The Key To Happiness.

[@c.b.5209]

I am finally learning to not fear pursuing life , learning to not fear being alive and the gratitude is immense.

[@nnekaj]

"learning to not fear being alive" there is so, so much to this. thank you for sharing ♥

[@savyonyii2621]

Your voice is sooo soothing, the cinematic quality of the video is top-notch❤

[@nnekaj]

thank you so much, beautiful 🧡

[@samerah]

How do I bring myself back into the present? 🤔 Love this question Nneka! I don’t think I was built for the race, for the constant chase after something just out of reach. My soul moves like a quiet stream. I find peace in still waters. But that doesn’t mean I never wander. From time to time, I venture down new paths, curious if they might lead to something brighter or easier but still I rarely leap blindly. I’m always quick to stop and ask myself the hard questions all the time. Why am I chasing this? Why does it matter? What am I really searching for? Will I feel fulfilled by this? Am I wasting time? It keeps me honest. So just like you, gratitude has been the sun that warms my heart and mindfulness is the compass that brings me clarity. Together, they remind me that happiness isn’t about running toward some distant horizon, it’s about standing still long enough to see the beauty already around or within me. Thats always been my key sis. Thanks again for such a lovely video! Keep ‘em coming!❤

[@nnekaj]

Samerah the wayyyy I'm going to try and have you write the rest of these letters 😭❤ this was stunning. Gosh, I can 1000% relate to all of this. The peace is still water, the hard questions, gratitude as a compass. There's so much beauty all around us, thank you for making me stop to really digest these words, my dear. And your encouragement is never taken for granted!!

[@samerah]

@@nnekaj put me to work in 2025 please✍🏽😂

[@lesedimcmele6906]

All your videos are mind blowing 😫

[@nnekaj]

gahh!! thank you 😭💕

[@jackson615]

Took years but finally learning that it's easier to ride a wave than go against it. It's easy to fight what we don't understand, as is human nature. However, letting go is probably one of the most valuable things I've learned. It's only when we let go that we open ourselves and make space to receive something new.

[@nnekaj]

I’m going to be holding on to these words for a long long time, my friend. it can be so painful but there is an art, an elegance in letting go. beautifully articulated, poignantly written. thank you ❤

[@BreathofFreshAar]

Love your work!! The elegance of the message, cinematography, your voice, down to the romanticization of cursive writing 🙌🏾

[@nnekaj]

ahhh thank you so much 😭🙏🏽

[@Bacon_Hamilton]

The goat returns with more food for thought

[@nnekaj]

don’t make me blush this early!! 😩😭🙏🏽❤️

[@xerindavisx]

"texture of a laugh" youre so poetic

[@nnekaj]

Erin! thank you gorgeous 💘

[@thaconqueror777]

Right! That was my favorite part. Had to rewind it. Because it’s so true. It’s the little things.

[@BenReichstein24]

What always brings me back is taking a bit of time out of my day and doing conscious breathing. Slow, deep breaths through the nose. As long as it takes for me to not feel like I'm running anymore. And one of the best grateful"exercises" for me is imagining myself back as a teenager and seeing the wonderful things in my life right now. My family, stable income, friends, being able to do cool shit. This would blow my 15 year old depressed self away and it always makes me smile

[@nnekaj]

I found myself taking conscious breaths while reading this, Ben! And thank you so much for sharing that gratitude exercise, whew my moody ass teenage self would be shook! Appreciate you 🙏🏽🤎

[@BenReichstein24]

@@nnekaj Appreciate you as well, it's a wonderful exercise for me that helped me through some tough times - happy if it helps others as well

[@SistaSOLS]

I’m learning to sit with where I am and take it in fully. I’ve chased opportunities and fulfillment wanting to get the level of stability I have right now so instead of rushing to the next thing I’m enjoying where I’m at

[@victoryokeke6103]

Your videos inspire me and bring a kind of comfort I really can't put into words. Thank you Nneka, thank you

[@nnekaj]

that means the world, victory! thank you so much for being here, for watching 🧡

[@ljbstudioart]

Love your videos! What always brings me back into the present is painting and prayer for sure☺️

[@nnekaj]

painting and prayer! I love this. thank you for sharing 💕

[@ucheunlimited]

I am learning to see every day for what it really is: a gift. I am learning to appreciate the gift of little things. I am learning that life is not just about me and my feelings. Gratitude truly makes all the difference.

