My 46 Years Birthday Reflection: Embracing Gratitude, Family, and the Power of Storytelling

What does it truly mean to be grateful for simply being here? How do we measure a life—by its achievements, its struggles, or by the people who accompany us on the journey and the lessons they impart? As I celebrate my 46th birthday today, these are the questions that occupy my mind as I pause to reflect in gratitude.

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It’s 21 years ago, that I left the familiar streets of Uromi, Nigeria, and journeyed to Verona, Italy, with little more than hope and an unwavering belief that I could create something meaningful out of my life. Now, with over four decades of lived experiences behind me, I realize one thing with certainty: gratitude is the thread that holds it all together.

This isn’t just about being grateful for the big wins—my writing, my podcasts, my achievements. It’s about appreciating the simple truth that I am still here.

• I have seen moments of joy,
• Moments of extreme challenges,
• And moments where I felt completely lost myself.

The one constant, however, has been gratitude—gratitude for my parents, my family, my friends, and, above all, for the story that continues to unfold before me.

The Gift of Family: Roots That Ground Me

When I look back on my life, I can’t help but think about the people who helped shape me, especially my parents. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

Born and raised in the small town of Uromi, in Edo State, Nigeria, my world was defined by the love and sacrifices of my family. I wouldn’t be who I am today without their unwavering support, both when I was a child, helpless and naive, and in the years that followed.

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I was fortunate to have older brothers who saw in me the potential for something greater, even when the world around us seemed indifferent to our dreams. It has only been possible because of them.

My grandmother and mother, with their boundless wisdom and unwavering strength, were the guiding lights that taught me how to navigate life’s many obstacles. Together, their love, support, and guidance molded my character and instilled in me a deep sense of purpose.

We often speak of the African principle of community, but I can say with certainty that it’s not just a concept; it’s the foundation of everything I do.

Today, if my father and mother were still with us, I know they would continue to offer their guidance, even from miles away. Through their example, I have come to understand that family, in its truest form, isn’t just present for the joyful moments—it’s there, unwavering, during the hardest of times as well.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without that enduring support, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

Of course, life has not been without its challenges. Like many others, I have faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable at times. Whether it was navigating a new culture in Italy, dealing with personal losses, or trying to build a career in the uncertain world of writing and storytelling, the journey has not always been easy.

But through every challenge, I have learned the power of resilience. It’s one thing to survive hardships, but it’s another thing to find meaning in them, to use them as fuel for personal and professional growth.

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I often reflect on how the African diaspora has profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience. Our history is rich with stories of survival and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Whether it’s the painful legacy of slavery, the scars of colonialism, or the ongoing fight for equality, the African experience is undeniably defined by resilience. Later today, for example, I will be hosting a discussion on “The Role of Emotional Resonance in Stories” as part of our monthly business storytelling event.

This is the work I am passionate about—bringing together like-minded individuals from across the African diaspora to share our stories, exchange experiences, and reflect on the powerful lessons we learn along the way.

I often turn to my work in storytelling as a reminder of this. Storytelling, for me, is a way of turning challenges into opportunities. It’s about transforming life lessons into something that can inspire others.

Through the Story to Asset Transformation (S.A.T.) framework that I have developed, I help individuals and professionals from all walks of life take ownership of their stories, turning them into assets that drive personal and professional growth.

In my own life, storytelling has been a powerful tool for self-discovery. It’s a way of understanding my own struggles and triumphs and sharing them with others to inspire and create change.

Through my podcast (The Obehi Podcast) and writing, I have had the privilege of speaking to different people who have faced their own unique challenges—challenges that often mirror the broader experiences of the African diaspora.

These shared stories not only connect us but also help us build a stronger sense of identity and community. These are important for us.

Read more at https://aclasses.org/birthday-reflection/