A New Lease of Life

It is after deep thought and meditation that I decided to write this particular blog post. It takes me way back to when as a young girl my dad taught me how to ride the bicycle.

 I remember how fascinated I was with the whole thing that I could not stop looking at my feet as I cycled away. This of course was preventing me from seeing where I was going thus ended up falling severally or hitting obstacles and getting hurt.

Needless to say my dad was really exasperated but also patient with me. Ultimately he convinced me to trust him and stop looking at my feet and instead look in front. It is only after letting go of the known motion of my legs that I took a leap of faith in our lessons and my riding ability that I was able to ride flawlessly.

So most of you may wonder what this has to do with the subject matter but allow me to delve deeper. It is through my personal experiences that I was able to understand why we as humans need a new lease of life every once in a while.

 What I mean by a new lease of life is accepting where we have been going wrong and actually deciding to do things differently. It is accepting to say goodbye to mediocrity and average standards and seeking out what you believe is the best for you.

It is also quite scary to say the least as it involves letting go of the safety net we have and venturing boldly into a whole new dimension of life. It is always gradual truth be told one can’t wake up one day and decide to change. It is through going through the motions of life, embracing change that we are able to make that turn around.

Could be that you have been in a relationship platonic, romantic and otherwise and realize it is unhealthy. You come to a point where misery becomes your second name. The fact that Happiness exists seems like a cruel joke played on you. One of those toxic relationships that seem to take life out of you and you can no longer find your esteem.

It could be that originally things were looking bright and you felt ready to take on the world but sometimes things change and other times people do. The minute when you realize you have been hitting rock bottom after rock bottom and feel bold enough to take matters into your hands, that is when you know you are ready to embrace a new lease of life.

It the realization that better actually exists and allowing yourself to take the risks that can open these windows of opportunity. One needs to vanquish this demon known as fear and decide out with the old and in with the new.

The journey may be rough in the beginning but gets easier along the way and in most cases is always worth all the trouble. Baby steps till you are full grown and then you live up to your full potential and you can stop existing and start living.

Like I said it is not easy but even most importantly, it is not impossible. So if you know that there is something that needs turning around, get up and get to it. After all we don’t have a clue of how much longer we are going to be on God's good earth and such is life.

Falling In love and Landing with A Broken Heart.

I can't believe I am living this way

Happiness is now so far, so much at bay

Can't believe that you honestly had to stray

How could a love so sincere  you betray

Goodbye it is, yes this is finally that tragic day.

I loved you oh so much my handsome dear

Now the universal message is oh so very clear

Breaking my heart an act you did with no fear

Next to me you can no longer come too near

A pain in my chest so hard for me to bear

What I wouldn't do for my love, for you

Oceans and seas I would swim through

You were my first, I mean you were my boo

I was so drunk on you, hooked like a brew

And now  it hurts so bad I wish you knew

Now I'm busy trying to patch my broken heart

Going all the way back to square one; the start

If I could escape it all, trust me I would surely dart

Leaving me crashed to you quite the harnessed art

So skilled in it I dare do call you heartbreak Mozart

I might cry today but I know someday I will be glad

You were never right for me cause you made me sad

Never thought I would have you make me feel so bad

True I was burnt but best believe a lesson learned

Moving on from you I will, no doubt about that part.

A Real Campus Diva's Principles

"Campus Divas for Rich Men."
This is a page that has created so much fuss in the last month and elicited all of reactions. Needless to say the condemnation rose loudly above the praise of this particular face book page. Basically the page has a couple of campus students posting their bios and pretty scandalous pictures of themselves looking for rich men to please so long as they get pampered.

