Blog - November 1, 2022

Day 1:The November Happiness Challenge 2022

Love

Hello everyone, You are welcome to Day 1 of the November Happiness Challenge, 2022. We’ve been doing this for seven years, so if you are a returning reader, thank you for sticking close. If you are new here, welcome. I hope I give you good reason for staying.

This year, we will be discussing many themes that should guide us on a daily on our journey to survival and attainment of happiness. By this, I mean we’ll be talking about 30 themes for the challenge (1 theme per day), and I truly hope it’s as exciting as I envisage

I’ve been on a hiatus, if we can call it that. And how best do I get out of it but through a post about Love?

My first understanding of Love was in Primary school. I saw my mum cook for us no matter how early we needed to leave the house, and my dad was there to take us to school every single day. Mummy’s food that kept hunger away from us, and daddy’s gesture that made us go to school with ease, were beautiful to me.

That meant love .

One of those days, we got to school late and my dad explained to the soldiers at the gate that there was some traffic on the way which slowed our movement. He persuaded them to let us go into our classes without being punished because it wasn’t our fault that we were late. They told him they had heard him; but they definitely didn’t listen.

As my dad turned to leave the premises, the soldiers instructed us to get on our knees and start going that way into our classes. The compound was shady and stony, so of course you know what that punishment meant. My dad heard this and instructed us to stand and get back into the car, that we were leaving for our house. That was the end of our attendance at that school.

That was love to me .

You might not understand, but try to picture a child who was about to be punished for something that was beyond her control, seeing someone stand up for her, and try his best to make her escape the wrath that was about to be unleashed on her. That is a beautiful and fulfilling picture, right? Yes, that was how I felt and that was love to me. The love of a father to his children; a never ending and enduring love; a sacrificial love.

I had a friend at the University. She was about two years older than me and we clicked from the first day. She took me into her home when I couldn’t get a hostel accommodation and despite it not being so convenient for her, she ensured I was fine, and she gave me a shoulder when I needed it. She helped me to better my daily prayers, and made me better in every way since I could see her goodness shine everytime. She was there for me in more ways than one, and I would never forget her impact in my life for the period we were together. She made me a better person, in every way. I am a better believer because of her.

I consider that love.

Whenever we say our first prayer of the day, my husband prays that God keeps us together, and that we continue to be happy with each other. He then goes further to pray about everything we may have discussed the previous day, be it about our family or friends, and he carefully mentions these to God, with enthusiasm and hope that these prayers are answered.

This is love, I know that it is Love.

You are currently reading this post and most likely thinking of one or two such people or occurrences in your love that show you what love is, and how you need to acknowledge them more. I’m in sync with you, and I totally believe you deserve to receive and give love. It is all encompassing and I’m preaching its gospel to you. We find and see love in even the littlest of gestures, and the genuine happiness we feel in these gestures go a long way.

Today, think about what Love means to you, be it a person or an action, and reflect on it. Tell me of one such time when you felt loved in the comment section.

I’ll be back. OBA

Comments (55)

  1. Oluwaseun

    November 1, 2022

    Love this!
    Our parents are the first example of love that we see as kids. God bless them for us.

  2. AZ

    November 1, 2022

    Interesting read. First time reading and I’m super impressed. Thanks for sharing.

    • November 1, 2022

      Thank you so much. Please stick around.

  3. Damilola

    November 1, 2022

    ❤️❤️❤️

  4. Uchenna

    November 1, 2022

    Our first experience of love is usually from family (parents and siblings)… I grew up seeing how much my dad adored my mum and all of us. All he did was to make us comfortable happy children and so when he got sick years later, it was non negotiable that my mum left herself and business to be there for him. A painful phase of my life became more beautiful because I could literally feel their love for each other.

    • November 1, 2022

      I love to hear you speak of your dad because I can always feel the love you shared. I’m thankful you were raised in love and it explains how much of a lover you are. God bless you, darling.

