Just because you are used to the dessert...

Doesn't mean you don't deserve the ocean.

I've always been captivated by books, the kind that transport you far beyond the classroom. My literary journey truly began around nine, when my dad gifted me 'What Sunny Saw in the Flames.' Of course, I'd previously snuck peeks at my mom's Harley Quinn novels, but those never felt quite mine.

That gift sparked an even greater curiosity, though. I yearned to read my dad's book "peaks and valleys", it had a very interesting cover and I was intrigued. I guess I judged a book by it's cover, but he'd always brush me off, saying, 'You wouldn't understand it.' Naturally, I waited until his back was turned and devoured it anyway. He was right, I didn't get it. It was just a story about an old man living on a peak and an unhappy young man living in a valley. Boring, right? Yes, I questioned my dad's taste in books too. It wasn't until years later that I understood what it was all about - it is a story of how to stay calm and successful, even in the most challenging of environments – a skill the old man exemplified.

That part of my life was what played when I saw the phrase, "just because you are used to the dessert, doesn't mean you don't deserve the ocean". I suspect nine-year-old me would have stared blankly at those words, her shadowy eyebrows furrowed in confusion, struggling to grasp it's meaning. But to that curious, book-loving nine year old, the one who reached for stories beyond her years, I understand it now and I can explain.

Let me break it down then, shall I?...

This phrase is about challenging limitations, both internal and external. It's a reminder that settling for something familiar, and perhaps less fulfilling doesn't diminish your worth or potential to experience something bigger, better, richer or more aligned with your deepest desires.

It challenges the idea that you should stay within your comfort zone. Just because you are used to the predictable routine (the dessert), doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue new experiences, skills or goals that feels exciting but daunting (the ocean).

It confronts the internal narrative that we create that tells us we are not good enough, worthy enough or capable enough. "I'm not creative", "I'm not good at public speaking", "I'm too old to learn a new language"- these are things that keeps us from the world of possibilities.

Perhaps you are used to being the "helper", the "responsible one", the "reliable one", the "good girl or good boy". It doesn't mean you can't prioritize your needs sometimes, or raise your hand in class and let the lecturer know that he's wrong, or confront that egbon adugbo in your area that has been giving you looks. Step into roles that are more exciting, even if they feel unfamiliar. Be weird, go crazy, just because normal is boring.

You might be used to getting a certain salary level or a certain kind of workplace environment. It doesn't mean you don't deserve to aim higher or negotiate for a better compensation or seek out workplaces that values your contributions and support your growth. You can leave your department at your third year, just because you are starting to realise it might just not be the right place for you. Don't settle for less!!

For my relationship people, just because you are used to a certain dynamic in a relationship (even if it's unhealthy or unfulfilling), doesn't mean you don't deserve a relationship based on respect, trust, communication, and genuine love. It encourages you to recognize your worth and seek connections that nurture and uplift you or you can just settle for Garri on Valentine's day.

You might be used to keeping your creative talents hidden, afraid of what others might think. It doesn't mean you don't deserve to share your voice, your art, your music, your writing with the world. You deserve to express yourself fully and authentically, even if it feels vulnerable. You might be the next Picasso, and you wouldn't know just because you didn't put yourself out there.

In short, this is a reminder to put yourself out there, challenge your limitations and pursue a life that is more richer, more fulfilling, and more aligned with your true desires. It's a reminder that you deserve the ocean, even if you've only ever known the dessert.

PS : Let's not talk about how I could decipher my mum's Harley Quinn romances while my dad's book was gibberish. Best not dwell on it. Let's just say, for a nine-year-old, one packed a lot more punch than the other.

Carpe diem✌️

Your anonymous bestie

Ree🤍