In view of what this page stands for under the haughty administrator who honestly could careless of the critics I came up with 5 principles for any self respecting Campus diva.
Principle No. 1
As a decent young lady in campus the first and foremost principle should be to put God first. This is a mantra most young ladies in campus seem to throw to the back seat once well acquainted with campus life. Having God as a leading part of your life will have a positive impact in a girl's life. This relationship will provide a moral compass needed in decision making.
Principle No. 2
Keep the academic fires burning.
 As the modern day campus ladies start their academic life, it is fuelled by the will to do the best in school, all A s. As they progress the sweet little pleasures such as partying from Sunday to Sunday take the fore front. Consequently, their academics take a plunge south slowly but surely headed for the downward spiral. We all know you cannot serve two masters at a time. Eventually the main purpose of going to the university is blurred and results in a "pass" which is nothing exciting to write home about.
Principle No. 3
Never let a man (young or old) control you.
 Opposites attract no doubt about that and at some point we ladies are bound to fall for a guy at some point in most cases. Well there is nothing wrong with that fact, it is extremely tragic when a lady lets herself become a puppet. That simply means being at a man's beck and call and putting his wants and needs first. This always has a 99% negative impact on academics and honestly in life generally. While in the campus age bracket, that is when a lady is at her prime and it is a crying shame having to throw all that away.
Principle No. 4
Personal development.
This is all about focusing on becoming a better person and all rounded. What this simply means is engaging in activities that improve your traits and skills. For instance participating in inter- varsity games, attending workshops, applying for internships during holidays. I am sure you get the drift and those are to mention but a few. This adds value to you as a person and is also a good way of avoiding being idle after all we all know an idle mind is the devil's workshop.
Principle No. 5
Integrity.
This is all about being morally upright and having good conduct. This simply means not doing anything that negates morality. If this principle was strictly and adherently observed then campus divas for rich men, girls sleeping with lecturers for good grades, campus girls filling up Koinange street and strip clubs would be a thing of the past. The nasty stereotype that campus ladies are cheap and classless people would be a story grown old and irrelevant.

Those are my basic guidelines to achieving a lot of positivity in any campus lady's life. This is the real definition of a campus diva and a role model that young girls can look up to. A sure way to honoring all the women who fought so hard for the rights we so freely enjoy to date.

 

An Unlikely Love

This poem was written during one of those days in a relationship that seem so blurry and you feel like the love is gone but still keep on holding on.
                     * * * * *

 I am supposed to move on
 But why am I still holding on
You torture and torment me
But without you I just cannot be.

 I keep on thinking about us
 Were we just a faux pas?
 Is there any hope left?
 So why is it that I feel bereft?

 Tell me what you feel
 Is what we have real?
 Are we letting love pass us by?
 Should we let go and say goodbye?

 I love you more than I can say
 So why should it be this way?
 Is this my cue to walk away?
 Should I hang around at bay?

I wish it wasn't like this
Someone take it away please
I don't need money or any brew
All I ever truly want is you

It's like a labyrinth or a maze
Confusing that it leaves mein a daze
I think I need the amazing grace
To see me through this phase

But I will wait and just see
What this will turn out to be
My heart may be on the verge
Of breaking or taking a purge

I won't give up just yet
Unlikely as it may seem
I still fight for what we have
Coz how will I know
Maybe that you're The one for me.
                * * * * *

We Are The Choices We Make

What do I wear today? What do I eat for lunch? Where will I spend my weekend? Who will I spend it with? Decisions, decisions and so many to choices to make. This is one of the most constant phenomena  I have seen going through life. No matter at what age or what phase in development making choices is something we always have to do. Regardless of the time or place we are constantly faced with a choice to make.

It has been said time and again we a product of the choices we make in life and no statement could be more true. Gradually and surely every choice we make when faced with a decision eventually shapes our destiny and who become. After making wrong choices time and again this reality sunk in with so much depth and conviction it shocked me at first.

Come to think of it, what is the difference between say two relatively bright kids with around the same level of potential, whereby one fails and the other does exceptionally well? Isn't it the choices they make? One may decide to study real hard and the other to slack in their studies and ultimately hard work will go rewarded. I must also admit that indeed every rule has an exception and that not all the choices we make in life have a direct bearing on who we eventually become.

All in all there is undeniable evidence that most of the choices we make end up sometimes changing the course of our lives. Some actions have irreversible consequences no doubt for instance a wild night getting high and leading to wreck less and unprotected sex. Say for instance that one of the partakers is HIV positive and ends up infecting the partner, what next? Wouldn’t the destiny of the recently infected party change and take a new course? There is no turning back from such a situation and what is done can't be undone in that kind of situation.

I could give another case scenario where say you are the average Kenyan rushing off to work trying to avoid the trappings that come with being late. Maybe you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and had to battle with horrific traffic on your way to work. You get off the matatu or bus and are in a hurry to cross the road to get your office. The traffic lights is clearly lighting up green and you are looking from your clock to the flow of cars trying to make a choice between crossing or waiting for the lights to turn red.

