"Dear Self": A Midnight's Memoir

Cold, snowy Saturday mornings are typical in December in Saskatchewan, Canada. But what made this morning different was my unexpected 3 AM awakening—a moment of inexplicable inspiration that would change everything.

Sleep eluded me, so I sat down with my notebook and pen, driven by an urgent need to write a letter to myself. As the first words appeared on paper, I wondered about the purpose of this self-addressed message. Was it a birthday letter? A congratulatory note celebrating my life's journey? Or perhaps a deep reflection on the path that led me to this moment? Whatever it was, I began to write.

"Dear Mofolashade,

I want to start by congratulating you. You might ask yourself, "What am I being congratulated for?" The answer is simple: for making it this far in life. You're here. And that alone deserves celebration.

From your very first moment, you've been writing your own story. Remember how you chose New Year's Day 1974 to make your grand entrance, even though you were meant for '73? Sharing a birthday with your mother wasn't enough – you had to be the first baby born in that hospital that year too. (Always with the drama, Shadé 🙄). But that dramatic entrance? It set the tone for everything that followed.

At birth, you defied expectations. As a survivor of a vaginal breech delivery, you demonstrated the fighting spirit that would define your entire life. Those childhood illnesses that took so many others? You fought through them all. 

Your childhood wasn't filled with silver spoons. You often joked about creating you own opportunities from whatever materials lay at hand. Growing up with four siblings taught you the art of fierce love and friendly competition. Yeah, those intense sibling fights, playful pranks, and formative boarding school experiences helped shaped your character. And those boarding school years? They weren't just about education – they were about discovering your strength. Your grandfather saw it early when he called you "Ilusafeti" – his queen, his Elizabeth. He recognized the royal spirit in a little girl who would later become queen of her own destiny.

Despite the poverty around you, you didn't just survive—you thrived. Your childhood might have lacked material wealth, but it overflowed with love, wisdom, and powerful life lessons. Your parents couldn't afford private schools, but they gave you something better: determination. You turned your pocket money into after-school classes, transformed challenges into achievements, and kept that childhood promise to become a doctor. Not because it was easy, but because you said you would.

 You forged a path to become a doctor, a journey filled with challenges. Some people labelled you as "stubborn," "different," and "headstrong"—labels that might have broken others became the very qualities that built your resilience and character.

As the oldest female in your family, leadership wasn't just a role—it was part of your nature. Your determination and emotional strength earned your family's admiration. You've always put family first, ready to go to extraordinary lengths to protect and support your loved ones.

You love fiercely. You defend the underdog. You prove that nothing is impossible. People describe you as "fearless," "brave," "courageous," "down to earth," and "authentic"—though not everyone might agree! Your father's nickname for you, "Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady," captured your courage and resolve. Your mother dubbed you "Solicitor General,"watching you stand up for others, reflecting your role as the family's advocate and voice .

Your life proves that dreams can become reality. Your motto, "Simply live and have fun along the way," isn't just words—it's a philosophy you've embraced and now share with your children.

As you enter this next decade, remember your journey. When challenges come, think about the road that brought you here—the people you've met, the lives you've touched, the lessons you've learned. Remember, your life is a gift, not just for you, but for those around you.

Keep shining. Keep inspiring. Keep being gloriously, unabashedly you.

With love and pride,

Mofolashadé"

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My Reflections

Writing this letter revealed something profound: gratitude isn't just a feeling – it's a journey of discovery. Each memory unwrapped became a gift, each challenge overcome a blessing to count. To the Creator who shaped this path for me and the universe that guides it still, my heart truly overflows with thanks.

Why Letter Writing Still Matters

In our digital age, letter writing has become a rare art but writing to oneself is an exceptionally powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection. When we write, we engage different parts of our brain, creating a bridge between our past, present, and future selves. Scientific evidence has shown that people who actively count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Letter writing can become a profound gratitude practice, one that offers several benefits:

• Deep personal reflection and emotional processing
• Documentation of growth and progress
• Creation of a personal time capsule
• Clarity in goal setting and intention
• Development of self-compassion and understanding

Here’s My Challenge to You:

• What would your letter to yourself say?
• What personal reflections would reveal your unique journey?
• What wisdom would you share with yourself?
• What dreams would you celebrate?

Take a moment, find a quiet space, and write your own story. You might be surprised by the wisdom, strength, and gratitude you discover. Remember, your story matters. Your struggles, triumphs, and everyday moments combine to create something uniquely beautiful. The simple act of writing a letter to yourself can open doors to self-discovery you never knew existed.

Why not start your letter today? 

1.  📝 If you need guidance, you can download a template  here to help you begin.
2. ✨ Join The MOHmentum community  for more  educational & inspiring contents
3. 💌 Share your story below 👇🏾Your story could be the light someone else needs today.

Because every story matters, especially yours.

P.S. My letter was written with love in December 2023, proving it's never too late to start your reflection journey.