55 Comments
User's avatar
Yvonne Matylda's avatar

Tobe, if you keep suggesting songs in our love letters, I will make a whole playlist that reminds me of each letter! 😂💘

Anyways, if I had 7 lives:

In my first life, I wouldn’t grow up in Benin; I’d live in a bigger city and have no experience of what living in a small town is like, but I’d yearn for the experience when I hear others say they grew up in smaller towns.

In my second life, I’d live in the 90s, where time was much slower and the afternoons lasted so much longer. The sky would turn reddish-orange when it’s 4 PM, and time would move like a snail. I would be an artist, painting all sorts of landscapes and whatever inspires me, inspired by trees, daytime, and colors.

In my third life, I would live a life similar to Marilyn Monroe, having a signature fashion style and being a famous magazine cover girl.

In my fourth life, I’d have siblings and lots of friends. I’d be more extroverted and less socially awkward. I’d be more outgoing.

In my fifth life, I will have an interest in working in the healthcare field like my parents. I’d follow my parents' career path and live how they wanted me to, and I will be happy with it because that’s what I want. There will be no arguments, disagreements, or misunderstandings.

In my sixth life, I’d be one of your childhood friends. Maybe you will share your early writing with me, and you’d be the only friend I would feel comfortable sharing my early drawings with because you’d be my childhood best friend. Maybe we’d share the same favorite color and playlist.

In my seventh life, I’d start saving from when I’m 3. When random visitors would give me money and pleasantries, I’d never believe my mother when she says she wants to keep them for me. 😂😂😂 I’d have started my business at 10 with the money instead of in uni at 19.

How is your day going, Joor? 💘 My beloved Tobaby and my favorite icon & person ever!!!!!!!

Expand full comment
Adewunmi's avatar

If I had 7 lives, the first life would be me trying to find my way around this world, knowing how it works.

My second life would be to experience true love 🥹. I’ve always wanted to be loved the same way I love.

My third life would be to be a very rich boss lady. Help people at anytime, go anywhere I want to go at anytime without getting stopped. Take care of my parents just the way they took care of me and even more than that 💘.

My fourth life would be to never live in Ibadan. I would live in Lagos so I can meet you, be friends with you, be a great influencer, lost contact with you, at 25 get married whilst showing off my beautiful husband and ring, then give birth to my cutest baby girl ever 🥹💘.

My fifth life, I want to come and experience what death feels like.

My sixth life, I just want to live for myself alone. Be at peace, without worrying about anything or anyone. Probably have my house beside a beach and enjoy the view every single day.

My seventh life, I want to be me. I want to have every experience I can have. I want to look for your contact and connect with you back like the long lost friend getting to meet each other back in another life. Be friends with your siblings as well. Be an expert in this my cybersecurity work. Take care of my parents. Be an influencer. Emphasis on be friends with you and enjoy the rest of my life 🥹💘.

By the way, how is your day going joor? 🫶💘

Expand full comment
Sakina Abdulrahman's avatar

You just take the thoughts out of my head Tobe, you succeeded in wording my crazy thoughts I always have in my head

Thank you for pening this piece Tobe📌

The song also made it beautiful to read through ❤️

Expand full comment
Fehintola Balogun's avatar

Ohhh you forgot to add 'How's your day going joor'

Well it's 10.29 here, not too much to do buh still there's something to do

This is not about my day, buh I will add I've been struggling with anxiety😔

I haven't forgotten the question I asked myself- My day is going well

How's yours Tobaby🥹❤️‍🩹

I love this piece💫❤️‍🩹

Expand full comment
Chukwuemeka Paschal's avatar

If I had seven lives, I think each life would be a unique adventure, shaped by different choices, experiences, and lessons. In one life, I might be a curious explorer, traveling the world and uncovering hidden wonders. In another, I might be a creative artist, expressing myself through music, writing, or visual art.

In yet another life, I might be a passionate activist, fighting for justice and equality. And in another, I might be a compassionate healer, helping others find peace and well-being.

But in every life, I think I would strive to cultivate kindness, empathy, and love. I would want to connect with others, understand their stories, and offer support and care.

Expand full comment
Olaniyan Precious's avatar

Tobeeee🥹

I literally read this whilst listening to "the night we met" and I honestly could connect and feel what you felt when writing this🥺

7 lives??For me...I don't think it's enough cos I guess I'll just keep making mistakes and derailing from my initial plans

But one thing I know for sure is...I would not live those lives as I have lived this one...

But anyways...I hope you're good my To baby🥹

I'm waiting for your story on Snapchat about this piece

How's your day going joor🫴😂🫶

Expand full comment
halidah ᥫ᭡'s avatar

Wow, Tobe. I had to sit with this for a while before I could even think of what to say. Your words... they feel like pieces of your soul scattered across seven lives, and I'm just here, staring at them, not sure I even deserve to touch them.

