By: Gbolahan Adetayo
Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Bukunmi Oluwasina, has added another feather to her cap with the release of her deeply personal book titled “Looking Forward to Yesterday,” an inspirational memoir that captures her life experiences, motherhood journey, emotional struggles, and growth.
In this revealing conversation, the actress shared the inspiration behind the book, her thoughts on motherhood, personal development, and the deeper meaning behind her unconventional title.
For Oluwasina, the decision to write a book at this stage of her life was both surprising and intentional. Recalling a conversation with her husband, she said he initially questioned her timing, noting that many people tend to write their first books later in life. Her response, however, reflected both humour and depth, as she insisted that her experiences, despite her age, were significant enough to be documented.
Beyond the lighthearted moment, she explained that writing a book had always been on her bucket list. According to her, she waited until she felt mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually ready before embarking on the project. Ultimately, she believed the timing aligned with divine purpose, stating that “God said it was time.”
Explaining the meaning behind the title “Looking Forward to Yesterday,” Oluwasina described it as a reflection of her desire to confront and redefine past experiences rather than bury them. She noted that by doing so, she is able to reshape those experiences and present a renewed version of herself, one that is no longer defined by the past.
The book, she admits, is highly personal. It contains experiences and truths she had never shared publicly, including aspects of her life that many people either misunderstood or knew nothing about. Despite the depth of its content, Oluwasina intentionally limited pre-release publicity, preferring readers to discover the essence of the book themselves. She emphasized that truth is “one of the most expensive things in the world,” and that its value is best appreciated when personally discovered.
While there was no single defining moment that pushed her to write the book, she revealed that her second pregnancy played a significant role in the process. During that period, she became more introspective and self-aware, using the time to reflect on long-held aspirations and eventually bringing the book to life.
Motherhood, she noted, has been one of the most transformative aspects of her life. She spoke candidly about the emotional challenges she faced during pregnancy, particularly in managing hormonal changes while striving to remain a present and attentive mother to her first child. Balancing her emotional state with her responsibilities, she said, was one of her greatest tests.
Beyond the challenges, Oluwasina described motherhood as a deeply fulfilling experience that reshaped her understanding of success. Drawing from a Yoruba proverb, she explained that true fulfillment often lies beyond professional achievements, highlighting the importance of peace of mind and family life.
She further emphasized the importance of intentional living, noting that her ability to balance multiple roles as an actress, filmmaker, mother, and now author comes from prioritising what truly matters and making conscious use of time.
The actress also touched on the lessons embedded in the book, particularly the importance of emotional intelligence. According to her, the ability to control one’s emotions is key to navigating life successfully, describing it as a solution to the majority of human challenges.
Although the book contains deeply personal experiences, Oluwasina admitted that she deliberately withheld certain details to protect relationships and preserve meaningful connections. She stressed that her intention was to heal and inspire, not to damage existing bonds.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed no regrets, stating that every experience has contributed to who she is today. Writing the book, she added, taught her patience and reinforced her belief in divine timing.
On the possibility of future works, Oluwasina hinted that she may explore writing further, particularly in the area of emotional intelligence, following encouragement from readers and her editor.
However, she dismissed the idea of adapting the book into a film, insisting that it belongs to a different space, one meant for readers who seek reflection, knowledge, and quiet introspection rather than visual entertainment.
Addressing public perception, she clarified that she is not driven by societal expectations or pressure, maintaining that she operates on her own timeline and according to her personal convictions.
Her advice to women, especially those navigating life’s challenges, is to live intentionally and make choices based on genuine happiness rather than societal demands. She encouraged individuals to focus on personal growth beyond what is visible to others.
Defining strength in her own terms, Oluwasina described it as self-awareness, accountability, emotional responsibility, and the ability to balance personal aspirations with family life, all while relying on divine guidance.
Ultimately, she hopes that readers, including her children in the future, will understand that their potential is not limited by their past, but shaped by their willingness to grow beyond it.
With “Looking Forward to Yesterday,” Bukunmi Oluwasina offers more than just a memoir, it is a deeply reflective journey into self-discovery, resilience, and the courage to reshape one’s life story.
