From Hardship to Hope: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

“Hey Sadé,

It is me, connecting with you from many years in the future, giving you a sneak peek of what lies ahead. It is wild to think I am actually doing this, but I believe it’s a valuable glimpse into what’s to come and giving you hope.

Something will happen to you this year that will completely do a 360 on your world, in ways you would never imagine right now – a brain injury. I wish I could just give you a big hug and tell you it’s going to be okay. Because, believe it or not, it will be okay.

The reality of what you think life will continue to be will be a complete rollercoaster.

From being in denial and unaccepting the permanent consequences of your life. You will have those days where everything feels like it’s too much, where you will feel lost and frustrated. You will feel rage when someone talks to you as if you are a dunce. However, you will laugh and joke about your injury because ‘banter’ must continue.

Here is the thing – you are tougher than you think. You are going to figure out how to navigate this new reality, and you are going to do it with more grace and strength than you give yourself credit for.

There is a lot of learning and growing waiting for you. The connections you have – they’re going to become even more meaningful. And the love and support you will receive? It’s going to be something special.

To top it off, amongst all of this, you will marry your ride-or-die, the one who has been giving you strength and support -something you weren’t used to getting. You will go back into teaching, showing your resilience and proving your injury will not stop your life. Oh, and the cherry on top? You are going to become a mum, no more aunty Sadé – an actual mother!

I want to remind you to be gentle with yourself. Healing doesn’t follow a strict schedule, it is about the journey more than the destination. Celebrate every tiny win, every step forward – they all count.

Looking back on where I am now, I can tell you – you are going to be so proud of yourself. You are not just going to “get through this/survive.” You’re going to grow in ways you never thought possible, filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for every single day you wake up.

So, persevere and stay strong, keep pushing, Sadé. This chapter of your life is going to be a tough one, but how it is going to shape you in the most beautiful ways. You’ve got so much strength inside you, and I can’t wait for you to see that for yourself.

Here’s to us, to our journey, and to all the incredible things waiting for you.
With all my love and a heart full of hope,

Sadé (from the future)“