FOUNDINFASHION

My birthday was three days ago actually, so this prompt indeed heralds a moment of reflection. It helps me consider how the next couple of decades will play out. In the past, birthdays come with a lot of excitement for me. So much that I’d go out with friends and celebrate. Or have a couple of family or loved ones fawning about it.

Maybe I am showing my age (lol). Maybe I am being too sensitive, and philosophical over nothing serious. Maybe I am at a point in my journey wondering if there is more to life. Whatever it is, time will tell between 2025 and 2079!

Dear Olukayode,

Wow, a hundred years! You're officially a centenarian. What a milestone that is.
It may be hard on your bones, but that is expected. In fact, anything should be expected now.

You are here surrounded by your wife, children and grandchildren. You lived long enough to learn about life and break the cycles that held you back in the past.

The past. It matters so little to the bigger agenda. Just like growing up years when vast fields later become just unimpressive space. To your wise eyes now, the troubles were small.

You have written the book that distills your path and progress. Lessons so poignant, it is hard to teach to others. Just better shared.

The purpose of this letter is for you to understand that when all the above fails to happen. Or it took another route to get here. Whatever is, was meant to be. And it is okay with Kboy. 

Embrace the dynamism living throws out. No regrets. None.

The essential thing has remained constant: your spirit. You allowed light to flood your conscience and as such no guile is found in your heart. Only knowledge and truth.


Sincerely,
Olukayode (2025)

About my outfit. This portrait was made to commemorate my birthday last year. As I researched the theme of the photo shoot, the mood board in my head was stuck in the 70s. This is typical of a self-professed “flower child”. Anyway, one of the iconic movie characters of that era was American Gigolo. So, I curated the look from my wardrobe. Basically, thrifted gems that could have been worn by Julian Kay himself. There is something about a pair of Levis and Aviators sunglasses that makes any outfit drip with effortless elegance.