Hey you, are you okay?
on Super Mario and finding little joys.
Dear reader,
I hope this finds you well. This mail is somewhat different- first because I had to fight so many adversities to get here (I promise, I’m not even being dramatic) and second, because of its content.
Earlier during the week, I was going to write about rejection, but so much has shifted. Allow me to declare right here and right now that adulthood sucks.
With each problem you eventually solve, there’s a bigger one waiting for you. It’s like playing Super Mario except you never actually save the queen and the bad guys get bigger in size and powers with each level.
An example: You finally save enough to buy a car after pinching your pockets for months, but now, you have to deal with long queues at the filling station. Also, some person hit your car at Ozumba Mbadiwe and now you have to replace your tail light. In summary, awon challenges yen, o po.
You think you have it shitty, but realise that everyone has their own brand of Super Mario, fighting at different levels.
Does it get easier? Does it get better? I don’t know, but I hope so.
Why am I writing this?
I guess I just want to check in with you: Are you okay? Ask yourself this question and try to answer without the default I’m fine. Acknowledge how you’re actually feeling: excited? high on life? sad about work? etc.
That said, it’s easy to fall into the dreariness of existence; the why am I here/does it even get better type of questions without stopping to take in the little joys in your life.
Dare I say, I think I’ve found a hack- I’ve tested it out only for a week, so if you’re going to attempt it too, T&Cs apply.
I’ve been doing a small exercise at the end of my days, mostly on the bad days. I ask myself: okay, so what good thing happened today?
Then I make a list in my notes app and its content could look as ridiculous as this:
I’ve found that it helps me feel better, and lighter and think okay, maybe my day was bearable. Life is tough and exhausting, but in my little lists, I find reasons to smile and I am reminded of the tiny moments/events of the day that birthed little joys.
As you go into the new week, I hope your Super Mario level becomes lower and you have/discover many reasons to smile.
Away from my musings, I have just three articles to share this week:
‘Nothing lasts forever, no matter how bad this is. It might be bad in a different way. But it won’t be bad this way anymore.’ Kelly Williams Brown. Perhaps this interview is the best thing I read all week. It’s also very in line with what I wrote about earlier.
People Are Dating All Wrong, According to Data Science. The answer to what it takes to make you happy in a romantic relationship is rather surprising.
How To Sell Your BS "Web3" Idea To a VC- This was ridiculous and hilarious. Also, thought-provoking.
Writing Prompt
If you’re new to this letter, you should check here for how the Writing Prompt segment works. (Very encouraged cause I FINALLY got a response; insert an inspirational quote about not giving up here!).
The prompt for this week is:
The door you had locked, is wide open…
Send in your submission here or publish it on your Medium account and send me the link!
What this newsletter is:
Watching: Still The Office- haven’t had the time or energy to start anything new.
Listening to: Omololade mi, Asake.
That’s it for this week.
Don’t forget to share this letter with someone you think might enjoy it.
With love,
Titi.
My boss, send me peppered gizzard. Tenks.
Thank you for this, came just in time