[@nnekaj]

Uche the way I just screamed at “life is not just about me and my FEELINGS” hai!! Wow. thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️

[@kathy6937]

You truly have a gift. Thank you for inspiring, love!

[@nnekaj]

🥹❤️ thank you so much, my dear!

[@TheAkunna]

Thank you, Nneka. Your voice feels like a warm touch on my skin. And this video is truly inspiring. 😊 I'm a bit of an overachiever, and I have to read my old journals and diaries to rest in the now. They remind me that I'm growing, even though it's not so visible. I rest in God. Staying with a deep consciousness of His presence reminds me to be still and to stay in the moment.

[@KeiNicole]

I would love a Letters From A Stranger journal especially if you already have all the questions.

[@nnekaj]

SheKeitha you are 1000% correct. Making this a note! I already have the questions and this would even be helpful for me. Thank you! 🙏🏽❤️

[@jlanguage7315]

I break it with prayer and meditation. Bringing myself back to the present moment with God and realizing that I am living answered prayers and to take a moment to be grateful for that and enjoy them before I go on praying for the next. Just found your channel through TikTok and I am so grateful for the space you have created online, thank you

[@Kemotion93]

I recently listened to the book The Power of Now. What brought me back is remembering that I’m human. I'm not perfect, but I can be what I allow myself to be, and that's happy. Having those tough conversations with myself helps. I made a promise to myself: I will not break it.

[@omamaryann2118]

Rooting for you ❤

[@Kemotion93]

@@omamaryann2118 thank you ! Rooting for you too

[@nnekaj]

The Power of Now is SO good. I really appreciate these reflections, we are all human after all. Thank you, sir!

[@rthur.]

I really love these kinds of projects. They're like lifelong journal journeys, that give you something to reflect on. As a creative myself, I have been brainstorming ideas similar to this. I am trying to let go the stress of perfectionism and procrastination. I hope you have all the grace and time when you pick a letter to answer, your energy is very authentic!

[@Rando327]

Isn't crazy that I'm in Saudi Arabia here, and receiving your message of hope and trying to embody what you speak of? You touched my heart with softness I rarely feel. I love us, humans. I love us for our differences, for our dramatics and for our faults too. I hope for our little corner of the internet to flourish with love, kindness and intentionality

[@nnekaj]

Wowww! All the way from Saudi Arabia?! Welcome, friend. Your words feel so fresh, so radiant. I love us too! Thank you for your sweetness ❤

[@dariellec8234]

Another thought-provoking vid from you. Thank you. I’m pondering on this!

[@nnekaj]

thank you for watching friend! 💞

[@laterinlife0904]

I lean toward trying to make things better for people. I'm a recovering extremist. I'm nearly balanced now. In short, no matter where I go, I always try to look for solutions for things can go smoother. When things are chaotic, I've felt the need to force things in order. I can't honestly say I've set forth on the path to happiness per se, it's how can I arrive at the best outcome for everyone involved. I hope that makes sense.

[@nnekaj]

it makes perfect sense! "how can I arrive at the best outcome for everyone involved" I love the clarity and definiteness of purpose in this. I think it has more teeth than a momentary emotion. thank you so much for sharing 🧡

[@laterinlife0904]

@@nnekaj thanks for putting forth the question. You seem to be a deep thinker. I appreciate that.

[@gdpiirock]

I thought about you today! I thought “she hasn’t posted a video in a while, I hope she’s good” Your videos are really cool and inspiring. This video in particular is right on time for me because I’ve been struggling with gratitude lately. I don’t have an answer for your question but one thing I keep doing is praying for direction. Thanks for sharing your journey ❤

[@KayN806]

I was thinking of her too. And bam! Telepathy. We called her with our thoughts ❤

[@RyanCanty1975]

Yes! Ive definitely had to learn and re-learn what happiness and living a full and loving life means to me this year. It's been a difficult but needed journey I had to be on this year.

[@QuincyQuest]

These just keep getting better and better. Keep being the light Nneka! 🤞🏾

[@nnekaj]

Quincy!! It's so good to see you here my friend ❤ appreciate you always.

