e no matter wetin you dey go through, try chop fess.

Much more than a meal that brightens up the soul, one priceless thing that has helped me smile through the year despite everything is: the gift of men. Kai, how could I really have scaled through those low moments if I didn’t have the amazing people that held me down?

That sweet girl who kept cheering me on and supporting my ideas this year.
My little sisters coming through in every form.
Don’t even get me started with my papa and mama— even writing a whole book won’t do justice.

Every person who read my piece, reposted, dropped comments, and made this journey more fulfilling—most especially my Momma, as I fondly call her—a teacher turned mentor who has always supported my works.

I realized we are really parts of ourselves, like rooms in a big house. I have been fully convinced that God has placed certain people in our lives who will align with our purpose and vision, fuel it, and stand with us through every step of the way. They are truly an integral part of us—those people whose absence makes you wonder what life would have been like without them.

People come and go—relationships might come to an abrupt end or gradually diminish due to differences, growth, life choices, and evolution. It’s normal, because the rooms remain but the occupants change. Technically, we could view our lives as a big house with different rooms, and the people we do life with as the occupants.

Sensibly, as the owner of a house, you decide who stays or leaves—and more so, how long someone stays—based on the value they bring to the house.

Some people walk into our lives and make things more beautiful, brighter, and calm.
Some walk in and cause chaos.
Funny, but true.

What intrigues me is the fact that the house may never be completely empty, no matter how quiet it seems. There may be only a few people occupying a few rooms, but your life is never devoid of people—whether closely knitted or superficially connected. You are never truly alone; every day, you interact with people to get through the day.

But do you know that you are also an occupant in someone else’s life?

Aside from being a house owner who gets to choose who stays or leaves, you are also occupying a space in another person’s life—be it your parent, sibling, friend, coursemate, roommate, etc.

Here is the twist: you are not just there doing nothing. Your impact and contribution in their lives earns you the right to remain.

   Let’s be realistic: people have the right to choose whether to do life with you or not based on preferences, alignment of values, and vibes. And honestly, that’s not a problem, because relationships should be mutual and consensual.

Maybe that is why so many people today are fighting so hard to be chosen, seen, and cared for, while neglecting the ones who are truly there for them.

Yes—follow peace with all men and love your neighbour as yourself. Love is a debt we owe each other, whether or not we are blood-related, friends, or mere acquaintances. Respect everyone, but also respect and know your position in their lives.

So funny, but this is the scenario playing in my head right now:
“Call the cops, someone just broke into my house!”
If you force yourself in, be careful—you might be bundled out. Lol.

As an occupant in other people’s houses, we have roles to play, directly or indirectly. A perfect example is the role of a teacher in the lives of many students. We never truly forget those who shaped us into better versions of ourselves. Basically, we are called to share light and love with everyone around us—be it the cleaner at your workplace, the aboki with a shop on your street, the little kids in your compound, etc.

More intentionally, I choose to bring value, support, growth, love, and happiness into the lives of the people God allows my path to cross with. As humans, differences are inevitable and there will be questionable moments. Even the loveliest couples you know might have once considered separation, but choosing each other above the chaos made the difference.

Now let’s shake this table a little:
Yes, you have the freewill to choose who you allow into your life, but never forget that your character determines who stays—and who is willing to invest in you. And it’s never a one-sided thing.

One thing I have learnt this year is that character and attitude play a major role in determining the kind of people that walk into your life.

Character and cologne get the same work wey dem dey do. Start with the same letter, but one lasts forever. Periodddd.

Finally, I don’t want to sound preachy, but I feel a strong urge to put this here before I conclude. This might be you:

You feel your life is empty and there is no one there for you. You probably went through a lot this year and shut everyone out—locking the main door and throwing away the keys.

Not to sound cliché, but you were never alone. God was right there—and still is.

If only you could turn on the lights you switched off in your moment of pain, you would see the beautiful and real people God has placed in your life.

God’s presence is not just a fleeting emotion—you can feel Him even in the warm hugs and timely words He sends through others.

As the year gradually comes to an end, one thing I am praying for is to be timely connected and aligned with the right people in every season of my life—while remaining grateful for the amazing people I’ve been blessed with.
What about you?

That was such a long read, but I truly hope that beyond the words, you feel healed, blessed, and refreshed.

On a lighter note, shout-out to every present occupant of my house—especially the stubborn tenants who have been there through every nook and cranny.

Yayyyyyy! We crossed over 1000+ reads this year! How else can I thank you all?
Cheers to more milestones, my stars⭐✨

Remember what the little birdie said earlier 🤭

Naive Hearts - my first published novel is finally out!!! I call this my baby project and I poured my heart into this❤️

Please check it out on:

https://alphanovel.io/novels/ya-teen/naive-hearts-by-the-jade

 You would love it🥺