Letter 24/24: Exhausted regards

Dear 2024

I hope this final letter finds you well. Yes, I’ve located my manners. I’ve had enough time to voice out my grievances to you. 

Today is definitely the shortest day of your timeline. The 24 hours just isn’t enough homegirl. I can’t feel my feet but, I’m glad we’re bidding you farewell soon. 

Yesterday I saw a furniture shop van. Took my back to childhood. How these would deliver furniture in my neighbourhood and how the same van would come and collect it. I didn’t really understand what was happening as a child but I always associated that with embarrassment. This memory is linked to another one from my childhood. A happier one. One when newspapers used to come with furniture catalogues. As kids, we’d often lay pretend and pick which furniture we preferred. It got interesting when it came to the fridges. We picked ones with the most interesting food. We didn’t care about the features or the reality that they came empty from the shop. 

As you take your final bow, 2024, I attach you to both these memories. I’m praying that Father Time comes to take you and all your low moments like those furniture vans. People hardly helped to pack up but, today, I’m helping the Universe as she collects. I’m too young to cross over with the lows. They have served their purpose and no longer have room in my system. 

The little girl in me can’t help look towards the next year like she used look at those furniture catalogues. I’m picking the fridge filled with hope, strength and anticipation. Gratitude too. 

You were hectic mogirl but for what it’s worth, thank you 2024. Thank you for life and her lessons. 

Exhausted regards,

Linda 

Letter 23/24: Danko

 Hello 2024,

We’re almost at the end of our conversation. Before we wrap up, I’d like to take a moment to appreciate the people who have been with us since we began - the Life and Her Lessons (LAHL) fam. 

Allow me to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every person who follows the blog, who has dropped a comment here or privately and those who are new here. 

Thank you to those who kept me accountable 😂, those who reminded me that the numbers are not numbering and those who have walked with me through these reflections.

I tell people about how awesome you are. You make this time of the year unique. You make a girl feel like she’s filling up FNB Stadium 😌. You will be the reason why your girl bags a Laureate some day 🤞🏽

Danko! Let’s continue well into the new year…

Letter 22/24: Zero

 Hello 2024, 

How are you? How are the kicks of a horse on their way out? 😂 Askies. What if next year is you just 2.0? 🤣

This reflection is dedicated to everyone younger than me. I’m giving free advice. Take it now or wish you had in a few years. 

I discovered so many things when I became an adult. Like how there’s barely any glits or glam. Like how responsibilities are hectic. Like how so many things here you figure out as you go. It’s basically one big “members only” club that you get to figure out once you’re there. 

Growing up, we used to tease adults based on things they were known for. Look here dear youngsters…I am volunteering to be that auntie who is known for what I’m about to share with you here. 

When we tell you adulting is a scam, believe us. It’s not because we’re sitting on top of the pyramid and don’t want people to join. Heyi! 

I honestly rate adulthood with a whooooing zero. There are no off days here and there’s no union rep to plead your case. You will just join multiple support groups. All trying to figure out how to enjoy and accept fatigue in peace. That and a body which can drop you at any time of the month. 

Enjoy your youth. Yidla ubutsha bakho! Enjoy not being the adult in the room. One day you’ll look around and only find your reflection staring back at you. 

It sucks here. Delay catching this flight…

Letter 21/24: This and That

 Good morning 2024, 

It’s a Monday and I don’t care. Want to know why? It feels like a Saturday 🤣

I’ve been meaning to have this reflection for a while but, I’ve been postponing it. Not because I’m conflicted. No. I’ve been postponing it because once it’s out there, I won’t be able to take it back. 

Your timeline has made me more aware of how Adulthood is the place where certain conversations are just on permanent mute. This happens with those situations whereby something can only be “This”. It can only be “This” because it has always been. Everyone “thinks” it should be “This”. It can never be “That”. How dare you even bring up thqt possibility. A lot of things fit into this category but, let me touch on one. 

Being a village girl, I was born into the tradition of “imigidi” (gatherings). They are an integral part of how we do things. Part of our ultimate “This”. Growing up, I never had the vocabulary to describe my discomfort with them. Mainly because they are our “This”. Fast forward to adulting and wow! Homegirl is aware she tends to have social anxiety and this was her ultimate “aha” moment. There’s my “That”.  I’ve expressed my level of discomfort with imigidi in my safe spaces but, I would never dare to bring it up with the actual powers that be. When my uncles found out about one of my allergies they asked my dad if I had missed a ritual or anything due to me as a Xhosa child. Yeep 🤣

This and That can coexist. Right? 

So, yeah. There it is. Hi, my name is Linda. I’m a Xhosa hun who isn’t a fan of imigidi. I could list my reasons but, today I’m only brave enough to say this out loud…🙆🏾‍♀️