Is there a piece of clothing you own that you’ve kept for so many years that you can’t let go of it? Well, this is the story of my two belts.
In 1995, I walked into a clothing shop on a High Street in the UK and bought two belts for 10 pounds each—one brown and one black. I figured these two colors would complement any outfit.
Thus began my relationship with these two belts, which I named Tai and Kenny in my head. Aside from their colors, they are identical in every way.
Over the years, these belts have been my trusted companions through various phases of my life. When I had no immigration status in the UK and worked as a security officer in a computer retail shop, standing for 12 hours a day, the black one was with me all the way, matching my uniform. It seemed to be encouraging me not to give up on my dream of returning to legal practice!
When I became a social worker assisting those living with mental health issues in the UK, both belts were with me. They seemed to remind me daily that despite all I was going through—including separation from loved ones, the uncertainty of my immigration status, and doubts about whether I would ever practice law again—I should still count my blessings and try not to fall into depression.
As I navigated the immigration process to Canada, they remained loyal. The brown one was present during my interview for permanent residence at the Canadian High Commission in the UK, perhaps silently supporting me, urging me to do my best and succeed. Maybe it knew it would accompany me to Canada if I was successful. Smart belt!
Upon arriving in Canada as a landed immigrant in 1998, not knowing anyone, I found myself stranded at the airport, disappointed by a failed housing arrangement, with my baggage lost by the airline and no appropriate jacket for the -20 degrees weather. The belts were with me, steadfast as ever, as I thought through a solution. Luckily, I wore one of the belts while the other was in my hand luggage, learning the lesson to never leave one’s essentials in checked luggage in case it goes missing. Most importantly, I learned the lesson to keep things and those you love close to you.
I remember wearing one of the belts the day after my arrival as I searched for jobs, eventually landing three that I juggled with little sleep. The belts were my trusted friends through it all. They were especially useful in ensuring my pants did not fall off my waist as I had lost a lot of weight working multiple jobs without adequate sleep or food. When I regained my weight, they readjusted themselves without body-shaming me. They were present when I cried and laughed. They were happy when I eventually got back on track and became a lawyer in Canada. They must have felt like lottery winners!
Over the years, they’ve accompanied me to court hearings, weddings, graduations, meetings with the Prime Minister, visiting Governors, Kings, Ministers, and many others. They never disappointed. Despite receiving many belts as gifts over the years, I never felt the need to replace or abandon Tai and Kenny. Though a bit older as their owner, they remain as pristine as when I first bought them because they are of good quality and I have taken care of them. They too, have taken care of themselves and they have taught me that you don’t need much in life to be happy. It comes down to contentment!
Perhaps our respect for each other is mutual. I value them for their great support, and they trust me because I never put them to bad use. You often hear of people using their belts to abuse others, but I have always treated mine with respect.
Just like my belts, there may be people in your life who have been steadfast companions through your journey. They may not be perfect, but their loyalty and support were unwavering when you needed it most. As life moves forward and new connections are made, it’s easy to overlook these enduring relationships. Take a moment to appreciate and reconnect with those who have stood by you through thick and thin. Their value, much like my two belts, is timeless and irreplaceable.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst.