  5. Busari Titilayo Tawa

    November 1, 2022

    Weldon Omotolani. I always look forward to this every November. Thanks for being consistent. I love this piece about LOVE. Kudos

    • November 1, 2022

      Thanks mummy. Love you

  6. Anu

    November 1, 2022

    My family is constantly going over and beyond for me. It’s not that they are billionaires but they are always thinking of ways to make things easy for me. They just sacrifice and sacrifice with big smiles and happy hearts. I’m eternally thankful to and for them.

    • November 1, 2022

      You are indeed blessed. Please keep them close

  7. Omotayo

    November 1, 2022

    Our parents are the first definition of what love truly means.love conquers all and this piece was beautifully put together.good job sis.i love you

    • November 1, 2022

      Thanks, big sis. I love you

  8. Temitope

    November 1, 2022

    This is so beautiful, I am thinking of all the nice things people have done for me. That’s love, I’m loved by many

    • November 1, 2022

      You are definitely loved by many including me, my baby girl.

  9. Fatimah Ajikobi

    November 1, 2022

    A friends elder Sister tried to bully me back in secondary school, my school mother got to the scene and made her do what she wanted me to do and even more, I was very happy and felt loved

    • November 1, 2022

      That’s so awesome. I love it.

  10. Hermedart

    November 1, 2022

    People show love in different ways, just because it isn’t our love language doesn’t mean they don’t love us. I’m grateful to people that have shown me love in different ways even though I don’t say it enough, I pray God continue to ease their paths.

    • November 1, 2022

      Amin. In fact, I have started looking at Love languages at a cage that many people need to break out of. I’ll send you a message to discuss yhis.

  11. Anike

    November 1, 2022

    Loved reading this and I love the gesture from everyone you mentioned. May Allah bless them and all of us.

    • November 1, 2022

      Amin. Thank you for stopping by, darling.

  12. Olatoun

    November 1, 2022

    I am also starting to recognize and appreciate the diverse ways love can manifest. My parents are my first loves and they taught me how to love in their own unique ways. I see my existence today as a product of their deliberate love. Thank you for this reflection prompt. And this is really great writing!!

    • November 1, 2022

      I love this.

      Truthfylly, we are mostly fixated on how we want to be loved or what love means exactly that we tend to overlook other beautiful ways that people show us love. Parental love is unrivalled. Thanks for reading, Love.

  13. Busari Titilayo Tawa

    November 1, 2022

    Love you more Ajike mi

  14. Smilple

    November 1, 2022

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece. Happy to start this November journey with you. May we be here till the end of it. (Amin)

    • November 1, 2022

      Thank you so much, my Marufah. Thanks for being here always

  15. Ayodeji

    November 1, 2022

    I really enjoyed reading this.
    I have experienced love in different forms but the love from my parents is just mind blowing. Parental love is all encompassing and even undeserved at times. It is indeed a beautiful feeling to know that no matter how messed up life gets, I can always rely on their unconditional love and support.

    • November 1, 2022

      Parental love is so beautiful, and mostly unconditional. Thank you so much for stopping by, please stay around.

  16. Olaseni

    November 1, 2022

    Thinking about it now, the little things we took for granted were absolute show of love from our parents, siblings, neighbours and even friends. They may seem insignificant at the time but they all play such a vital role in our outlook about love and life.

    • November 1, 2022

      You are so right. Many time, we believe things just happened by defaukt since they are our parents but really, they did it because of the love they had for us. Thank you for reading.

  17. Khadeejah.

    November 1, 2022

    This is incredible. Having few people I love and being able to attest to how much they love me in return is love to me. If that makes sense

    The way in which my close friends adore me and how much my partner ensure I feel loved? It’s love to me.

    • November 2, 2022

      Oh yes, it definitely makes sense. The ability to even aknowledge love being shown to us, is love in itself. Thank you, mama.

  18. Rukayat

    November 1, 2022

    Wow! this is interesting and lovely to read. I apprectiate the gift of people around me that had showed me love.

    Thanks for sharing this piece momma, more
    knowledge. Staying glued till the end 💯

    • November 2, 2022

      You are welcome, darling. The gift of people is bliss.

