Thursday, November 19, 2009

More Internal Musings

Yesterday around 6.00pm, I was on the concourse at Liverpool Street station. This might sound like a rather random or mundane bit of information for me to be blogging about. But right there, in the hustle and bustle, the crush of commuters, the sea of suits and ties surrounding me, I suddenly realised that I was no longer a part of them. Yes, them. The City of London workers. The impatient mob of commuters, rushing for trains, jostling and elbowing anyone in their path, every determined step they take, timed to perfection to catch their train, with the platform number programmed in their head, a quick snatch of the evening newspaper to read on the train, and a satisfied smile if they find a seat in the carriage nearest to their exit at their destination. Some of them, on the phone speaking to husbands, wives or children, telling them "I'm on my way home now honey, just about to catch the 6.18 train". Some of them making plans or changing plans with friends they were supposed to meet up with after work.

I used to be among that crowd and yesterday, I paused for a few moments on the concourse and thought how different my life is now. I have been out of the 9 - 5 for fifteen months, and by yesterday I already felt like an outsider. Not that at I'm complaining at all. I used to think that was the only way to live, that was the only way to work - being an accountant working in Central London, facing commuter hell Monday to Friday. I wrote this post in October 2006, and at the time, I was fed up with the lifestyle and I knew I could not carry on with the 9 - 5 indefinitely. I was thinking that I needed to find a job where I didn't have to commute like that everyday. It has been three years since I wrote that post, and I am so glad and grateful to God, that my little dream is coming true. Even if it's something as small as having the freedom to work from home. I may not have the millions (yet), but my quality of life is already vastly improved. Hmmm, I may revisit this topic in another three years' time.

So what was I even doing in Liverpool Street in the thick of the evening rush hour? I was on my way to a Creative Writing class at the Southbank Centre. I had attended one last month and I enjoyed it very much, so I was looking forward to learning new ideas yesterday. And I did. The tutor talked about blogging, writing short stories for traditional print publications, and also writing for an online audience. I made a note of many of the good points he raised, and I will be implementing some new ideas. One idea I'm taking further is our blog series, so keep an eye on it and I'll be letting you all know what's coming next.

I can't believe the year is drawing to a close so quickly. I was almost alarmed when I looked at the date today and saw it was 19th of November. It's like I blinked and seven months of the year just flew by me! The thought makes me feel like I have to redeem the time wisely, everyday I have to achieve something. It may be learning a new life lesson, it may be finding a better way to do something, it may be gaining a new level of knowledge about myself, it may be drawing just that little bit closer to God and having more of His grace rubbing off on me, it may be encouraging a friend, it may be becoming a better wife. Everyday, I feel like I should be a better person when I go to bed, than I was when I woke up.

Okay, I'm off to make the most of the remaining minutes of this day, I'll be back soon with another update. Enjoy the rest of the week.

FG

18 comments:

  1. that's what writing stuff does.. it keep a timeline that tracks how we have changed with time.... keep living the dream!

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  2. hmm...this post got me reflecting on my life..

    You are so right this year went SO FAST! right now it seems the only thing I have accomplished this year is have a baby...Guess that's worth a lot, ya?

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  3. I know the year is flying by...but when u think about it years fly by so quickly-- by this time next yr we will be sayin the same thing

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  4. Wow, have I been reading your blog that long? And yeah, this year flew past. It's been a busy one for me and I'm happy I'm rounding it up with one of my dreams, a book in print. This is just the beginning though.

    I'll be keeping an eye on the series...

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  5. VEry profound, this got me thinking baout my life.

    I am one of the 9-5 people, been thinking of what I want to do with 'the future'
    this has been the fastest year of life! I was actually thinking on my way to the office this morning, what and what I have achieved this year...........I'm thankful though: some dissapointment, some milestone reached.

    I also like your " Everyday, I feel like I should be a better person when I go to bed, than I was when I woke up", somethign I would work on

    Nice one, and yes o, the millions are almost here!
    Very soon, we would be celebrating here, on fo the best and successful writers our world has known!

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  6. I meant this has been the fastest year of my life

    @Aloted: yes o, Princess is major-mega-giga achievement this year! priceless, invaulabe and unquantifiable achievement at that dear.

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  7. believer2:48 PM

    @FG: It takes courage to go against the grain and kudos to you for living out your dream. Each year that goes by goes so quickly. Hopefully I'm redeeming the time. Please let me know when you're going again to Southbank Centre, I know I'm always bailing but this time I will do my best to attend

    @aloted: Congratulations! Second Olufunke, becoming a mother is 'not a beans'. God bless

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  8. ....only when we sit back to reflect do we get to appreciate all the little things (as well as decisions taken) that has happened thus far.

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  9. I am seriosuly at the point right now, thinking of just quitting the 9-5 plus commute and do something I really like. I am just waiting for my go ahead from God. Loved this post inspiring!

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  10. Now, this made me miss the madness of London. I was feeling the post like I was actually in Liverpool Street station. it is so funny how time flies and how we move into different phases in life.

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  11. u r so right about the rat race that is a 9-5 job...working 4rm home, especially for urself, is the bomb...keep up the good work gurl...live ur dreams...

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  12. Praise God, i'm no longer in the rat race! Halleluyah!
    and aloted, having a baby is a huge ahievement!

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  13. Praise God, i'm no longer in the rat race! Halleluyah!
    and aloted, having a baby is a huge ahievement!

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  14. Ldn madness, thankfully i freed myself a few months back, and have no intention of wandering back down that path.

    Good luck with your escape.

    Chuks
    http://afrika.am/

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  15. lol @ the last comment.

    Babe, I totally get where you're coming from. This year has flown by so swiftly. Can't believe I have to start compiling a birthday list - again! LOL.

    Okay seriously, I have never really done a 9-5. But I'm already worried about what will happen after school is done. Where does one go from here? Writing isn't exactly the fastest way to make money (or be financially independent, rather).

    SIGH

    The LORD is our strength.

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  16. read your blog from beginning to end..nice blog and nice to meet my birthday mate

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  17. how i wish i can stop 9-5 job!!!!!!!!! but i dey fear dat i'd been bored out of my mind. not much of an enterprising person. or maybe daz d lie i tell myself to limit myself. Gosh. God, give me the courage to leave all this looking 4 job, answering 'yes sir' to someone when i really have what it takes to establish a business! Amen.


    @ Alote: 2 born pickin no b beans achievement oh. congrats. didn't even know u carry belle sef

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  18. hmmmm something to reflect on...i think i might be bored but then again...i don't know..lol

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