TO BEING SEEN❤️

I grew up around lots of women and girls. Strong ones. Loud ones. Soft ones. The ones who hugged too tightly and the ones who made ofe nsala that could shut you up mid-rant. Raised by a single mum, loved by a battalion of aunties, shadowed by female cousins, and shaped by an all-girls secondary school run by reverend sisters. So, I think it’s safe to say I’ve experienced women and girls in all their forms.

And today in honour of national girlfriends day, I just want to say I’m thankful for all the beautiful women and girls who have held space for me, the ones who’ve helped me grow, cry, laugh, rethink, and re-love myself again.

To my girlfriends, the ones who stayed on the phone while I processed my mess,  sent voice notes that felt like therapy, shared lipgloss and chewing gum with me, reminded me to eat, hyped me when I doubted myself, and understood even the silences, I love you.

When I made my last post, I sent it to everyone in my contact list like I always do. But this time,I hesitated for a bit. I didn't want pity, I just wanted to air my grief. Then I remembered something I once wrote: that it’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes. So I took my own advice and hit send.

Two of my friends texted me after reading it, and their words made me feel seen. I had touched everyone else with that post but myself. Something still hung in the air that I couldn’t explain.

But Ugonna and Zikora?

They saw my vulnerability in a way no one else did. Their messages brought a kind of relief I didn’t know I needed. It healed me differently, it felt like a breath of fresh air. And I finally let out the tears I had been holding in for so long.

I haven’t spoken to them or seen them since our graduation in 2022, but they saw me when I needed it most. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Here’s to the friends we don’t speak to every day, but who still have our backs any day.

You are the real MVPs.

We don’t talk enough about how friendships between women are lifelines.  Someone  once said "God and female frienships would save you a lot in life". This is not just a quote to me, it's my truth, my reality.

This is for the sisterhood that raised me. For every woman who poured into me, checked on me, protected me, reminded me who I am. For the ones who loved me without reserve.

Thank you for being my tribe. My mirrors. My backbone. My soft landing.

Happy Girlfriends Day, queens. You are deeply seen, wildly loved, and never taken for granted.

Lots of love,

BUNMA💕