[@QuincyQuest]

@ grateful to witness you in your work friend! 🫶🏾

[@angeliet.4756]

I’m allowing myself to LIVE and not just survive life and traumas. Giving myself grace and finding joy in the process rather than focusing on the destination. Welcoming hard days like I would for good ones . And just let myself BE❤

[@goodnessgraciouspod]

Paying attention to the littlest things around me that make me feel whole is a big thing for me. That makes me rooted in the present and the beauty of the in-the-moment. Also, I can't speak on this without noting that my faith in God continues to spark and deepen the magic in life that I now see on a daily basis, despite me not having much materialistically.

[@nnekaj]

There’s so much beauty in the moment, regardless of what materials we possess. we all posses the present. thank you for sharing, my dear ❤

[@thebeautifulbostonian]

These fuel me so much! Thank you for making.

[@nnekaj]

thank you for being here, friend 💕

[@sn480]

For me, the pursuit of happiness is very much defined by society. It's about the things one can buy, or the job/promotion, or the travel destinations, or the nights out with friends going out to restaurants/bars/clubs. But all of that is about getting external validation for being able to buy and being seen in the nice clothes or jewellery, or seeing others impressed with your job title or house or where you go to for vacation. Even the nights out with friends can be more about the documentation of how much fun you're having and where and what you ate, rather than just enjoying the experience. For me, learning to live in the now has required recognizing when I am needing the validation or envying someone who seems to have everything they want and taking a step back and asking why? What am I feeling the lack of in my life, inside me, to feel the need to get it elsewhere? What am I feeling to project happiness onto someone else because of what they post or share? Sometimes, it's the leftover feeling of not feeling valuable because I'm not in the same job/industry I was in before ('leftover' because I'm so relieved not to be there and I know my value is not linked to what I do) or it's envying someone else's perceived financial security and disposable income. Then, I remind myself that I am enough just as I am (because there is no one in the whole world just like me and therefore nobody else to whom I can be compared) and that I live in abundance in every aspect of my life (sometimes, I need to start listing the aspects to realize how true it is) and I am grateful for everything because it's got me to where and who I am today. That brings me back to myself and I can then focus on the pursuits that make me feel fulfilled and/or joyful and spend time with the people in my life with whom there is mutual understanding, support, and enjoyment.

[@milliesymns6241]

These videos always be coming into my life at the exact right time ☺️

[@nnekaj]

that makes me so happy 😩❤️

[@XantheBerkeley]

This is beautiful and thoughtful ❤ Being grateful in the moment and knowing all emotions are fleeting is a daily practice ❤ What makes you happy - changes and evolves over time. It’s one of the great things about getting older.

[@nnekaj]

“what makes you happy changes and evolves over time” THIS. this. THIS. it really is one of the sweetest things about getting older, wiser. thank you so much for taking the time to share, friend 🤎

[@favoritos0609]

I've been trying to do things as much different as I can, that keeps me on my feet to perceive whats going on in the new music, commute, restaurant and etc.. As a curious person that makes me be more present, although it can be sometimes slightly uncomfortable. It's like jumping in a pool of cold water, it's going to be unpleasant, but just take a deep breath and go head first. Love your videos, keep them coming. Cheers from Brazil S2

[@faithlizscorner]

Dear Faith, yes you are speaking to me because thats my name..... Oh how I always look forward to your short films!

[@nnekaj]

divine timing, Faith! thank you so much for being here beautiful ❤️

[@itsidinma]

speaking right to heart as always, Nneka! making time for art, mine and others, always helps me refocus on the here and now. I can live in the moment when I remember that the pain too will pass, and I allow it to teach me.

[@2psychdudes]

Young man from South Africa here. You are indeed my goat and I find so much inspiration in your work. Thank you I've been worried too much about chasing the next best thing

[@nnekaj]

South African in the building! I appreciate you and these words so much. As Toni Morrison said, you are your best thing. The new thing will always be there, we won't 💕 thank you for being here!

[@zbeknelson]

You answered my questions. I find that while I often believe that a new location, gadget, or experience will bring me happiness, once I become accustomed to the novelty, I find myself seeking something new. Happiness is a sporadic emotion.

