31 REFLECTIONS ON THE 31 DAY, AND 31-YEAR ONWARD

I had no fancy caption, so the best I could come up with was this:

Oh dear, dear dear! Wooh it's already 31 years today, on this 31st day!

Source: BM Photos.

What a way to end 3.0 and begin 3.1.

These 31 reflections from me, your very good friend, are tiny slices of my cake today- enjoy!

1. Dream very big dreams, because they will happen anyway. I have manifested every phase of my life today. It is a miracle- but it is not chance. I fought and continue to fight for every dream and make them manifest.

2. Cheers to the completion of the first year of my MSW degree! 8 solid As and 1B grade in total.

3. 2021. First birthday in the US. My coming-out year. I spoke and advocated for the liberation of others, on TV and other places. A blind eye to mine. 4 years later, I fought a hydra-headed narcissistic experience. Here I am. Transformed. Powerful. Enviable. Resilient. Unwavering. Authentic. BM.

4. Cheers to me, the 2024 recipient of the David Axelrod Grant for an investigative report on domestic violence this summer.

5. Learning to increase options, be flexible, show patience, or simply find a replacement or go solo, depending on the situation. No control over others, except myself.

6. I have learned to prioritize my daily routines, -sleep, wake up, workout, drink water, eat fruits, good home-cooked meals(most times lol) and deep hot/warm bath, sleep again, and repeat, as I go about my daily routines.

7. When I sleep over something, I get better answers.

8. Overthinking is an enemy. Learning to ask questions to clarify, or simply give something a short, even if the qualifications say otherwise.

9. Cheers to 360-something days of putting what my body needs first.

10. I have worked with team members or even supervisors who were intimidated by my profile or resume.

11. In these experiences, I have refused to give a shit, but to shine on- because I did not make it this far, to shrink for no. one.

12. I now give myself to the mission that makes my heart glow, God brings my way the people, who turn it into a show. Super excited for the TIDES Show this fall!

13. Grateful for UChicago, and all her incredible resources for startup founders.

14. It is with joy and excitement that I look forward to competing in this new chapter of my life, for startup pitch competitions. Look out for me, and send ideas and support my way.

15. I am currently working on a software idea that allows survivors to access work and housing without compromising their safety, or other hurdles that come with navigating traditional social service agencies.

16. Grateful for such incredible insights from all the 9 powerful courses that have offered me the foundation for my work on DV, and empowering survivors.

17. Keep every idea, there is a place for them in the future if you give them time.

18. Your time is not for everyone, and so do not give it easily.

19. If you have big goals, you can’t expect everyone to understand and it is okay.

20. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

21. Take your online presence seriously.

22. But it is only one way to your stardom it is not the only one.

23. Always show up ready with all your facts in hand.

24. Do not let anyone show political emotions because you say you are a survivor

25. Show them (but do not tell) that - it is a seal of resilience, not a sign of weakness.

26. They say not all our friends have to be like us, but I think it is stressful to try to win over people whose mindsets do not align with yours.

27. If you meet the right people, being their friends, or loving them is effortless.

28. Build back every broken bridge that is worth it. Mend every broken relationship that deserves it.

29. Get the sleep. Get the rest, rest, you can never do them later.

30. Live life with no regrets, because the sun will shine the next day.

31. Offering you the chance to offer me one reflection/lesson as I begin year 3.1. Share in the comment.

Cheers!!!!

BM,

Baddass Founder and CEO at ideyforyou.