  19. Khadijat Abubakar

    November 1, 2022

    Such an interesting read, thanks for putting such a beautiful piece together to brighten up a seemingly gloomy day. I’ve received love from different quarters but the most unforgettable and never ending love is parental love, like you said it’s sacrificial and unconditional. I thank God for the love of parents every passing day.

    • November 2, 2022

      Parental love is gold, solid gold. May your November be beautiful, darling.

  20. Ameenah

    November 1, 2022

    I remember growing up, my daddy would drive from lagos to ilorin to drop me off at school. Despite it being stressful for him and his busy work schedule. My mom, always wanting to do anything to make us happy and not minding the inconvenience.
    This is a beautiful read🙌🙌🙌

    • November 2, 2022

      Our parents really do the most for us. God bless them

  21. Derin

    November 2, 2022

    I remembered how as a child I so much wanted someone to hold me by the hand, lead me on a right path and take all my confusions away.
    That year, I just felt the need to go spend some time with my dad. I didn’t want anyone talking me out of it so I went alone.
    I sat facing him, as I played with his leg stretch over my knee while we talked the hours aways.
    By dusk I already felt like I had dropped loads off my chest and was ready to face life with a new surge of confidence.
    We had agreed to embark on a 3 days fasting and prayer for me. I quite remember how he would call at intervals to ask if I was observing my prayers. What we soughted was for me not him and that was love.
    A few days later he was rushed to the hospital. I still remember his reassuring words while on the hospital bed…
    He passed on 3 weeks after, on the 1st of November, 2020.
    In memory of my late father Olápàdé Roland Oríolá Àrèmù Àgòrò.
    May your soul rest on.

    • November 2, 2022

      Aww this is so touching and beautiful. May God bless his soul.

  22. Aisha

    November 2, 2022

    I enjoyed reading this.
    Looking at it now and judging from this, I have indeed experienced love in its different form but nothing comes close to parental love and affection, it’s indeed top tier.
    They are my home and safe space and I’m grateful for their unconditional love, commitment, and their sacrifices.

    Thank you for this reflection mama, it means a whole lot❤️

    • November 2, 2022

      I’m so glad you were able to reflect. Thank you

  23. DNz

    November 2, 2022

    Very beautiful and inspirational piece, with love the world is a better place let love lead.

  24. Khaleesi

    November 2, 2022

    Enjoyed reading this… My Parents are Amazing and the love they have shown I and my siblings and even kids that aren’t theirs is beyond words… My Dad is a strict person but we still felt the soft part of him,From ironing our school uniform, doesn’t joke with our education, how my Dad helps with some of my deliveries If it’s his route… All of these is Love

    My heart smiles when I hear others speak about my parents and mention how they’ve been helpful to them… Alhamdulilah for them❤️

    • November 2, 2022

      Parents are such blessings. It is amazing how far they go to show us love and care.

  25. Rukkie

    November 2, 2022

    Growing up, whenever my mom has to work on weekends. My dad takes on kitchen duties. I might even say I learnt how to cook best from him. Even as he’s much older, once it seems like no one would get home on time. My dad makes dinner for the house.

    • November 3, 2022

      Your dad is the strongest link and he birthed an amazing woman like you. Whoop!

  26. ENIOLA

    November 3, 2022

    How sweet a post!
    Each circumstance/situation made my heart smile, especially the situation with your dad.
    I can’t count how many times I’ve had people around me just come through in ways that can only mean love.
    PS- I’m happy to be back here. I didn’t know it has been seven years!
    Well done OMOTOLANIEE

    • November 3, 2022

      Yesss. Glad you are back, sis.

  27. Lawal-Bolaji

    November 3, 2022

    Beautiful piece, i smiled all through, thank you for reminding me of “love”, especially the parent part, made me miss my dad more, God bless his soul, he was genuinely good and showed love to everyone, everywhere, everyday. thank you sis

    • November 4, 2022

      Awwww. Amin. You were so close to him and always spoke very highly of him. You are always welcome.

  28. Khadijah

    November 7, 2022

    Reading this piece makes me remember that I am loved. Sometimes, when I drown in life’s inconveniences, I tend to forget.

    Thank you for this beautiful reminder.

    • November 7, 2022

      You are definitely loved, darling.

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