“Transaction is going on low-key, don’t wait for a screenshot.”

This simply means that transactions are always happening—gift cards and various coins are constantly being exchanged. You don’t need to wait for proof of payment or a transaction update to know that business is still running smoothly.

This statement crossed my mind this morning as I reflected on the unseen negotiations of life—those that continue with or without our active awareness.

Life itself is full of countless transactions happening every second. While some are visible and public, the majority are silent and hidden from view. And these are not just financial transactions.

I’m talking about the transactions of dreams, goals, desires, and life’s purpose.

At some point in life, we all have big, audacious dreams. But along the journey, we often downsize them ourselves, negotiating with reality and settling for something more “practical.”

After several internal negotiations, the original dream fades away entirely.

This is how I interpret it:

The devil (or circumstances) constantly negotiates us out of our God-given dreams and purposes through different events, thoughts, and fears.

–Canada was the goal, but now you’re settling for Lagos.

–Global was the vision, but now your village seems like the most realistic option.

–Owning multiple businesses was the plan, but now you’ve convinced yourself that one small shop is enough.

–Writing a book was once a dream, but now you tell yourself, “Maybe a few social media posts will do.”

–You once wanted to be a voice in your industry, but now you’re okay being just another silent participant.

–You dreamed of earning in dollars, but now you’ve accepted a paycheck that barely covers your bills.

–You wanted to get a degree abroad, but now you’re settling for online courses you never complete.

–Speaking on global stages was the vision, but now you’re too afraid to even speak up in a small meeting.

–You once wanted financial freedom, but now you’re convinced a 9-5 until retirement is the only way.

–You planned to be fit and healthy, but now you’ve accepted a lifestyle of “it is what it is.”

–You wanted to build a brand, but now you’re settling for being a mere spectator in your industry.

–Becoming a world-class athlete was your dream, but now you hardly exercise.

–You wanted to start a foundation to help others, but now you barely think about it.

–You once believed you would marry for love and purpose, but now you’re settling for just “any available option.”

–You dreamed of learning multiple languages, but now you can barely commit to one.

–You once desired to live a life of impact, but now survival mode has taken over.

–Building generational wealth was the goal, but now you’re just trying to make ends meet.

–You had a vision to be a leader, but now you’d rather not take responsibility.

–Changing the world was once your passion, but now you tell yourself, “Maybe just my street is enough.”

Be mindful of these silent transactions happening in your life. Dreams don’t die overnight—they fade through a series of unnoticed compromises.

Negotiations are constantly going on, don’t wait for proof!

The question is, what have you unknowingly negotiated away?|