[@nnekaj]

Whew! it really is so sporadic! I finally understand the "what goes up must come down" adage. I find myself thinking...the novelty will always fade, so why not choose gratitude more often? thank you for sharing!

[@zbeknelson]

@nnekaj thanks for insight

[@Stbensonimoh]

Thanks for speaking to my heart as always. I'm grateful for you 🙏🏽

[@Nickelmatt]

It is hard. I try to be mindful of the things that we deem common. Every checkpoint, every push up, every meal, every high and low. While it's normal to want to speed up the painful and discomfortable stages, they too carry a lesson that I'm learning to pay more attention to. While keeping all these in mind (or at least attempting to), I've found myself more content, and more present.

[@p3pp3rspr4y]

For me, one of the main things that helped me to start living in the moment was to realize that though I do want to be happy, the main thing that I was getting out of trying to pursue something that would make me happy was the CONTROL. I gave myself the illusion of control by saying that I was making my life better. Removing that illusion was uncomfortable, but it helped me realize that my pursuits stemmed from my fear of missing out on life. Ironically, by going towards a "happily ever after", I wasn't appreciating what I have and therefore, in a way, missing out. Now I've been trying to remind myself that there are some things that I just can't control, and that that's ok. I also like to use the analogy of standing in the rain and expecting to get hit by every drop instead of just being happy that there's rain in the first place. You will miss out on things, but if we practice gratitude, focus on the now, and most importantly have courage to be afraid and do it anyways, we most definitely won't die without having lived.

[@kimbrakamille]

Always a joy to watch! My therapist told me our bodies are built to keep us safe and happiness takes more intention. Just thrifted, The Pursuit of Happyness, too!…PS. I love that ice cream flavor and brand

[@nnekaj]

ooooh thank you so much for sharing that insight from your therapist! very interested to hear your thoughts post reading the Pursuit of Happyness, too 🫶🏽 AND ooey gooey stans unite 🫡❤️

[@kimbrakamille]

@ yesss! 🫶🏾 I actually purchased the dvd but I should give that a read!

[@theuncooldad1441]

You never fail to make a banger video. Thank you, I needed this today 🙏🏽❤️

[@nnekaj]

thank you sir! truly appreciate you taking the time 🙏

[@NachoCheese-c7k]

This video is going into my "Feeling stuck?" playlist. Thank you for your inspirational words. Wish you the best.

[@Tee.wrecks]

the universe works in funny ways bc this message hit me when I really needed it, and this concept has been my focus for this month. running into this video is a great reminder that I'm on the right track

[@TruejoyMagaya-m3f]

I find Happiness in the beautiful girl’s videos

[@nnekaj]

😭🤎🤎🤎

[@kamrynw2982]

Wishing I could watch that intro for the first time again and again

[@nnekaj]

aw mannn you have no idea how happy this made me 😩❤️

[@TheMindfulMadman]

This is what art is all about. Pouring your soul into an idea and allowing your mind and body materialize it into this realm. This journey of “being” is spiritual. And learning to just be is necessary. Thank you for sharing, Nneka. The film is finished but reality is not. We are shifters of paradigms.🎩🚪

[@SUPAORGANISM]

so very grateful for this channel and the work you do through it. i've been circulating around a similar notion (regarding happiness) myself so to see that we all are on the path of figuring it out is beyond reassuring.

[@nnekaj]

thank you so much for being here, my dear ❤️ we really are never alone in what we’re navigating. thank you for letting me know i’m not alone as well.

[@kingsleylaurent562]

The editing was great. Your words were even better. This was a really great piece. I think I noticed an Amsterdam bike ride in one of the clips.

[@nnekaj]

Thank you so, so much! And veryyyy close. It's a shot from Copenhagan 🚲

[@liyahjordannn]

I have to disconnect from everything & really just sit my self, no devices, no music, no tv, a walk if I can & I just like to be.. nothing else & through that gratitude always presents itself & allows me to embask in my current and present self

[@lennoxgalanje3977]

This is divine, needed to hear this

[@lungeloaphiwe8659]

What an incredible, confident woman!!!😩🌸

[@ak_hoops]

I remind myself of my why, which are those that come after me (my nieces cousins). I want to show them that there is a life to live. Also my people (ie family and best friends) remind me to stop and smell my flowers.

