Birthday Note

27th October, 2022

Ojo, Lagos.

Hello!

So, I like stories. They have always fascinated me. How possible it is that a single story can entertain, inform and moves you toward action. Or how they transport you to places you many never be able to physically visit. For these reasons, I think stories are important. Our stories particularly should be told because well, you never know what they will do for another person. 

For example, it is Chima Mmeje's story on audacity that I am feeding off to reach for clients, better gigs and opportunities generally. 

Oopss! I think I skipped an important part. In case you don't know me, I am Faith Amarachi Ekekwe, a freelance writer and storyteller. Though the latter is tentative. I am still building muscles there. I hope to see the world, complete a full length novel and perhaps, marry 5 gorgeous men. Nice to meet you. 

So, back to my story. It is my birthday soon and I want to document all that has happened to me in the past year. I am turning 25 (phew! I feel so old) and young). Truth is, I am excited about the trajectory of my life or as at the time I am writing this, I am excited. It isn't like a picture perfect life but it is exciting and promising for the following reasons:

1.I recently had a call with a client in the U.S(my very first) and I wasn't nervous, I wasn't stuttering through the call. I asked relevant questions and I had accurate answers where necessary. Yo!

It may seem like a small thing for you but for me who grapple with imposter syndrome, it is a major deal. Like a big deal. I mean, how is this girl suggesting calls and getting off calls? She is me!

2. I am now more willing to try. My friend runs a digital magazine, Hello Icon(you should totally check us out). When she brought the idea for me to be the book reviewer, I was confused and scared even though upon all, upon still (this is on purpose) I have been reading and writing about books for as long as I can remember. 

Well, I took up the "challenge". I tried and have since then gone from book reviewer to deputy editor (flips cornrows *e no easy*)

3. I am navigating adulthood as much as I can. To the best of my abilities. I am exploring opportunities open to me and trying to create some(not much luck) but that is okay.

4. In this past year, I shook off fear and got the biggest client of my life- yet. There will be bigger ones, I am certain. It still feels surreal. Like I sent out cold emails, got a reply and just like that. Arrrgggghhhhhhh.

5. I am hoping to build a career in communications and media and who knows? become a communication strategist and work for maybe, the next president of our country. As my boss(KSA) will always say, "the possibilities are endless”.

About this, even if it doesn't happen, I am at peace because I tried and that's what is really important. In a way, it makes it enough. Not fantasizing about becoming, not dreaming about becoming but actually trying to become(Ugh, sound very motivationy).

6. I have practiced gratitude more. Grateful for everything that has come and gone, all I still have and all that is to come. Let me sign out now, before I start to bore you. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me.🎉

With love and a slice of (my imaginary) birthday cake,

Faith Amarachi Ekekwe (ORIAKU).