Writings of Olabanji Joel

Yesterday, I discharged a very demanding patient home. As she was about to leave the ward with her daughter, she called me over for a hug and expressed her gratitude. She told her daughter that I was a good nurse and was happy that I was part of her care team throughout her hospital stay. This gesture hit me differently, and it motivated me to do even more for my patients. As an adult with family responsibilities, I have come to realize that my profession is not just a job but a source of sustenance. I have learned to prioritize my role as a nurse above every thing I was actively doing before having a family, and the appreciation from patients like this one means a lot to me. Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin, and I shared with him that the only thing that can get under my skin is being told I am not good at my job because I see it as a threat to my source of livelihood and if genuinely done, I see it as a push to improve myself. I have accepted that I have shifted my focus...

In my three years of marriage and what I have seen of marriages around me, I have come to realize that every day is an opportunity to celebrate love, foster understanding, practice forgiveness, and make sacrifices. Contrary to the notion that all you need for a successful marriage is love, I have learned that it takes intentional effort and investment from both partners. Sacrifices and forgiveness are just as crucial as love in making a marriage last, peaceful, and happy. Marriage is often romanticized, but the reality is that it requires hard work and dedication, which many marriage speakers tend not to speak about. Love alone isn't enough; financial stability also plays a significant role in strengthening the bond in marriage. Forgiveness and sacrifice are essential, not just during challenging times but as a continuous process. Both partners must be willing to sacrifice their individual interests and preferences to maintain peace and harmony and family growth. As the saying goes...