"Let it go." A song by Idina Menzel came to mind immediately I saw the minimalist weekly prompt post, and if asked the question about giving advice to someone struggling with physical or emotional experience a hundred times, my answer would always be "Let it go."
I don't know if it was a coincidence or fate, but I remember correctly that the first time I saw the movie title Frozen was when I came to Lagos to spend some time with my aunt because of an unforseen circumstance I found myself in. The song was used as a soundtrack in the movie, and it resonated so much with what I was going through.
My image.
I do not have super powers like Elsa, but I got carried away with things falling in place for me all the time and forgot that I am still a human capable of making mistakes. My academic life was smooth from when I can remember, and my parents were ready to give me the best academically based on their capabilities.
They made sure I didn't lack anything despite not having enough for themselves, and I was ready to make them proud. I was doing very well with my academics until I completed my secondary school education and sought admission to further my education at the university.
Students go through an examination board known as JAMB before getting admitted, and I had to write the exam as well. I was pretty confident of my success but didn't meet the exam cutoff mark.
I didn't expect or believe it, and this experience did me dirty. I watched all my friends get admission that year and felt really ashamed of myself. Mere words weren't enough to make me feel good, so my mom suggested I travel; probably a change of environment would do.
A few weeks after I arrived in Lagos, my aunt suggested that I learn a skill to keep myself busy, but I was too scared to venture into anything. When the thoughts of learning cross my mind, I remember my failed attempt to get into a higher institution, and it ruins my motivation.
I heard soft whispers of failure every time, and it kept me in a bad state. My aunt encouraged me to take catering since I had passion for it initially and I couldn't say no.
Before then, I always loved to be at the front of the class. I love interacting a lot during lectures, but after that experience, I became a scared cat. Coping at the skill acquisition center was difficult because I couldn't flow well with the teachers and students.
"What if I made a mistake?" This question would always come up in my head whenever I wanted to give anything a try. I had to live with it, but a song changed my mindset to the fact that I am a human capable of making mistakes.
A YouTube video of ‘Let it go’ from Frozen.
I listened to the song over and over again; it was clearly meant for me. I had to let go of the guilt of my past mistake and the fear of failing again. I admitted that I was too confident; I didn't prepare enough, and mistakes are part of life, plus I don't need to let whatever has happened in the past affect my future.
If I don't let it go, I would have myself to blame in the end. Holding on to a past experience affecting our lives negatively is like holding on to a piece of broken bottle that represents a piece of memory, and the longer he holds it, the more it hurts.
I succeeded with letting go; I became eager to learn and wasn't afraid of making mistakes anymore since my mistakes will only help me get better. Another year came, and I was supposed to pick up another jamb form, but my parents had a financial crisis.
It didn't bother me because I believe it wasn't just time yet. I waited two years building myself, and the wait was worth it. I ended up understanding that setbacks and failures can sometimes be an opportunity for growth and self-development.
My image.
Today, I am a graduate not just in my academics but in life as well, because throughout those two waiting years, life taught me a lot, and I took every lesson to heart.