I saved this tweet to come back to it when I knew what to say. I still don’t, but this is a first attempt. Thank you, Zalora. I hardly have it all figured out yet but there’s so much that I am now that I could have never imagined, and I know it’s going to be same for you, but…
You’re still young, there’s plenty time, and there are many things out of your control. If you or anyone who feels the same is reading this right now, here’s my advice: 1. Focus on stepping out of your comfort zone as often as possible- that’s where all the growth is.
2. Toronto is 12 hours “behind” Singapore, but that doesn’t mean it’s late. It’s just in a different time zone - its own. Everyone isn’t moving in one straight line, running one race. We’re all on different tracks. In fact, I will argue that we’re in different sports even.
Some win by how far they can run on land, some by how fast they can move in water. Some win by how high they can jump, others by how they swing a racket. The rules are different, and so are the goals. At the end of the day, everyone gets a medal based on their own sport.
What I’m trying to say, Zalora, is… You’re not late, neither are you behind. If you ever think this, remember that “behind” or “ahead” is relative - so ask yourself, “behind who?” And the answer is “no one” because you’re in a race of your own and you’re the only runner.
Take risks, allow yourself fall. Fail fast, learn early. Try everything and figure out what sets your soul on fire, then spend the rest of your life pursuing it relentlessly. When comparison comes, remind yourself that yes you’re in a race, but you’re the only runner.
So when you get tired, stop and rest. When you feel stretched, take a break. When you feel down, cry, let it out, but don’t wallow in it. Be self aware, and true to yourself. Network horizontally. Build a solid support system. Be one too.
Do the things that feel right. Fall in love. Take chances. Feel everything. You can’t please everyone, so don’t spend valuable time trying. Be true to you. Give to people who can’t repay you. Seek help. Bury shame. Be open-minded. Read more. Find your zone of genius and own it.
6 and 9 are the same and different depending on where you’re standing. Entertain other perspectives, but decide where you stand and hold firmly onto your convictions. Stand for something or you’d fall for everything.
Say yes often. Say no even more often. Ask questions. Look stupid, but get the answers you want. Things aren’t always as they seem, so dig deep. Everyone is watching, and at the same time, no one is. Focus on the ones cheering.
When you build, take advice from people who have built. Criticism from people who have done nothing with their lives is noise, so filter it. Life rewards people who do. Not people who plan to do, or people who think of doing. Take action, fall fast, get up early, move on quickly
Speak up. Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do anything - not even yourself. When you walk into a room, find one thing that’s wrong and fix it. Put into the universe what you want out of it. Leave places better than you met them. Give freely, live fully, die empty.
Now I tell stories about my travels around the world, and they look so glamorous, but the first and hardest journey I’ve ever made was the one outside my comfort zone. No thread or pretty photos for that one, but it formed the foundation for all the other ones you see now.
Remember you’re in a race, but you’re the only runner. It’s not a sprint - it’s a marathon, and you have the rest of your life to complete it. Don’t judge your level 1 with others’ level 10. You have your whole life ahead of you, and if it wasn’t worth living, you won’t be here.
@almaasinobi Zalora asked the question in many people’s mind including me 😩 just some weeks ago someone asked to know what I think about traveling, i just told him about you😂🥺 you’ve said a lot here and they all got to me. Thank you 🤲🏽😩😩
@almaasinobi I will own every bit of these words by living it all out Alma and Zalora is going to too. Very rich words 💜 Keep building your space Alma and don't stop putting the little lights on many's dark paths.
@almaasinobi I mean, Zalora is a point of contact to so many of us. We that feel like our lives are that point where we don't even know what we are doing or if what we are doing is right? Or if we are at a stand still or even moving. God abeg
@almaasinobi This is beautiful, thank you for granting Zalora a response of hope, inspiration, and strength.
@almaasinobi I need to frame this thread and keep it close to my heart. Stellar response here Alma, thank you❤️
@almaasinobi “If it wasn't worth living, you won't be here" Thank you so much for these comforting, inspiring, and given words❤
@almaasinobi I felt every word you wrote here. I watched you evolve, Alma. I was always on your IG. You remind me that growth is possible. Thank you!❤️
@almaasinobi "and if it wasn't worth living, you won't be here" ❤
@almaasinobi I commend you for this reply. Full of quality words. 🫶🏾
@almaasinobi Zalora @rx_penguin, thanks for making yourself a point of contact in this context. Alma @almaasinobi, thanks for giving life with those words.
@almaasinobi ThankGod i came across this thread and i am grateful Zalora asked those questions. This means alot to me too
@almaasinobi @barzilar @NelvisAk @Blezekiah Over here
@almaasinobi @_CatheSam @_CatheSam Thank you for bringing this to my TL!🙏🏾 Perfect timing!! Retweet no de cause fight tru tru.😂❤️
@almaasinobi Started with not knowing what to say and gbam! Blew us the hell in. Thank you Alma.
@almaasinobi This thread isn't just for Zalong. You said the right words Alma. Each and everyone of us can relate. Thank you
@almaasinobi 🥺🥺 ain’t we all Zalora?
@almaasinobi Chai,you did well my dear ❤️ It’s as if you knew I needed this advice and I got it at the right time. I need to step up my game and pursue my goals and thankfully I’ve identified them 🙏🏾 Thanks so much Alma and keep soaring 🦅🙏🏾❤️
@almaasinobi And you said you don’t know what to say 🌝?
@almaasinobi Thank you 🥺🥺🥺