AOP, Writings

A Year of Light: Gratitude, Growth, and Guidance

Author of pain

Subhanallah, Alhamdulilah, Allahu Akbar!

It’s been a whole ‘nother 365 days of living, and as i mark another year of life, i am filled with immense gratitude for the gift of existence.

For those who’ve been part of my journey for a while, you may recall my last birthday’s message and end of the year post, i mentioned last year as my darkest period ever. The weight of those moments were suffocating and I struggled to find solace. But in the midst of the darkness, I made a conscious decision to try something else this year, I said I’ll try talking to God more often instead of allowing these suicidal thoughts take control. Subhanallah, the power of prayer and faith has been my anchor. I actually talked to God more often this year, and all I can say is that God is the best therapist or help we have because he is the only one that truly listens to us even when we think he isn’t. And as long as we pray to him consistently, he definitely answers our prayers.

If I’m to poetically describe my last year, I’d say “imagine navigating a tunnel with no end in sight, a never-ending expanse of darkness” that’s how last year was. I was at my lowest and it was a period I pray never to experience again. Even though it kinda shaped me and prepared me for the year to come, I pray never to experience such again.

But this year, “imagine while you’re at the darkest part of that tunnel, then you look ahead and you start to see flickers of light and as each month passes by (as you walk further), the light starts getting brighter. And suddenly you find yourself at the brightest part of the tunnel. The once dim tunnel, is now illuminated and you can now see the beauty of the journey ahead”. That is exactly how this year came.

Just as 2024 was my darkest period, I can say that 2025 has been the complete opposite of that, and for that I am completely grateful to God. And I pray that my next year would be like “stepping out of the tunnel completely to the everlasting light”.

A day after my last birthday (27th November, 2024), I left my comfort zone to unfamiliar territory. I came to Adamawa state for my NYSC. My decision to come to Adamawa has been a defining moment. It’s been therapeutic , a journey of self discovery, an epiphany, and an opportunity to grow. There’s this loneliness that comes sometimes when you leave your comfort zone to unfamiliar territory, but I never for once felt this loneliness throughout my entire service year. Probably because I was blessed to find a community that has embraced me, and I’m grateful for the mentors , colleagues, and friends who have become my support system.

So I want to specially express my heartfelt gratitude for your guidance and support to Mallam SYB, Mallam Gire, Dr Martins, Mrs Folasade, and Dr Mayowa who have all been my mentors and bosses and also helped me in many ways I can’t list out in one way or the other since coming to Adamawa. I also want to say a very big thank you to my colleagues at work, fellow corp members, and everyone I’ve met along the way. Thank you. You all have made Adamawa feel more like a home for me.

On my last birthday I got some good news that I wasn’t really expecting, but eventually shaped how the following year (2025) turned out for me. And on this birthday of mine, I guess I could say birthday presents came early as I just got another very wonderful news. And this probably would shape how my next year turns out.

Above all, I  thank Almighty Allah for his boundless blessings and mercy. “FABI AYYI ALA I RABBIKUMA TUKAZZIBAN” – Which, then, of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

To my parents, and family who have stood by me through thick and thin, I thank you for your unwavering support and prayers. Your love and encouragement have carried me this far, and I am forever grateful. Keep praying for me.

Here’s to another year of living, learning, and growing!

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Published by Author of pain

I may not be the best at my field, but I guarantee you that I'm going to die real.

33 thoughts on “A Year of Light: Gratitude, Growth, and Guidance”

      1. Happy birthday to you Abdulgafar you are a true friend ! 🎉🎂 You’ve been such a blessing, I pray this year brings you endless joy, success, and all the good things you desire. Cheers to you! 🥂

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  5. Happy birthday my OG, God’s blessings and love always be with you and guide you. You will prosper in every aspect you want to in life. Thank you for being a good friend. Happy birthday again ❤️

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  6. happy birthday my brother

    mere words can’t describe our relationship but your company actually healed me.. I pray Allah illuminate your path and bless you with all the best in life… Age with abundant rahma my AOP

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  14. Happy birthday to you my gee long life and prosperity in sound health and cool wealth, whatever you lay your hand to shall be prosper by God grace hikmah,idayah bijahi rosul be with you now and forever

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  16. My heartfelt gratitude overflows as I try to express my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who took the time to call, or send a message to celebrate my birthday with me. I was truly touched, overwhelmed even, by the outpouring of love and kind words that flooded my heart today.

    Your thoughtful messages, whether from family, friends, or even strangers, made this birthday one to remember. Each comment, each wish, and each prayer was a reminder that I am not alone, that I am surrounded by people who care, and that I am blessed beyond measure. Your kindness has warmed my heart and made this day truly unforgettable.

    As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Those who do not thank people, they do not thank Allah” (At-Tirmidhi, 1878). I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to celebrate with me. Your thoughtfulness has not gone unnoticed, and I’m grateful for your presence in my life.Thank you for being part of my journey, for celebrating with me, and for making me feel so loved.

    I am forever grateful to each and every one of you! By God’s grace we will always have reasons to celebrate each other. Insha Allah 🙏🏾

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