2021 was a year of two halves for us as a family; we began the year in the hospital, which would be my wife’s home for the first five months, with me travelling back and forth every weekend.
Our son was born prematurely on December 7, 2020, and the weeks following his birth were spent trying to keep him alive
He was eventually moved to a speciality hospital three hours away from our home to receive surgery.
Gratitude isn’t always easy, but it benefits us in the long run
Gratitude is also a skill that can be learnt
This bible verse serves as a reminder to be thankful even when things aren’t going well.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
I wrote 30 things I’m grateful for in 2020, and here are
1. In the first few months of his life, my son underwent two major and two minor surgeries and we are grateful to God for the many times he was healed miraculously after medicine reached its limits.
2. We bought our first home in the UK after moving from Nigeria in less than two years.
3. I read the entire Bible in a year
4. I celebrated two beautiful years with my wife. Words can’t do justice to how thankful I am to have Doris in my life.
5. I switched jobs with an income raise, as well as the ability to work from home, lowering my expenses.
6. Had the opportunity to see my mum and mother-in-law after almost two years due to covid
7. Started blogging at www.thewealthypost.com, as well as posting on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
8. 17 blog posts published. we discussed budgeting, investing, and saving money.
These posts have changed my life since I get to study about whatever I’m writing first before sharing with you.
9. I volunteered in a local church
10. The gift of new friends who came into our lives
11. The gift of aunties, uncles, friends, immediate and extended family who supported, visited, and prayed with us during and after our stay in the hospital.
12. The gift of supportive colleagues in the new company
13. We celebrated the first birthday of my son
14. I learnt how to set up a public address system for a small gathering
15. We Increased our net worth
16. We took on new bad debt and soon paid it off
17. Grateful for Grand Appeal. A non-profit organisation that provides housing for parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). I can’t thank them enough.
18. The doctors and nurses at St Michael Hospital’s NICU who cared for our son
19. The babysitter who looked after our son when we had to return to work.
20. I helped friends and family setup their first investment account with a monthly direct debit to buy index funds.
21. Some of the amazing authors whose books I read this year include
22. I’ve learned a lot through podcasts. The following are my top picks for the year.
23. I kept a gratitude journal and wrote in it as often as I could. This article is only possible because of the journal’s content.
24. I went for a hike on the Camel Trail.
25. Every track on Maverick City’s Old Church Basement album. My most played song was
26. For the opportunity to be generous. I believe in generosity not just in money
27. For all my friends and family who got married, had babies, started a new project, business, jobs etc
28. For our new garden
29. Had a wonderful Christmas with friends, family, and delicious food.
This was in stark contrast to the previous year when we were alone in the hospital.
30. My coach turned friend Darlington Anaele who is instrumental to my career change and transition to IT project Management.
The numerous zoom calls, mock interviews, advice etc
31. Okazi Soup. A Nigerian delicacy popular with the Igbo tribe
