THE BEAUTY OF NEW LIFE

There is nothing like the birth of a baby to remind you of how wonderful and good God is, how beautiful life is, and how every moment you are on this earth is one to be grateful for because it's an opportunity. An opportunity to do it better or right the next time, an opportunity to stand up when you fall, an opportunity to be stronger, an opportunity to have a better attitude and to be more positive, an opportunity to do more - so that you leave something good, maybe even something great, for the ones that come after you.

At around 4am this morning, Kaden Kwame Evans came into the world and reminded me of all the aforementioned things. His mom is my good friend from school, Rose, who herself should be a constant reminder to me that despite challenges and obstacles, God comes through for you....ALWAYS. Without fail. I am an aunty to little Kaden, and I want to be the kind of aunty who is a good example, and who teaches him that doing your best is good enough whatever the outcome, and that you should always dust yourself off and try again.

This has been a bit of a hard few days for me because I took the GMAT again and didn't do as well as I'd hoped. Not the biggest of deals really, but for someone like me who usually does everything pretty well the first time, it was hard to take. I had a rough weekend, but as a result, I really felt how much I was loved and thought of because friends and family called and called to remind me not to reduce my worth to a test score. 2 friends in particular made sure I spent some time outside of the house doing fun things. My boyfriend has been the best support. My mom rallied the Naija folk so I've even been getting calls from home telling me its going to be okay. I've been slowly but surely trying to get back on track and come up with a new game plan for the next time. I am taking a couple of weeks off to have a bit of a life - you know, do things like laundry, cook dinner for a change, spend time with friends without having to run home to study, and read for pleasure. Then I'll start studying again to prep for the exam for the 3rd and final time. I have figured out that I have to be okay with knowing that I put in my absolute best and take whatever happens as it comes. I put in my best last time, and I will do it again. Looking back, perhaps I could be more confident about my abilities, and be more positive this time around so in addition to my strategic study plan, there will be elements of positive attitude reinforcement along the way. I believe it will be well - whatever happens, it will be well. Dusting myself off and trying again is absolutely necessary.

See Kaden, you already gave your aunty a little lesson in life. You are a special baby, without a doubt! I was on my way back from sadness but you've jolted me back into happiness. Thank you for reminding me what life should REALLY be about. I love you little one.