What’s yours is precious. Keep it. Tend it.
Yo fam,
Let me start by saying: I missed you.
It’s been a hot minute since I wrote one of those from-the-bottom-of-my-heart newsletters where I just rant, yap, and spiral (in a cool, collected way of course). I’ve been writing plenty — SEO blogs, captions, brochure content, the works — but not this. Not a proper sit-down gist where I open up and talk like I’m on a long voice note to you.
To be honest, I felt stuck for a bit.
It’s wild how people were reaching out saying they love my work and my writing, and I was just like, “Stop itttt.” Like, not me? You rate me? 😭 I was broke, gigless, and overwhelmed, and you’re telling me you love my newsletter? I was a bit sad, and feeling major imposter syndrome.
I remember texting one of my very cool friends (I say cool a lot but she’s actually so cool) and telling her how wild it felt getting praised when I didn’t feel put together. She told me to accept it. Believe it. Keep doing my thing. She also said she loves my newsletter. That stayed with me. And I guess that’s why I’m writing this.
So here’s the gist. The good, the chaotic, the wholesome. Let’s go.
The Good News? No work today! 😭🙌 May 30th is a sit-at-home day here in Abia (Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day), and it fell on a Friday!
Now, I teach SS1 and SS2 students Economics and Literature — and while I love teaching, I don’t love the school. As much as I love explaining stuff, breaking down concepts, and making kids understand what once confused me, I don’t like the school. And I don’t know how else to put it. I love teaching. I think everyone lowkey does. But the school? Not so much. Don’t ask questions, just know that holidays are a blessing. Still, I’m not behind on any scheme of work, okay? I can tell you for a fact that my work rate is rating>>>>
NYSC Diaries This scheme is not real. Nobody in this thing is real. The government? Wicked. The structure? Very mehh. The stress? Premium. The employers? God abeg. 🫠
I saw somewhere online that some registered PCMs got deferred to Batch B (August or later) because of low camp capacity, it was funny, and I was lowkey thankful I registered in January. But also, what exactly am I thankful for? I'm here now… am I happy? 😂 This is month 5 for me, and I’m still getting small-small doses of surprise every now and then.
Job Search Chronicles Back in March/April, a friend and I were applying for every graduate trainee program under the sun. And don’t get me started on employers who ghost applicants. Like, at least send a sorry-we’re-not-interested email. I’m tough now, but silence stings. I can't lie.
Also, I think I hit a character development arc sometime last year. I no longer cry over things. I just go, "Oh well." Life moved on. Not sure if it's healing or hardening. Still deciding.
What I’ve Been Up To Reading. A lot.
Books: Ikigai, Little Mrs. Seidenman, Middlemarch, Arrow of God, The Color Purple.
Ikigai: Surprisingly the only motivational/self-help book I’ve ever read past halfway. The concept of purpose and doing what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and pays for — it’s deep. I didn’t agree with everything (like their view on stress vs. rest), but I get the point. It reminded me to embrace slowness and joy, not just productivity.
Little Mrs. Seidenman & Middlemarch: Both are Chimamanda's faves, and when Odeluwa recommends, we listen. Little Mrs. S is short but rich, exploring memory and identity during WWII. Middlemarch? Slow burn but a literary masterpiece. Deep social commentary, timeless insights. It’s giving classic energy.
Arrow of God: I'm reading it ‘cause it’s on my students’ syllabus, and yo — Chinua Achebe was not playing. The cultural tension, the symbolism, everything hits differently now that I’m older.
The Color Purple: Saw it in a tweet I bookmarked and finally read it. WHAT. A. BOOK. Whewww. It’s raw, painful, and beautiful. Why do African female authors love the color purple so much though? 😂
Besides that, I’ve been reading blogs, listening to I Said What I Said, newsletters from my favorite people, and just watching people I know shine. It was inspiring. Even though I wasn’t creating much myself, I still felt content. Like my cup was full. You get me?
Music Vibes The Christian music scene is fire right now. Commmonnnn!
No Turning Back
Hagiazo
Hunger
I’m Too Oiled
ZA
Real Talk Segment FK and Jola recently talked about living in the moment. Not letting life drag you. And I thought, don’t go with the flow but create the flow. Like, I want to be present, to enjoy now, to make sweet memories without needing a big reason.
Sometimes I remember looking at my parents’ old photos and I could feel the emotions in the pictures. I love being an introvert, but introversion is becoming a luxury. It takes effort to make memories these days.
One of my friends recently told me, “Bunmi, try to have fun.” And I said, “Yeah, one of these days I’ll go out.” He replied, “No, I mean have fun while you’re there. Every day.”
And it made sense. Fun isn’t always about outings. Sometimes, joy is in routine. Fun is feeling peace in your daily grind. Fun can live inside comfort and familiarity — not just activity. It’s okay to be lowkey and still enjoy life deeply.
Life is chaotic. Inflation is inflating. Everyone is stressed. And even being an introvert feels like a luxury these days. But we have to be more intentional about building memories, about joy. Like, I want to have cool photos from my twenties too. Yeah.
Digital Life PSA Take internet things seriously. And don’t take internet things seriously. Both can be true.
Next Time on Bunmi’s Letters Let’s talk about wealth.
Someone tweeted: "What does “rich” mean to you?" And I’ve been thinking about it. Wealth isn’t just money, right? It’s safety. Access. The ability to help others without hurting yourself. It’s peace, options, soft mornings, and ease. It's time. It’s not owing anyone and being able to rest without guilt. People who show up. A clean to-do list. I have thoughts. I’ll talk about it soon.
Faith Corner I’ve been reading 1 Samuel, John, Psalms, and Proverbs.
This week, Paul said something to Timothy: "That good thing committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in you." (2 Tim 1:14)
The idea that we’re not just guarding our gifts, calling, and purpose with sheer will, but we have the Holy Spirit helping us preserve and nurture the purpose inside of us? That’s beautiful. Somebody say strength.
So yeah. I’m back. I wrote to you. Finally.
And before I go, let me say this: Jesus loves you. Not in a generalised, you-hear-it-all-the-time way. But deeply, personally, intentionally. He knows you, sees you, and stays loving you. You’re never too far gone for His embrace. He’s for you.
What’s yours is precious. Keep it. Tend it.
Catch you next letter.
With love, Bunmi.🤎