[@nnekaj]

what a special group of people you have in your life 🥹❤️ thank you so much for sharing

[@ak_hoops]

⁠@@nnekaj truly blessed to have them all. And thank you for sharing this series and continuing to challenge us! It is so greatly appreciated

[@edenola]

i've pondered this question myself! though still young, I'm learning to just rest and be still in God's hands. there is a time for everything and things that I cannot control. I've released my control and look to Him, thanking Him for every breath and every moment. thank u for this beautiful video and moment of reflection

[@zing111]

So beautiful! How does one become this articulate?🙂‍↔️

[@BABYXJAY]

so inspiring. thank you ❤

[@nnekaj]

thank you for watching, gorgeous!

[@PriscillaHPlat]

Prayer. Sometimes it takes the form of silence, other times it sounds like a monologue, and most times it feels like sitting on a bench with God.

[@Iambimitan]

This was soo good. I can’t start to imagine the effect this has mostly on creatives. It takes grace to keep still and enjoy the now but gratitude is one of the keys that keeps you grounded in the NOW of all things. Joy is internal and can be long term if we know ourselves and accept the changing wheels in time and life but happiness are small bursts of joy from different situations, we should not confuse both. To be able to master both is to find ultimate balance and that changes everything and how we see life. Thank you again for sharing this I always enjoy your videos

[@Frankenstalex]

At my age (32) I try to deal with my sense of happiness like a scale of numbers. I realized that when I am -3 I don't need to be +3. I always try to go back to 0. Like the Master volume of a music mix. Accept was going on, what is in my control, y'know? Works a lot for me. Keep me present. Sometimes is good to avoid high positive numbers tho. At least for a long period.

[@LorenzoMarch]

Beautiful video

[@nnekaj]

thank you, Lorenzo! 🫶🏽

[@Littlenotesfromjo]

I am always so excited and motivated to watch your videos and hear your perspective. I appreciate your art and how you include your viewers every time. For me… I bring myself back to the present by asking myself what is my why. My true why anyway and if the answer ever navigates me to a place where I’m doing it for outside acceptance, I know it might me time to reconsider or figure out if there is a why, an answer that involves me, my internal need. There’s times where I also use my children to bring me back to the present, I speak to them about their dreams and in turn talk to them about mine. There’s something so refreshing about listening to such pure hearts and minds. I learn so much from our conversations and sometimes it reaffirms my direction, sometimes it takes me down a new path; one more in tune with my reality, my present.

[@sharonmega5678]

You are so incredibly talented, and I am so grateful you decided to share your skill, heart and thought with us. Sending you so much love and positive energy

[@veradonald2880]

The quality of everything the video, the question, the words all top notch 🙌👏

[@freethinker1362]

This is so Beautiful and truly inspiring...a Fan all the way from Mzansi 🇿🇦

[@nnekaj]

Wow all the way from Mzansi!! Thank you for watching sir 🙏

[@LaytonObserves]

This is so good

[@nnekaj]

thank you, Layton! 🙏🏽

[@omamaryann2118]

Hi, really really do love your content and i can't wait for the 100th. I think one thing that makes me live in the present even if it's a hard one with endless desire to having it all is the fear of getting to the top and regretting i did things better. Still trying to live right by each day

[@mauricebuckner2562]

She doesn’t miss!!

[@hayley_bailiff]

Wonderful video and message! I pull myself out of the loop by watching videos like yours or reading some Pinterest quotes before bed and letting them soak in

[@Emmyllauren]

To put myself back in the moment, I am a small content creator. I had to put my camera down, but I felt like I was always putting my camera down and I realize that that’s OK. I had to leave the moment I had to stay out the reality that the world create a.k.a. social media and live like a normal person and ask myself. Why do I make videos? I always have to reflect with the small version of myself. What did little Emmy wanted to pursue to see or to make?

[@nnekaj]

I loooove this train of thought and reflection, Emmy! It's so easy to think about the next thing to document while documenting the current thing. It is absolutely necessary to allow yourself to be, to experience, to fully immerse. The digital world can wait sometimes. Thank you for sharing 💗

[@alexandragoenmph]

I love your videos. They're so insightful and they hit hard. As per usual, you've made excellent observations. Can't wait to see how you continue to develop on the platform!

