Over a year ago, I started writing these letters to you. My intentions were simple: I wanted to have an excuse to write weekly, to test how consistent I could be to a project and to connect with you. Except for two or three occasions, you received a short note from me on a variety of subjects — ‘Thought’s Day’, pun for Thursday. I’ve written to you on activism, love, career, friendship, travel, gender, feminism, dreams, pain, death and laughter. 61 letters later, you’re still here.
I’ve learned a lot in the past year from writing you these letters. Some of these lessons include how to articulate my thoughts, how to be consistent and true and the importance of giving value. Now I’m learning the importance of pausing to catch my breath.
It’s time for a break. 2020 has been difficult, not just for me. The bad and the ugly have taken over much of the world, leaving only very little good behind. You know about this already. I’ve decided to pause these letters to you (for a month or two) to rest and then re-strategize. For one, I’m tired. Then there's the fact that I’m done beating myself up for not accomplishing as much as I’d have loved to in the first half of 2020.
Zora Neale Hurston, author of ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ wrote: “There are years that ask questions, and years that answer them.” It’s self explanatory, but if you can find the book, read it. In the next couple of weeks, I won’t completely be hibernating as I still have a day job, freelance gigs and then a stubborn book to write (read child to nurture). I’ll however be asking some important questions about the next steps. A big question I’ll be asking: How can I make this letter more useful to you? There might be no instant answers, no immediate change when I come back in August or September, but it’ll come. I have a couple of projects sitting pretty in my head.
Right now, I want to have the pleasure of doing nothing on Thursday evenings. Do you know how empowering that art of doing nothing is? You should try it once in a while. No, it’s not laziness.
This isn’t a breakup and the classic ‘Friends’ reference ‘We were on a break!’ won’t fit into our context: I will be back. I do understand if you can’t wait. E dey happen. Thank you for always reading and writing back to me.
Meanwhile, you can find me here. If you need me, send a DM or email me.
Till whenever,
Ope.
Will miss you twinnie! Can’t wait to reconnect when you get back!
Hey, it is Their Eyes Were Watching God.