As 2024 draws to a close I am sharing one thing I practised a lot this year that helped me smoothly get through situations I did not like much.

Putting things in my left hand…I think there might be a saying in Yoruba about this if I am not wrong? In any case, this year I practiced putting things that happened to me, that I did not like very much in my left hand. In other words parking it before reacting to it.

Our feelings and emotions are not logical, they lack reasoning most of the time. When unfavourable things happen to us, it is human nature to feel a certain type of way. In 2024 I finally put into action feeling what I feel, without reacting to it immediately. Putting it in my left hand until the wave of emotions I feel settle. And then approaching the situation with logic!

Putting things in my left hand; acknowledging what has happened around/to me. Removing myself from the situation or the person as quickly as possible and staying away until I find clarity.

By doing this I avoid unnecessary energy consuming conversations that serve me no good! Many at time, I did not even have to address the issue, because somebody else who was witness to it jumped in and handled it in my favour.

Putting things in my left hand helps me take a step back, and look at the bigger picture; I check if a reaction to this one incident is worth it? Should I give it time? Do I ignore this person and approach a different person? More logical reasoning.

What I also learned is that people are usually aware of what they do. People aware of how their actions might make you feel, and go ahead to do it anyways. Giving them the reaction they hoped for usually means they are in control of your feelings and can manipulate you. You played into their plan. Putting things in your left hand – not immediately reacting gets people unsure! It gives you time to plan your response with absolute logic when you are ready, and if you so deem a response fit.

I’ve come out of 2024 with complete peace of mind. Knowing I do not have to touch or carry fire that has been dropped at my feet. I can choose to walk away without a single reaction. Learning that I do not have to get involved. I do not have to give my opinion. Protecting my peace and wellbeing.

As I have been muttering under my breath in these situations in 2024; “I see you trying to draw me out, you won’t! Tell your trauma you did not find me!