The Priceless Lessons of Adversity: A Personal Journey of Growth and Appreciation

 If you think that true blessings are only measured in naira and dollars. Well, think again. For far too long, we've been conditioned to equate success with a fat bank account, overlooking the precious gifts that make life truly rich.

The truth is; the majority of people are blind to the real treasures that surround them every day. They're so focused on filling their bank accounts that they forget to cherish the love of family, the laughter of friends, the beauty of good health, and the serenity of a peaceful mind. 

This has been me to a tea for the past two (2) years. Not until I had a reality check. Of course something happened, and I hope this puts into perspective to everyone who has believed, for the longest of time, that all they need are material things.

For the sake of nostalgia, I have to say that 2024 didn't start off so well for me. I mean, not long into the year, my phone was stolen. As though it wasn't enough of a hint to strengthen my insight. It never occurred to me that the year would be filled with further shocks. 

Remember this post; this will come in handy in this story. One fateful Saturday, I woke up to the most painful period I have ever experienced in my life—one that landed me in the hospital. My hospital visit and a couple of tests later—I was diagnosed with uterine fibroid.

The diagnosis made my heart beat rapidly and irregularly, replacing its usual steady rhythm with a frantic, unsettling pace that made me feel unbalanced. It was like having cold water dumped onto my head—it sounded so foreign and so scary.

As with every uncertain diagnosis, I googled the term.

For the curious minds, a uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous growth that develops in the muscle of the uterus (womb).

Think of it like a small, harmless lump that grows inside the uterus. It's not cancer, but it can cause problems like heavy bleeding, intense pain, and discomfort.

Mine, however, was rather uncomfortable. I prefer to refer to them as episodes.

The episodes were few and far between, like scattered raindrops on a winter's day. I barely even noticed them, dismissing them as a minor annoyance. But as the weeks went by, the raindrops turned into a steady drizzle and then a relentless downpour.

At first, I was determined to weather the storm, to tough it out, and to wait for the sun to come out again. I was convinced that it was just a phase, that it would pass, and I would emerge stronger on the other side. But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the drizzle became a torrent. The occurrence of these episodes were rare and didn't bother me much. I barely noticed them and thought they were just a minor problem. But as time went on, they started happening more often and became a big issue.

When I went to the doctor, I knew I had to make a decision. The episodes had become a constant torment, and I had tried everything to make them stop. But in Nigeria, where things are often unpredictable, my options were limited.

Even so, I found hope in the possibility of surgery. It was my chance to take control of my body and make the episodes stop. I took a deep breath and decided to go for it.

The surgery seemed to be a success, but then something unexpected happened. I developed a neurological problem and had to stay admitted in the hospital. I literally went back in time in my brain, almost being a baby from the start. I had lost control of some basic body functions. This was not what I had planned, and it was hard to deal with.

But during this difficult time, I learned to appreciate the small things in life—my family's love, my friends' support, and the gift of good health and peace of mind. This experience taught me to cherish the simple things that often go unnoticed.

Looking back, I realize that the toughest times can teach us the most valuable lessons. I discovered the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience to turn adversity into growth and gratitude.

Well, if you noticed any inconsistency in communication, it wasn't intentional. Now, you know why.

I am better now, and hopefully my story brings hope to those going through their dark times at this very moment. I pray grace finds you and you come out stronger!

Fun fact:

◎ I witnessed my doctor cut me open for my surgery and observed the whole procedure from a lateral POV.