The Year of Return to Innocence: Reclaiming Creativity and Curiosity in Adulthood

I’ve never been one for New Year resolutions. I know I won’t stick to them—so why bother?

But themes? Themes have always shaped my life—Freedom. Learning. Creative Rebellion. Leadership. Style. Design.

Losing Innocence in Adulthood

The biggest challenge with adulthood is how it forces you to lose your innocence. You have to become sceptical. You have to be “serious.” You can’t speak the way you’ve always spoken because the world might think less of you.

That’s why we find ourselves writing things like “It’s my pleasure” and “I’m glad to inform”—while neither being glad nor taking any pleasure in it. We mould ourselves to fit into expectations, stripping away the wonder and creativity that once came naturally.

The Joy of Unstructured Learning

The greatest years of my life were the ones where I read without care—everything from encyclopedias to instruction manuals of random electronics. Reading didn’t need a goal or an outcome; I just did it.

And I created the same way. I wrote short stories, poetry (I actually created a whole chapbook), took up photography, designed clothes, and even made a hilarious attempt at writing music. And I enjoyed every bit of it.

Now, everything has to have a “strategic purpose.” Even attending a seminar is no longer just about learning; it’s about networking, positioning, and being seen. With all due respect, f*ck being seen.

Why This Year is Different

This year, my theme is Return to Innocence.

I’m going to read, write, and build like it doesn’t matter—because, in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t.

Returning to innocence means embracing creativity without pressure. It’s about doing things simply because they bring joy—not because they serve a greater purpose or fit into a well-thought-out life plan.

And that’s why I'm building Nodes. It’s something that should exist—something I wish I had when I was building another company a few years ago. No over complication, just solving a simple problem that enables other people to build and grow their businesses.

The same goes for the Ihuoma Project, my effort to document and preserve Igbo culture through photography and storytelling. It's born out of the desire to capture the everyday beauty and heritage of my people—because it should exist. Not because it's trendy or profitable, but because these stories deserve to be told.

I’ve realised that some of the best things we create are the ones we build without overthinking—things that enable others to do more.

Lessons for Others

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the loop of “strategic decisions” and over-analysing everything, maybe it’s time to pause. What would it look like if you allowed yourself to just do things for the fun of it?

Reclaiming innocence doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility; it means finding balance—allowing yourself to learn, create, and explore without judgement. I have been talking to Chidike Samuelson a lot lately and I realise that this exploration takes a lot of courage. However, children don't need courage, they just do. That is what I hope to reclaim.

What’s Next?

For me, it’s reading random things, writing without overthinking, and creating without the pressure of an audience. For you, it might be revisiting an old hobby, exploring something new, or simply asking yourself:

“What’s one thing I’d do if it didn’t have to make sense?”

Your Turn: Have you ever felt like adulthood forced you to let go of innocence and creativity? What’s something you’d love to return to? Let’s discuss in the comments.