In Conversation With Wellness & Mindfulness Writer, Abiola Babarinde

Wellness is a daily and active pursuit for many millennials, as we grew up in a time of rapid change, which gives us different priorities and expectations in comparison to the generations that came before us.

This is exactly why Abiola Babarinde‘s debut book, Take What You Need is so timely and essential, as it’s aimed at those who are seeking more clarity and agency over their own lives – a pursuit you’ll find most millennials in today.

In our chaotic world, Abiola aims to provide readers with a sense of calm through her work. In doing this, she has learned that despite our fundamental differences, many of us are united by our desire to live a more intentional life, even though we struggle with knowing how.

Her anthology, Take What You Need, provides us with a much-needed starting point, as it encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, and make changes across four key areas: mind, relationships, purpose and resilience.

So in this breath, we at Konbini had a chat with Abiola, where she spoke to us about the inspiration behind Take What You Need, how she thinks her voice appeals to fellow millennials, and what she would like readers to take away from the book.

Konbini: What inspired you to write Take What You Need?

Abiola: The inspiration for ‘Take What You Need’, came from my frustration with traditional career paths; and my desire for a more vibrant and well-balanced life in all areas — from career to relationships, to spirituality.

What I have found through sharing my thoughts on ‘coming of age’ is that many millennials feel the exact same way. Dare I even suggest that many adults of all ages, backgrounds and religions also feel that same way — based on feedback from my readers.

‘Take What You Need’ is my gift to the world, a way for everyone to engage with simple, yet challenging thoughts that will improve their lives daily.

In what ways do you think your voice appeals to fellow millennials?

Honesty and authenticity for sure. I know those sound like buzzwords that mean nothing, but there is no pretence in my work. It’s clear that I am curious and unapologetically trying to challenge society’s norms of what a ‘good life’ looks like.

This lack of pretence resonates with people, especially in a digital world that promotes ‘perfection’ and ‘having it all figured out’, even though most of us are secretly struggling behind the scenes.

For Nigerian millennials – especially those who are curious about challenging the status quo and doing things differently from the generations before us, the subtle boldness of the book is empowering, reminding each of us that we’re not in it alone.

How does TWYN tackle self-awareness and why is this particularly important?

TWYN is written in a way that challenges your thought processes. When you push yourself intellectually, you wake up and become self-aware. This self-awareness brings freedom from societal pressures and gives you space to truly be yourself.

I believe deep down that is what most of us crave — self-expression in the truest sense, but society isn’t always set-up to support that.

What do you think sets TWYN apart from the world of others of its kind?

The simplicity of the book makes it stand out from the crowd. Things like self-awareness, spirituality and wellness aren’t only for bookworms like myself.

TWYN is an easy and digestible read for everyone, yet it still covers some of life’s most perplexing themes. To capture both simplicity and complexity in such a short read is special.

How have your own words – positively and negatively– impacted your life?

Excellent question! Whatever I say to myself usually becomes a reality. So when I’m trapped in cycles of negative self-talk, it takes a toll on my mental health and as a result, the way I live my life.

In the same breath, when I practice positive affirmations and declarations about myself, things change for the better. It sounds very mystical, but I suppose it’s just a fact of life.

What are the key things you would like readers to take away from your novel?

It’s my dream for everyone to feel like they can create the life they were destined to live, and break away from whatever might be holding them back. I hope TWYN encourages them on that journey.

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Not that you should need too much convincing after this, but Take What You Need is now available for purchase on Amazon globally, and also in Lagos at Laterna Bookstore, 13 Oko Awo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

If you’re looking for a fresh start, you know what to do!