[@thaconqueror777]

How do I pull myself back into the present? I’m learning to not ruminate on things that’s out of my hands. I can’t control my mind. I can only control how I react to it. It’s been a battle for majority of my life and still is. It’s a lose lose situation every time. Fighting my mind is equivalent to me trying to mop the ocean. Which causes more resistance and resentment in my life. So long story long I’m learning to be more present with my thoughts. I feel like once you have a better understanding with your mind. Your path becomes more clear. Btw I love how the audio fluctuates in your video 0:25. I know that’s so random 😂 Overall keep up the good work. You are very inspiring.

[@naturallyaziz]

Who are youuuuu , I’m so grateful to share this world with such creative beings. I commented before I’m going to just tell to again! I VALUE YOUR WORK AND DEEP THOUGHTS in such a cinematic viewpoint. So when you making a film? Ahaha no seriously!! Your filming is critical! 😮‍💨🥰

[@HibaH-lz2tp]

Keep doing a video like this, it’s amazing 😻

[@elisspie]

Your video is great, it makes you think. The pursuit of happiness misses the opportunity to see this happiness..

[@KayN806]

So happy you are back!! I was wondering where you went yesterday 😂

[@nnekaj]

Ayyye!! We have a lot to get through going into the new year my friend! Thank you for thinking of me 💖

[@naturallyus3512]

Why pursue happiness when sadness exists? Are we chasing a feeling? Do we really feel happy doing that very thing we think makes us happy? Because nothing is permanent(on of the laws of the Universe) IJS❤😊

[@Cashmere_Thoughts]

You are sooooo talented ❤ I almost feel like these are too good for youtube lol 😊

[@nnekaj]

awww man 😭❤ !!! thank you SO much, friend!

[@Cashmere_Thoughts]

@nnekaj for sure! Your videos inspire me to get creative, learn new things ect. Your a great storyteller and I hope you stay consistent, I REALLY enjoy your videos ☺️

[@Journeyingwithbrandilyn]

A word!!

[@nnekaj]

Brandilyn! thank you beauty ❤

[@Norris-v1f]

I want to make movies especially psychological thriller's but sometimes I feel like it's a long way to go and pursuing it will be a mountain to climb but whenever I feel down and run away from it I find myself right back to pursuing it but I 💕 your message they're uplifting thank you ❤❤

[@meunfiltered7423]

She's posted😫 I've waited so so long for this Thank you Nneka Love from one Naija girl to another ❤❤❤

[@NoahBility]

Just when i started to wonder when you would release the next installment...the upload appeared on my home page

[@nnekaj]

ayyye! thanks for keeping an eye out for me Noah 🥹🙏🏽

[@nnekaj]

also, amazing username!

[@NoahBility]

@@nnekaj of course! This is a series I look forward to since the introduction to the concept of it And people usually get a lil laugh when they catch the play on words in my artist name 🙏🏾

[@amaraejike3264]

How I take myself back to the present... Hmm, I put down my phone and try the shut the noise out as much as possible and I go spend time with the people I love ❤ and I count my blessings 🙏❤️

[@zaniyaashley3076]

I self evaluate my desires. Wonder why I want this and if it truly benefits me or satisfies me in that time. I pray for confirmation and revelation, read my bible, journal. I've been practicing to be more optimistic while being realistic about my decisions in life. All thanks to God.

[@Zack-Izmir07]

I Miss You Man ☺

[@wisdmsinterest]

Can we get a tutorial or bts sometime 🥹

[@sharabasnight1654]

Good question… still trying to find thee answer/answers ✨💯

[@nnekaj]

take your time, my friend! The answer is always come in the living, the doing ❤️

[@sharabasnight1654]

@ 🙏🏾

[@jerrywaynecalloway]

I have been drowning in my depression because I’ve been feeling unproductive with my life and I have no sense of direction on how to get out of this.

[@HeyQuinton]

Off topic but are the title cards and writing just done by yourself in procreate? Its a beautiful font!

[@nnekaj]

thank you for noticing! the question and number are written by me in procreate 🥹🙏🏽

[@cretokasuto8961]

Her voice is promising… *idk what i mean by that, but dammit do i know what i feel😢❤

[@RADIA-w9e]

That was.. WOW.. what do you call something if the word beautiful doesn’t explain it well