I only remember my first birthday through my mother’s perspective and a few pictures. My mom says I cried nearly all day–clinging to her, refusing to let go (not very demure, no?😂)
For context, she'd been trying to wean me off breast milk because I refused to give other nutritious foods a chance, and she didn't want me malnourished. However, it wasn't until three months after my first birthday that finally, I got weaned.
On my first birthday, the party organised on my behalf had quite the crowd–young and old, big and small, mogbọ́moyàs (I’m not sure how to translate), and the rest of the crew. As for the birthday girl, she had social anxiety. I mean, just look:
Anywho, today is not my birthday, of course. But speaking of one year, today (read yesterday) makes it a year since I made my first introductory note on Substack, having moved Quality Time from another blogging app, where I left it dormant for almost two years! Back then, two or three posts later, I had slipped into some type of overwhelm I couldn't explain. For something I had been really excited about, my motivation went from 100-0 in a couple of months. Then, I did what anyone else would. I took a break. Hiatus. Whatever.
On a collaboration with
, I recounted briefly how I'd been writing since I was young here. How that when I began to take my walk with God seriously, He emphasized the need to steward this gift he'd given me. But I couldn't help but ask myself, “Why then did I get overwhelmed when I took it a step further in faith by starting a blog initially?” I couldn't place my finger on why, really.Substack came with better…
One day, I was having a totally not-so-random conversation on Instagram with my one of those I truly love, honour and look up to–
(hi sis!), and I mentioned how I perceived the Lord was laying it on my heart to continue blogging after hibernating for a long time. Then, while encouraging (more like counselling me☺️) she recommended Substack, and told me to download the app, get familiar with it until I was ready.
“Lord, if I'm to give this another try, please help me to be consistent,” was something I told God last year before embarking on the journey again. The whole cycle of beginning something, then go missing-in-action again is not a good look, and I did not want a repetition of that.
Hence, I took my time to seek God, to truly confirm if he wanted me to go ahead. When I was sure, I downloaded Substack and began to familiarise myself with the app.
(My fellow writers, who else had a headache trying to figure out this app initially? I know I did😭).
Now, a year later, I can't help but be amazed at how much God has helped me through this platform. The amazing connections I've made? That sense of community and accountability? I never had those initially when I started Quality Time on the previous site I was using. I love it here! So much.
Today, I celebrate a quiet, yet huge milestone! A couple of posts, a bunch of notes, and 400+ subscribers in just one year?! That is such a big deal. God be praised!
(From the newsletter,“Showing up consistently will change your life”)S/O to a few amazing close connections I’ve made on here in the past year:
(I miss you on here)This shout-out extends to my beloved readers (I won't be able to mention all without some oversight) and everyone who has read and supported Quality Time at any point in time.
P. s -I'm more than open to more connection and collaboration as God wills.
What can you expect from me going forward?
In simple terms—anything and everything God requires of me. Why? Because He has you in mind. So whether it's reflections on life events (which I mostly do), fiction (which most of you now enjoy) or collaborations, you can expect that Quality Time will always be a blessing to you.
Importantly, the exciting news I promised to share as mentioned on my last post is…
*inserts dramatic effects*
I'll be taking a short, very necessary break from my usual schedule on here.
A break, really? And that's supposed to be exciting? Well, yes. Please join in my excitement because it's all for the better. It's nothing like the “break” I mentioned earlier on in this letter (Because a part of me feels like my “break” already has questionable PR😂).
If I'm being honest, it's taking a lot of discipline to go on this break, especially because these past couple of weeks, Quality Time has gained some more visibility after the recent fiction series, which I truly thank God for.
A part of me is tempted to declare another fiction series for September, based on a couple of requests lol.
If I did that:
Flesh - 1
Spirit - 👀.
Thing is, when we find something we really enjoy doing, and there's a plus in that people are getting blessed by it, all we want to do is to keep going and doing. But God forbid if this platform becomes something I can't lay down if the Lord lays a demand on it, although He isn't doing that (yet).
This break is not one of those I-don’t-know-what-to-write-let-me-take-a-break type of break, even if there's nothing wrong with that. Rather, mine is an I-don’t-want-to-run-on-empty type of break. Need me some rejuvenation and renewal.
Work is a rhythm, and rest is a rhythm. Both are gifts from God, necessary for a balanced, godly living. While we are aware that work takes discipline, we hardly see rest in the same light, do we?
When will I be back?
Sometime in the ‘ember month, is all I can say. Although I'll be somewhat active on Substack (notes), sharing a few thoughts when I get the opportunity, while also allowing others be a blessing to me, and supporting them with my comments and restacks, as always. Therefore, it's only my Friday biweekly letters that would be on hold until I return.
Finally,
To reaching new heights, depths, and growing into the fullness of Christ—here’s to our journey! Happy one year to us🥂.
Action point: How has Quality Time been a blessing to you this past year? I would love to know in the comments.
Yours in Quality Time,
Adebola🦋.
Awwww
Now you finally played rough with me😫😂😂
Will miss you!!
Rejuvenate, fine girl! I'll be waiting❤️
Also, thanks for sharing that snippet of TC. In my head I’m like ‘did I write this ?’ God can do much with willing hands.