Depending on the choice you make, you can either cross the road before it is safe and risk ending knocked down. There is a possibility that one of the cars may knock you down and you could either get a minor injury, paralyzed or die. All the same you may have lady luck on your side and get away untouched and unharmed. All the same you can avoid the gambling with your own life and wait for the right time to cross the road.

So to wrap it up , may we always embrace wisdom and common sense in all the choices we make and be able to live with them. Nothing can bring so much misery to a soul like regret and going down the "I wish I knew" road in life. Undeniably there is no escaping the fact that we have to make decisions every day in life but may we learn from others and past mistakes.

Steve Harvey's Act Like A Lady Book Review

The book Act like a Lady, Think like a Man was quite an interesting read I must admit. I got hooked from the first few pages and kept going non-stop till the very end. The introduction was catchy and really aroused my interest. At first I was quite skeptical as there are always millions of guides on relationships out there and each always claims to profess good command of the subject. All the same I decided to give Steve Harvey the benefit of doubt plus the fact that he really used to make me laugh on sitcoms didn’t hurt. In the first few pages he talks about his life and how he started out and points out that his show,” Ask Steve” and his daughters are his inspiration for putting pen to paper. He says that the reason for writing is to empower women to know exactly what goes on in men’s mind and make informed and proper decisions.
The major highlights of the book are:
•    What Drives Men; he starts by saying that men are simple beings and are driven by three main things. Those are: who he is, what he does and how much he makes and adds that so long as he has not achieved along those lines he will be too busy to be focused on the woman he is in a committed relationship.
•    How Men Love; this was one chapter that I was more than glad to dig into. According to Steve Harvey men show their love in three basic ways.
 Those are:
 Professing; that is by acknowledging who the lady in his life is. For example, introducing her as his girlfriend, his girl, his baby mama, his fiancé or his wife. If he does not introduce you as any of the above maybe by your name or just as a friend then there is nothing more than friendship going on.
Providing; Steve falls back on the societal dogma that men should provide for their families and that it is part of men’s reason for existing, bringing home the bacon. He wraps it up by saying that the more a man is able to provide, the more alive he feels.
Protecting; basically in this part of the book talks about how any man who truly loves his lady should protect her from harm. That once a man cares about you, you as his lady become a prized possession worthy of his protection.
An even more interesting part of the book is the three things every man wants and needs. These are Support, Loyalty and” the Cookie”. Almost naturally I found myself drawn to what he had to say about” the cookie”. He sums it up by saying that men need to be physically engaged with the woman they love and that’s the only way men connect. With these three things that come naturally to women, men are good to go.
The rest of the book goes through concepts like “the 90 day rule” and strongly advocates for it. He mentions some indicators that describe the way a man treats a lady who he wants from a lady who he is just having fun with. He draws up a few case scenarios of how to talk to your man in a way that doesn’t put him on the defensive.
He continues to point out instances ladies can use to see if they are compatible with their male partners. In a nut shell he gives his take on the male stereotypes such as “players” and “mama’s boys” as well “non-committer.” As the book comes to a close he takes up a question and answer session where he answers questions from his lady audience.
My take is that it is an interesting read and there are some undeniable truths quotes more so, I would recommend it as a book to unwind with. At the same time am not proclaiming it is the cure to any ailing relationship after all its Steve’s opinion. It has a similarly titled movie corresponding with the book produced by Steve himself. The movie has a good cast and is quite comical and in line with the theme of the book.
Rating: 8/10.

Now and Forever Only Yours

You're love for me is so heavenly
And I know it will last eternally
I accept you and all you give gladly
You're mine and I yours wholly
I am now and forever, only yours.

I know this is just the beginning
To a love with so much meaning
One that is so truly everlasting
An eternity with you I'll be spending
I am now and forever, only yours.

By the best, I've surely been loved
A kind of love I thought I'd been deprived
But with you I know happiness  won't be denied
Your loving so good, leaves me satisfied
I am now and forever, only yours.

I am complete with you dear
In my heart you are ever near
By my side What have i to fear?
With you I know I shall never tear
I am now and forever, only yours.

You are showing me what I've never seen
Taking me to places I've never been
I'm not afraid to always come clean
As I know to me you'll never be mean
I am now and forever, only yours.

Take me wherever you go
From me you'll rarely get a 'no'
Because of you true love I know
And I am sure it will deeply grow
I am now and forever, only yours.

You always make me smile
With you by me I'd go a mile
Sticking by your side all the while
Daily getting sweeter far from bile
I am now and forever, only yours.

