Monday Memo| Detail No.132| December 09, 2024

Dearest gentle reader,

As the days grow colder and the end of the year peeks around the corner, it’s a good time to pause and think about the people who have truly mattered in our lives. This week, let’s talk about gratitude for the relationships that have shaped us—the family who knows our hearts, the friends who stick by us, the colleagues who cheer us on, and even those passing acquaintances who have left a meaningful impression.

Life gets busy—emails pile up, deadlines loom, errands never seem to end. We find ourselves rushing to catch a bus, juggling schedules, and striving to meet everyone’s needs while barely pausing to catch our breath. Long team meetings, fueled by dark-brewed coffee, blur together as we push through the chaos. In the whirlwind of it all, it’s easy to overlook the relationships that anchor us, the people who quietly support us as we navigate life’s chaos. But it’s these very connections—that make the busyness of life more bearable.

Reflect on that friend who welcomed you into their home when you had nowhere else to turn—offering not just a place to stay, but a sense of belonging and care that went far beyond four walls. Or the friend who never stopped reaching out during a difficult phase in your life, staying connected even when it felt like the rest of the world had moved on without you—advancing in their careers, personal lives, and relationships—while you were still navigating your own struggles.

Think about that person who, without hesitation, gift you clothes, shoes, or even shared a meal with you when you had nothing. That about the senoir colleague that recommended for the job. Their generosity wasn't measured by what you could offer in return, but by the simple desire to see you stand on your feet when you needed it most.

Think about a moment when someone brightened your day unexpectedly. It might have been a friend who stayed on the phone with you late into the night, just to help you navigate your worries. Perhaps it was a colleague who stepped up and took some of your workload when you were overwhelmed, or a mentor who believed in your potential before you could see it yourself. Maybe it was something as simple as a neighbor’s warm smile that softened a tough morning.

Think of the classmate who marked your name on the attendance list so you wouldn’t miss the test, the stranger who remembered you at just the right moment, or the loved one quietly praying for you behind the scenes.

Think about that stranger who came through for you when you were broke and needed that urgent 2k to get by, or the one who helped you top up 200 naira for 15GB of data, just when you were struggling to stay connected.

These are the people who remind us that our worth isn’t tied to where we are in life but to who we are and who we’re becoming.

This week, let’s show them they’re appreciated. Write a quick thank-you note to that friend who always checks in. Call a family member and tell them how much you love them—yes, even if you don’t say it often. Buy your coworker their favorite parfait as a surprise. These small actions mean more than we realize and can turn an ordinary day into something special.

When we show gratitude for our relationships, something beautiful happens: kindness starts to spread. A heartfelt thank-you can inspire someone to pass it forward—to be a little kinder, a little more patient, or simply more present with others.

So, as you go about your week, take a moment to reflect on the people who’ve been there for you. And don’t stop at reflection—let them know. Because at the end of the day, it’s these connections that add meaning to our lives, making the coldest days a little warmer.