Honestly, I don't know how you do it-- put so much of yourself out there like this. It's like every sentence cuts open some quiet part of you, and instead of running from it, you just... let it bleed. It's beautiful, but it's also heavy. Like, damn, why does this feel like I've lived a hundred lives with you already, and we're only sitting here in this one?

You know, there's this line about your first life that's been stuck in my head since I read it: "I’d live to die." I don't even know why that hit me so hard, but it feels so raw and true in a way I wish it wasn't. Like, how many of us are out here just living to die without even realizing it? And then there's you, choosing it, owning it, just to understand the damn thing better. Who does that?

And then your fifth life-I couldn't stop smiling through that one. You on the cover of Vogue with Rihanna? Yeah, l'd pay good money to see that. You'd pull it off too, with that Chanel and all your I-don't-give-a-damn about-Rolex energy. I'd be in the background, laughing at you trying to detox in Thailand for the tenth time, because you'd be too stubborn to admit you secretly love the chaos.

The last one broke me a little. You being your parents' parent-it's like you see things most people can't even name. You're not just looking at them as "mum" and "dad" but as people who needed protecting before they even knew how to protect you. That's love on a level I don't think most of us are capable of.

Anyway, I don't even know what this reply is supposed to be. I feel like l'm rambling, and nothing I say will ever match the weight of what you wrote. Just know I see you, every messy, complicated, brilliant part of you. And if I could live seven lives with you, I think l'd want to be there for all of them-even the shitty, sad ones. Maybe especially those.

Keep writing like this, even if it wrecks me. I'll always read it.

Expand full comment
PRĀZ's avatar

Hi Tobaby 💘

I'm kinda early today because it's 12:21 as I'm writing

Funny how I rushed to download the song to read the letter

If I had seven lives the 1st year I'll use it to forgive myself and everyone, the 2nd,3rd and 4th year I'll use it to be generous to everyone I'll be a giver and I'll be a blessing to everyone, I'll give both to the poor and rich , the 5th year I'll use it to explore all the countries and places I always wanted to go to , the 6th year I'll become a lecturer as I have always wanted to be a recognized lecturer, the 7th year I'll accomplish all my goals and live my best life.

Looks like someone forgot to ask "How's your day going joor"😂

Well my day is going well, I'm preparing to resume school 🤭

How's yours going?💘

Expand full comment
Mercy's avatar

Enjoyed this particular piece🥺🫶

Expand full comment
Benetta Obruche's avatar

Hi Tobe.I just subscribed to your newsletter and sincerely it was the most beautiful thing I’ve read.if I had 7 lives :

In my first life I would probably live my life as it is now but without the mistakes .I would still study law because it’s all I’ve wanted to do since childhood.I would stick with the first friend i made in year 1.I wouldn’t fall for the guy that was the nicest person I met but ended up being my worst nightmare.I wouldn’t care so much to fit in.I wouldn’t be so distant from my family and quarreled so much with my sister.I wouldn’t carry so much hate towards the world in my heart.I won’t miss my aunt’s funeral.I would not give that one friend so many chances to betray my trust.I won’t be so insecure.I won’t see myself as below others.I won’t make so many academic mistakes.I wouldn’t procrastinate.I would still take up cooking as a comfort hobby,I would be more open to the therapist I had in year 3.I won’t fall for emotionally unavailable men.I won’t be so shy and I’ll take content creation seriously.I won’t focus on what it could be but why it is .I would be me but a better me .

In my second life.I would be a travel content creator.I want to see the world and experience it from different continents.I’d go to Egypt first so I could explore the pyramids then I’d go to Greece because I love Greek mythology .I’d go to Spain because I love the language,I’ll go to Italy because I love pasta,I’ll go to France because it’s the city of love.I would not get married I’d just live and exist till I leave the world.I would be an explorer

In my third life I’ll be a Model.I’ve done it before and I really loved it I still do but o get stage fright.I always feel like I’m not good enough .I give up too soon but I’ll learn not to.I’ll walk the run way at big fashion shows.I’ll compete at the miss world and I’d represent Nigeria.it’ll be a dream come true.I’d retire at age 40 and I’d have so much money.I’d open up a modeling agency for young girls like me who can only dream and make their dreams a reality.I’ll be satisfied with my life because it’ll be a fulfilled life

In my fourth life I’ll come as a bird .Why a bird you may ask?

For me birds embody freedom , resilience and Joy .They remind us to spread our wings,take risks and soar to new heights.I want to experience the world from a fresh perspective ,to ride the wind currents and sing sweet melodies that bring joy to others

In my fifth life ,I’ll be the perfect child and I’ll have the perfect life.I won’t study law .I’ll be a chef,own a huge restaurant,have a loving husband and four adorable children.My first child would be a boy because I’ve missed having a elder brother (may his soul rest in peace).my second child will be a girl and the last two would be twins.My life would be a fairytale.it’ll be perfect in an imperfect world

In my sixth life I’ll be a pop star.Music has always been a source of comfort,Inspiration and healing for me.I envision creating songs that speak directly to those that have been hurt but still believe in love and life.My music will be a reflection of my life journey with all it’s up and downs.I wanna inspire others to hold on to hope , to never give up on love and to keep their light no matter what .

