Ashake’s Journey – Irin Ashake

It’s 2021 y’aIl!

Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉 A fresh year is here, and I couldn’t be more glad, positive, and excited. I’m so fired up that I thought, why not hit the ground running immediately? No dilly-dallying this year — let’s start strong and make every moment count!

Ashake and Owoade’s Journey

I love starting the fresh year with a post that jolts us into action — an encouraging word to kick things off. I’ve titled this one “Ashake’s Journey”, inspired by a Yoruba proverb my younger sister and I are particularly fond of:

Irin Ashake yato si ti Owoade, Ashake nwa oko lo, Owoade nlo si ode orun

Yoruba Proverb

I’ll try to translate it as best I can: “Ashake’s journey is different from Owoade’s journey. Ashake is in search of love, while Owoade is in pursuit of the kingdom of heaven.”

This proverb struck my sister and me so deeply that we would often reference it in the right circumstances. One of us would mutter, “Hmmm, Irin Ashake,” and we’d both laugh. Anyone overhearing would have no idea what we meant — unless they were familiar with the proverb. It became our little shorthand, a reminder of the different paths people take in life, and of the humor and wisdom that can be found in cultural sayings.

Different journeys, different paths

When I think about the number of people on earth, I can’t help but marvel at how each of us has a unique purpose for our existence. How is it possible that there are billions of us, yet every single person carries a different assignment, a different calling? Even identical twins, who share the same womb, come into the world with distinct purposes.

It is in discovering our purpose that we begin to move toward our destiny. Purpose gives direction to our lives, fuels our decisions, and guides our steps. Without it, we may wander aimlessly, but when we align with it, we move with clarity, intention, and hope. Finding and embracing our purpose is not always easy, but it is one of the most powerful keys to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.for our existence.

In our journey through life, it’s easy to forget this important truth as we often compare ourselves to others. Comparison can sometimes motivate us to do more and achieve more, but more often, it works the opposite way — it can lead to discouragement, low self-esteem, and even depression. It can make us feel worthless or helpless, dragging us deeper into despair.

This is why we must constantly remind ourselves that each of us has a different purpose. Our journeys are unique, our destinations distinct. We shouldn’t try to walk someone else’s path or speak someone else’s words.

Think of it this way: a fridge’s purpose is to cool, while a microwave’s purpose is to heat. Both are essential in any household. The microwave can’t decide to take on the fridge’s job just because it seems “cooler,” right? Ridiculous! Yet that’s exactly how it looks when we try to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Embracing our own journey — and honoring our own purpose — is the first step to living fully and authentically.,.

Here’s another scenario:

You’re driving home, and there’s a long line of traffic ahead. Your exit is still a few miles away. Out of tiredness or impatience, would you take an earlier exit just because the road there is free? You see other motorists zooming past, happily leaving you stuck in the jam, but you’re not sure if their route will even get you to your destination.

Most of us would answer, “No!” Yet, when it comes to life choices, this is exactly what some of us do. A friend is thriving in a particular career or business, and we’re tempted to jump ship, thinking, “Maybe that will work for me.” Or we compare ourselves to others, feeling bitter or discouraged about what we haven’t achieved. We end up wasting precious energy on self-pity, immersing ourselves in thoughts of what we lack, leaving little power or focus to pursue our own path.

The truth is, taking shortcuts or trying to emulate someone else’s journey rarely leads to your destination. Patience, persistence, and faith in your own path are what carry you forward. Your journey is unique, and your exit is waiting — just stay the course.

Greener Grass – Tend your garden

My dad has a very lush garden. Twice every day, you can hear his sprinklers twirling away in different sections, carefully wetting the grass. After breakfast, and sometimes again later in the evening, he walks through the garden to inspect it. He removes dead leaves, checks on the trees and grass, and makes sure every plant is growing properly.

I often tell him how much I look forward to coming home and seeing his beautiful garden. My brother jokes that Dad’s garden probably gets more care and attention than anyone in the house 😄.

Passersby and guests frequently admire the garden, and some probably wonder why theirs isn’t as lush and green — without realizing the time, effort, and dedication Dad pours into his garden every single day.

It’s a simple but powerful lesson: growth — whether of a garden, a skill, or a dream — requires consistent care, attention, and patience. You can’t rush it, and the results are often unseen until the fruits (or flowers) bloom.

My point is this: this year, we should put a lot more effort into tending our own garden. That effort might look like taking training courses, reading more, practicing consistently, or developing new skills. We only grow and improve when we invest in ourselves.

There is something unique in each of us — a purpose, a gift — and we just have to dig deep to discover it. Finding that purpose, as exciting as it is, is only the beginning. The real work comes next: building, nurturing, and tending to it so that it can flourish. Only then can we achieve greatness and fulfillment — our true destiny.

Remember, the grass is only greener on the other side either because it’s artificial 😛 or because someone worked tirelessly to nurture it. Often, what we see is an illusion, or it is simply the product of discipline, hard work, and commitment.

That’s why it’s far better to focus on our own growth and aspirations. Comparison steals joy, distracts us from our path, and can even become a setback. The most important garden is the one you are tending — your own.

Conclusion

So while Ashake is out there looking for herself a man 😉, Owoade is on a pilgrimage! Their journeys couldn’t be more different. And that’s exactly the point — your journey is not your friend’s, not your brother’s, not anyone else’s. It’s uniquely yours.

Owoade may eventually reach a stage where love becomes part of the journey too. We all reach milestones at different times, facing different hurdles and reaping different rewards along the way.

Your destination is your own. I know it’s tempting to glance at someone else’s progress, but it’s important not to dwell on their achievements. Learn from them, celebrate their successes, but never lose focus on your own path. May we all arrive at our destinations successfully, in our own time and in our own way.

Remember, many of the nuggets shared in books and motivational talks come from real-life experiences. So go out there and create yours — who knows, there may be a book in you waiting to be written 😉. Focus on your purpose and just keep moving. After all, a rolling stone gathers no moss! (Today must be Proverbs Day 😉).

Have a brilliant year, everyone. 🙏

Aunty Lulu

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