IGNORE THE NOISE 

Earlier today, I knew I was up for something. Like, waking up from my bed with lots of energy and a statement ringing in my head, “You know what? Today is really going to be great”. This statement kept ringing over and over again, on my mind. Yes, my motivated mind. Smiles*

I knew I was up for something when I picked up my pen, journal and wrote “Today is going to be great! This is my to-do list for today (22nd of June, 2022)". I smirked.

I was up for something when I kept my journal and pen by the side of my pillow and said “Oh! Today is really going to be great”. I stood up from my bed, laid it well, swept my room as my mama taught me, washed the dishes with the morning fresh dishwasher, wiped my cylinder after making breakfast. Then, here I was on my desk again, ready to hit the remaining and major goal for the day.

I was up for something when I ate my yummy breakfast (creamy oat with milk, and strawberry), and “oh! What is going on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp” I thought to myself. 

I was up for something when I scrolled down, saw some funny skits, "hahaha", I laughed. Next was a bittersweet story of a distanced couple, I wiped my eye and said, “This better not happen to me, I really can’t bear it”. 

I scrolled down and saw my secondary school friend, Tola, doing great things. Wow! This is great! I was so happy for Tola. 

   You could never get enough of Nigerians when It comes to comedy. So it wasn't a surprise that I saw a meme next and bursted into laughter. Then I saw my childhood friend, doing something greater than our age. 

I was happy but a thought crossed my mind, “Wow! She's already so ahead”.

I logged into Instagram, then all over the page were pictures, videos, and reels of teenagers, who had something doing with their lives. Some set up shops at their little age, some started an organization, some are into digital skills, but here I was, down for nothing.

Trust me, I have been up for things, I was up for things this morning, motivated and driven, I really knew what I was doing, but I couldn't hold on anymore. I have been with these things for a while now, but nothing to show for. No one appreciates my efforts, everyone question the things I do. Maybe, I wasn’t made for this, maybe...

I know you are almost giving up, but read on.

Life will always throw tantrums at you, questions you are unable to give answers to. People you know will make you question yourself, not only by what they say, but the things they do (not condemnation but their progress). Sure, it isn't easy to be on a particular spot for too long, nothing to show for, after all the efforts you've made. But its left to you, to ignore the noise. You heard me right, IGNORE THE NOISE! Others' efforts or progress won't make you, but what you see out of them makes you. 

Yes! To motivate you not to confuse you. To bring the best out of you, not to make you frustrated. All you need to do is one thing.

Be up for that thing as you have always been, keep being motivated, and IGNORE THE NOISE.