In my seventh life,I’ll be me .I’ve always strived for perfection, trying to conform to societal standards and seeking validation from others but I’m choosing to break free from those constraints.I’ll be me with all my flaws and imperfections .I’ll celebrate my uniqueness and own my story.I’m learning to love myself not despite my flaws but because of them.I’ll be unapologetically me.

Love ,Etta

Your Tobaby

Expand full comment
Edidiong Hanson's avatar

That was a very solid piece. Well done!

I'm late to the party, but I'll join it still.

This is my playlist for this,

🎵Older by Sasha Alex

🎵Gone by Blake Rose

🎵Overthinking about you by Keenan Te

🎵If you love her by Forest Blakk

🎵Peter Pan was right by Anson Seabra

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3BeLaDZemi8g9S4bUvFVxv?si=c_cxiaF4TayP8WwF3_Atgg&pi=XJY_m_JwR9GNI

......

Seven, they say is a perfect number. I agree. Perhaps indeed we need seven lives to be able to really live life to the fullest.

Either ways, Hi Tobe! You inspired this and Hi everyone...

Let me tell you about my seven lives.

In my first life, I'd listen. I'd do everything so conventionally. I'd be socially acceptable. I'd cook and clean as required. I'd marry and have children as society wishes me to. I'd live for and through my family as I see some of our mothers do. So I can say to others when questioned in my other lives...that I have done it, and that it was not for me.

In my Second life, I'd be career driven. I'd live in the buzz of the city. I'm not one for business, so I'll stick to the medical world. I'd volunteer, help out. Then I'd go back home everyday to my cat and dog. I'd be more quiet, keep to myself. I'd go out for drinks with work friends or by myself and pay no heed to the gentlemen trying to get an exotic bird[me], only to keep it in a cage. I would put up a smile and take care of my patients, I'll be the best doctor I ever could. Yes, this life would be for selfish old me, alone. To see my worth and embrace it. To know what I'm capable of.

Cliché as it may be, my third life would be to love. To choose to love, to be vunerable. To live for him, by him and through him. To do life with him by my side. To laugh at his bad jokes, to complain about his horrible cooking...to go on late night drives. To be present with him, to be fully engulfed by him. To take his heart and keep it in the safest place I can find and trust that he'll do the very same. To love without conditions, without a reason as to why I love and to trust that'll he'll do the same.

😅I'm teary already, let's go to the next life.

My fourth life would be spent at the beach side. Probably an island or a peninsula. I'd sit by the shore and watch the sunset. I'd have fish and avocados for dinner... I'll feel the sense of community and play my part. I'd tell the children about stories of old under the moonlight. I'd grow old like Moana's grandma, feeling the breeze in my bones, connecting to the ocean and seeing the light in every darkness.

My fifth life would be vain. It'll probably lead me to an early death, but that's okay. I'd do it all, the drugs, drinks, tats. I'd sing though. I'd sing about the fullness my previous lives gave me and the emptiness this one showed me. I'd probably die before I can know whether or not my songs will be heard.

My sixth life would be me living a wattpad life. Probably in a mafia or I'd belong to a secret government agency...I don't have time for high school love. I'd be a sniper. I'd go to the gym. I'd have a high tolerance for alcohol and a low one for people. I'd live on the edge of life, knowing every mission may very well mean my death. I'd have two-thirds of the money I make sent out to my family[who thinks I'm dead] or a charitable course. Life number 6 would truly be a fantasy.

My Seventh life...

This one puzzles me...as I search my mind for what I want it to be, I'm stuck between enjoying it knowing that I have truly lived and spend it trying to do everything right like Puss In Boots did.

I guess it's like my present life.

So, no, I can't say what it'll be. I'm still trying to figure that out.

But I can tell you I'm doing just right, for now.

Expand full comment
Shallom’s Tiny Little World's avatar

If I had 7lives?, I honestly don’t know what I’ll do with them, funny enough I think I’ll just live it as life brings it but at the same time if I make any little mistake I’ll just die and start over😭😹, but yeah, I’ll make sure, I’m with my favorite boy😚💘, and it’s a world where I learn how to love myself (my body). Oh, how I wish we actually had 7lives🥹.

How’s your day going my Tobe💘

Expand full comment
Fola and her feelings's avatar

You inspire me alot Tobe!!!

Expand full comment
Faves  Corner💛's avatar

TOBE, you're too good at this writing thing🥺❤️

Expand full comment
Rachael Bayo-aro's avatar

The song made it even more emotional than it was supposed to be.

I'd love to meet you one day and give you a hand written letter or read out my own 'if I had seven lives' to you personally.

Till then let us continue writing 💙.

Expand full comment
Rachael Bayo-aro's avatar

The song made it even more emotional than it was supposed to be.

I'd love to meet you one day and give you a hand written letter or read out my own 'if I had seven lives' to you personally.

Till then let us continue writing 💙.

Expand full comment