As of May 2024
I’ve lived in 11 cities: Ikotun, Idimu, Fagba, Ipaja, Ibadan, Ife, Shomolu, Sunnyvale, Yaba, Oniru and briefly, Nairobi.
Each was a very different time. My experiences vary so much they feel like distinct scenes. Like I was a different person in each place.
I’ve been in Lagos the past year and a half. Being in love, celebrating love, working. I spend most of my time with Princess. We eat well and exercise regularly. Listen to music. Press our laptops. Talk. Read. Write.
Up next is London. I got the Global Talent visa so I’ll be moving part-time to the UK. I picked up my residency card in December.
As I wrap up what feels like another scene of my life, I feel very grateful.
Of the many gifts of love, I think self discovery is one of the most profound.
I’m thinking of how I’ve changed since I met Princess.
To put it simply, I feel more like myself.
What is fundamentally me - a playful, emotional, brilliant, kind, honest, reserved, strange, excellent, curious, careful boy - has blossomed.
I’ve become more confident. Stylish. Healthier.
I’ve become more free. Less likely to hold myself in. Less likely to be quiet. Less likely to tolerate. Less likely to ignore.
I’ve also become less curious. A preference for her safety and comfort, but also a more selective taste in people and things. Everything else either dulls in comparison, seems like a distraction or feels like a threat.
I’ve become more afraid, in small ways. More sensitive to how my words and actions may affect her. More anxious to meet people. It’s a little cowardly but also a reflection of my desire to protect and preserve.
I’ve become more defensive. More careful. More jealous.
I’ve become somewhat more human.
I’m leaving Paystack in August.
I want to start London on a fresh note: write more consistently, cook more, host dinners. I want to go out more, finally learn to swim, travel. I want to go to Europe, New York, the Carribean.
I need more time for myself, so I’m quitting my job.
Then I’m going to play it by ear and see what happens.