Having siblings is good especially older ones, they tend to always be there for us to guide and help in our most difficult instances. Sometimes I imagine what life would be like without my older sister (Dorcas) she is the one I have grown closest to among my three other siblings, people call me her handbag because of our closeness, despite our age difference, we are like twins almost every time, our lives wouldn’t have been complete without one another. Why not, I mean they understand you more than anyone would and even judge you less than anyone would, because of how well they know you.

So my sister traveled this past Easter, and usually during seasons like this, the kitchen is abuzz with culinary activities. Since we are all female siblings, Dorcas has been the one who took the lead in preparing the chickens from scratch, whether it’s Christmas, New Year, Easter, or other small occasions. I always wonder how she does it. The first time I tried butchering a chicken, it was nerve-wracking, trying again for me will be a nightmare.

Nonetheless, Dorcas will prepare all the chickens and will even mix the chin-cin( dough) while the rest of us will help with minor activities like frying and cutting the dough. This holiday, the table turned, and Dorcas was away, I was left with no other alternative but to do what Dorcas had been doing. I was challenged to do something I had never done before, I had never mixed dough in a large bowl. Immediately I admitted how much I had depended on her, and how relaxed I had become, in the past years.

Dorcas had to send me a long list of procedures I needed to follow, I checked out a video on YouTube, and I’d felt nervous, afraid of not getting it right. But at the end of the day, I had to do it anyway, it was my first time, and making mistakes is okay, as I faced my fears and took on the challenge, I felt a surge of determination while I mixed the dough, and a sense of calm wash over me, like a soothing balm. It all turned out to be better than I thought, the dough came together in a smooth, pliable ball, like a work of art. The golden boxed chin-chin tasted yummy and the sizzling sound of the chicken was relieving, a sense of pride and accomplishment swelled in my chest.

However, It is good to have people who are always there for us, but when they step aside a little we are forced to face our realities. My sister was my comfort zone, I became so relaxed that living without her became uneasy. Instead of being afraid, I became brave. I realized how much I have learned from Dorcas over the past years, I have watched her do all these things, and it just didn’t occur to me, that I would do all that too. I was happy because I stepped out of my comfort zone nonetheless and that means I am growing for taking responsibility as such.

Life is full of responsibilities, and as we grow older they become bigger and solely our business, you have to make decisions for yourself and by yourself in life because that is how we become mature people. It’s more than house chores, but taking full ownership of your life. Many adults today are premature, because, they are too afraid and dependent on others and relaxed in their comfort zone. Evolve and take full responsibility for your life today, don’t fold your arms.