Happy New Year, 🎊

Welcome to 2024! May it be one of your best years yet *hopeful smile*

Let me start by asking you this question...

What is your focus word for 2024, ?

In 2022, I started having a focus word to help guide my thoughts, plans, and goals for the year.

Thanks to my kindred spirit sister, the talented and beautiful Lola Akinmade, who inspired me.

For 2024, my focus word is "BE OTHER-CENTERED"

"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" - 1 Corinthians 10:33

To be very honest, I wasn't really thrilled about this focus word because I was planning to be selfish this year - both with my business and personal time and resources.

Why? I felt I have been giving too much and been taken for granted + not being appreciated for my work and time *sigh + frustrated smile*

However, when GOD gives you an instruction, you obey!

So here I am with a non-selfish approach for 2024 *puts one hand on forehead + laughs*

Now how can we practise "Other-centeredness" without sacrificing our well-being?

Because let's face it, sometimes we need to be selfish with ourselves.

Self-Care is very important if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes it requires us to be selfish with our energy, time, and space *RT + Pin*

Here are 3 simple and practical ways I plan to be other-centered without sacrificing my well-being, and I believe it will help you too:

#1. Volunteerism: Find ways to contribute to your community or support their cause. Practise being generous with your time and resources. I recently joined the Lagos Food Bank Volunteer Program, and it has been a heartwarming experience. You can find out more about how to participate or/and donate towards this cause via their website - https://lagosfoofbank.org

#2. Be Present: Practise active listening and eye contact when talking to someone. Focus your full attention to others when they are speaking. Also show empathy and understanding. I love to talk. But I'm learning to allow the other person speak and to stop interrupting them. Work in progress...

#3. Practice Kindness: Show small acts of kindness like checking up, offering help and sharing encouraging words with those around you: family, friends, neighbours, and strangers. These can make a big difference in someone's day and life.

, the above mention are simple things we can do everyday to practice other-centeredness.

However, sometimes we can forget to put them to practise as life happens to each and everyone of us. But, this requires us to be...

INTENTIONAL WITH OUR RELATIONSHIPS

I saw this comment online, and thought to share to wrap this up...

Remember that being other-centered is a continuous practice that requires mindfulness and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Wishing you a selfless and fulfilling 2024, *smiles*

Till my next e-letter, don't forget...

Life is short, live it to the fullest.

Ka o di...e-see you soon *waves*

Your Wanderluster,

Ajala Nene 

P/S: You are getting this email because you are an active member of my newsletter community. If you no longer want to hear from me, you can click the unsubscribe button. No hard feelings *e-hug*