Hey you,
How are things? I do hope you’re thriving despite the shittiness going on in the world. Everything has truly gone to shit but I’m grateful for you in my life. How else would I have been able to find small pockets of joy? Speaking of small pockets of joy, I want to share a song that makes me think of you.
I was supposed to send you a letter last month but I was too overwhelmed to put into words how I was feeling, I think I have a better handle on all the feelings now.
In November, I was invited to the Ake Arts & Books Festival for the fourth time and a time was had, I highly recommend you listen to my podcast diary, where I share my daily itinerary, thoughts, and opinions during the festival. I’m so thankful that I had the foresight to do that because, after the festival, the rush of feelings made me unable to talk about it. (in case you missed it, you can watch my chat with Bolu Bablola HERE)
Last year, I bought a plant that I named, Ake. She has grown so much and is very ready for the new siblings that I bought this year. (read the Ake letter from 2022 HERE)
I stole the concept of buying a plant to nurture a memory from a TikTok video. I learned that you take better care of a plant when it’s tied to a memory, you should try it too.
These are Ake’s sisters and I’m yet to name them. One of the names I have in mind is Nairobi because I received so much love from Kenya. When I figure out the second name, I’ll let you know.
Community!
That’s what I want to focus on in this letter, the power of community. This quote by Coretta Scott King comes to mind, "the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Ten years ago, if someone had told me that I would be part of a group where the members care so much about each other that they would go as far as wearing my favourite colour when attending an event where I hosted a chat with an author because they know that looking at the colour calms me, I would have said, no way introvert Amyn has access to all that. But I do, and I’m so grateful to you for always lifting me.
I just remembered the whole display and I’m about to cry again. Ake Festival reminded me of the power of community in so many ways that I can’t even begin to list them all. What I want to share are reasons why it’s okay to put ourselves out there, romantic love is great but love from people who genuinely want to connect with you because they feel you’re good vibes is the bestest feeling. Nine years ago, when I started Something Bookish, I was searching for a place to express myself, sharpen my voice, and maybe hone my skills a little bit. Gradually, I met like-minded people who have pushed me to try new things and the rest is history.
These are my reasons why we need to hold on tight to our communities;
1. Collective wisdom. No one person ever has all of the answers, and regardless of your Google skills, consulting with others is always going to give you better information. My chat with Wendy and Muthoni of Soma Nami Podcast is proof that when great minds get together, magic is made. Listen HERE
2. Support and belief. Some days those big goals just seem impossible. On those days when you most want to give up, you need to lean on your community the most. They believe in you—probably more than you believe in yourself. I know for a fact that you believe in me more than me and vice versa. We’re just good for each other like that.
3. Accountability. If you’re an uber-responsible person, you may not want to admit to people you care about who are pulling for you that something didn’t get done. There’s nothing like having to be accountable to others to up your game. This is why I tell you all my bookish ideas so that you can hold me to it.
Allowing others to help is hard, but it ultimately raises everyone’s game, and suddenly that summit isn’t nearly so far off. This is the time of the year when a lot of people become self-reflective and I encourage that. I, on the other hand, never stopped reflecting because this year community has shown up for me in more ways than one and I’m so grateful. So, from the bottom of my heart…
This letter was meant to be a thank you love letter but it went in different directions, forgive me. I will revert to my gangster mode in the next one that I hope to send to you next week because I have so much to update you on. I’ll let you off now because this is getting too long.
Please remember to hydrate, eat well, sleep well, and poop well. Most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself the grace you always extend to others. You need it too, okay?
If you love my content, please do consider supporting me by buying me a cup of tea (I’ve finally found a way for non-Nigerian residents to contribute) or by giving me a shout-out on social media or in real life (prayers are fine too).
See you on the other side, Dearest.
XOXO