What My Friday Mornings Taught Me About Growth

I like Friday mornings.


Why do I like Friday mornings? Because between the hours of 5 AM to 6 AM, I get to open my mouth to talk — to share my opinions. And that alone takes away sleep. It removes the temptation of going back to bed. Yes, it removes the temptation of going back to bed, and that’s why I like Friday mornings.


Here’s the thing: that one hour of talking keeps me awake and helps me rise early. Now, I know you might be reading this and rolling your eyes. Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I’d probably roll my eyes too at someone saying something like this. But if you’ve ever experienced the joy of stepping out of your comfort zone, stretching yourself, doing more than you thought you could do — then you’ll understand what I mean.


It’s a joy. A deep sense of happiness.


For me, waking up at 5 AM on Fridays to join a group of people and speak — instead of slipping back into sleep — gives me that joy. The joy of stretching.


The other day, I planned to edit just the first 5 minutes of a video. But instead, I ended up editing 20 solid minutes, and before I knew it, hours had passed. The joy I felt from pushing myself that night was immeasurable.

A few days later, I worked on a 14-minute video and found myself editing for over 2 hours straight — and with ease too. I was so engrossed that I didn’t even notice the grumbling of my stomach. By the time I was done, it was too late for dinner. I went to bed with an angry, hungry stomach — but with a fulfilled heart.

That’s when I realized: I had broken past the point of always checking the clock, of asking, “When will I be done?” I had stopped limiting myself to 5 minutes. I had discovered the capacity for 20 minutes… even 2 hours — and all with ease.

That is the joy of stretching. Going beyond your original form. Doing more. Taking one more step.


And I think everyone should experience that joy.


Do I always stretch myself? No. But when I do — do I find joy, peace, pride, and even confidence? Absolutely, yes. And that feeling is top-notch.


So I invite you today: take an extra step. Do 5 minutes more. Or 10. Or 30. Or even an hour more. Stretch yourself.


Like I said, I don’t always do this. But on the days I decide to, when I allow myself to be stretched, I experience an unbelievable sense of joy. And I discover that I can achieve more than I ever thought possible.


So, how will you stretch yourself today? If you can relate, drop a comment — I’d love to hear your own stretch stories.


With love,

Olayide Juliana 

To The Ones Becoming 


My name is Olayide Juliana, a steward. I believe light shed, knowledge shared, and beliefs reviewed can make both me and the world better.

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