25.

Quarter of a century

Feb 18, 2025

I turn 25 today.

At 20, I was dreaming of what being this would look like, I even wrote a bucket list tagged “before 25”.

Looking at that list, by now I should have gotten my masters done, be fluent in French, living in Canada, I should even be able to drive amongst other things.

Going through my old journals, I’m reminded of every version of myself—the girl who dreamed, the one who hurt, the one who lost everything, and the one who chose to start living again. I’m right here in the middle of who I’ve been and who I’m becoming.

This is me…

I’m Omobolanle, but everyone calls me Bolanle (I hate being called Bola).

I’m a firstborn daughter.

I am painfully shy, though people often assume otherwise because I work in media. I’m a sports associate producer in a TV station.

I’m an ambivert but I lean toward the introverted side more. I genuinely enjoy my own company.

I overthink everything from small talk to major life decisions and sometimes, it’s exhausting how my brain works which is why I love journaling and I’m a crazy planner. I’m also a crybaby.

I love books though I don’t read as much as I used to.

My relationship with food is…complicated, I eat but barely. It’s something I definitely want to work on this year.

I’m single.

I love purple but i own just a few things in that color.

I love God. I know I struggle with consistency in my walk with him but receiving the life of Christ has changed my life. He saved and keeps saving me.

Things I’m Learning in My 20s

It’s Never Too Late
I’ve always been a dreamer, and I always will be. There were moments I felt like I had missed my chance, like certain things were no longer possible for me, but I’m learning that it’s never too late to start again.

Build Identity Capital
(I read this in The Defining Decade by Meg Jay.)
Invest in yourself, do things that add value to who you are.
Some identity capital goes on a résumé, such as degrees, jobs, test scores, and clubs. Other identity capital is more personal, such as how we speak, where we are from, how we solve problems, how we look. Identity capital is how we build ourselves—bit by bit, over time. Most important, identity capital is what we bring to the adult marketplace. It is the currency we use to metaphorically purchase jobs and relationships and other things we want.

You Can’t Do Life Alone
No matter how independent you are, you need people. I don’t have a lot of friends, but I love the ones I have. I’ll always be grateful for the gift of community. Having the right people around you is important.
Reflection is Key
I’ve been journaling since I was thirteen. I don’t know how to explain it but it started with a slam book we had in my class. Journaling has helped me discover myself, understand who I am, realign my goals, recognize things I need to work on, and even write to God.
Set boundaries
Not doing this early enough affected me but now I’m learning to say no without guilt, protect my time and energy.
Live Intentionally
We’re all figuring life out, but being intentional is important. It’s not just about vibes - your choices, habits, and relationships matter. Don’t live in your head too much. Some of us have created entire lives in our imagination and would rather dwell there than engage with reality. I’m learning to be mindful and enjoy every moment.
Be reliable
I’m learning to be someone people can count on, whether in friendships, work, or personal commitments. I know it’s important to balance this with setting boundaries, ensuring I don’t overextend myself while still being dependable.
Stay Prayed Up & Rooted in God’s Word
I know the clear difference when I’m consistently prayed up and when I’m not. There’s so much strength, clarity and peace that this brings. Prayer changes everything.

Show Your Work
I still struggle with this to a certain degree but like Austin Kleon said “the worst troll is the one that lives in your head”. Blow your trumpet, you never know who’s watching.

Growth + Living

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