With you affection I'll never feign
You are king and in my heart you reign
I would endure any kind of pain
For you ,with you only I would only gain
I am now and forever, only yours.

Enjoying the little pleasures of life

So many times we go along life feeling troubled and frustrated such that we don't take time to appreciate the little pleasures in life. We worry so much about finances, futile job searches, unmet targets, deadlines and so many other things such that we forget what is truly important.

Then again, what is truly important in life? The top most thing must be the fact that one indeed possess the gift of life. Think about it... If you were not alive you wouldn't even be able to worry or get disappointed. You would miss out on both the good and bad stuff and in a nutshell have nothing.

So even before you start musing about how little you earn or why that job promotion is taking ages, think about all the things that you do have,some of which you don't pay a single cent for. I mean nobody gets a deduction on their payslip reading "Sunshine Bill" or even worse"Oxygen Tax".

All these things are graciously given to us by our maker , free of charge yet we get so consumed we dont even have a chance to enjoy them. So take a minute and think about it even before you start counting all the "must haves" you need.

Imagine this case scenario...what if there were angels in heaven working in the "prayer request" department? Some of us would be very much responsible for making the poor angels working overtime. Always 'ask' 'ask' 'ask' but rarely 'thanks' 'thanks' 'thanks'.

So next time before you throw your hands in exasperation at that inconsiderate matatu driver for almost hitting your car. Just say "thank you God for I have a car." Lady before you scream at that adorable two year old because he is being a handful, take minute and say "thank you God for my baby."

Take some time off your daily schedule to do the proverbial "smelling of the flowers". Enjoy the sun, take a walk and enjoy the scenery, the trees and the flowers. Spend time with a loved one or call up an old friend.

In short life is how we live it , so take it one day at a time and enjoy the little pleasures of life.

Myriads of a Forbidden Love.

Could I freeze this moment
Could it please stay this way
Could you dare not walk away
Could you please not stray

Could we escape just now
Could we run away together
Could we overcome these forces
Could we survive this wave of separation

Could we just get away from it all
Could we finally be one at all
Could we love and never let go
Could I be yours and you mine
Could we just not have to hide

Could we touch and kiss with no rush
Could we hold each other and not stop
Could we get that chance to go wild
Could we get beyond the inhibition
Could we love with no limitation

Could I? Could you?
Could we?
Guess we will never know if we don't try.

THE PROMISE

If you wait for me
Then I'll come for you
Although I've traveled far
I always hold a place for
You in my heart

If you think of me
If you miss me
Once in a while
Then I'll return to you
I'll return and fill
That space in your heart

Remembering....
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
If you'll be waiting

If you dream of me
Like I dream of you
In a place
That's warm and dark
In a place
Where I can feel
The beating of your heart

Remembering....
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
If you'll be waiting

I've longed for you
And I've desired
To see your face
Your smile
To be with you
Wherever you are

Remembering....
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way
Back to you
If you'll be waiting
Please say you'll be waiting

Together again
It would feel so good
To be in your arms
Where all my journeys end
If you can make a promise
If it's one that you can keep
I vow to come for you
If you'll wait for me

And say you'll hold
A place for me
In your heart.

*******THE END*******

A GOOD READ

Story of Appreciation*
One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made the last decision. 
The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score. The director asked,"Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none"
The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees. The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner.
The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect. The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. 
Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me. The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.* The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. 
His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid. The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water. 
This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation,academic excellence and his future. After finishing the cleaning of his mother's hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.
 That night, mother and son talked for a very long time. Next morning, the youth went to the director's office. The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?" The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes The Director asked, " Please tell me your feelings." 
 The youth said: Number 1. I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not the successful me today.
 Number 2. By working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. 
Number 3. I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.
 The director said, " This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired. 
 Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.
 A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others.
 For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?
* You can let your kid live in a big house, give him a Driver & Car for going around, Eat a Good Meal, learn Piano, Watch a Big Screen TV. But when you are Cutting Grass, please let them experience it. After a Meal, let them Wash their Plates and Bowls together with their Brothers and Sisters. Tell them to Travel in Public Bus, It is not because you do not have Money for Car or to Hire a Maid, but it is because you want to Love them in a right way. 
You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will Grow Grey, same as the Mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

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WOMEN,SUCH MARVELOUS BEINGS!

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day An angel came by and said: “Why spend so much time on that one?”
 And the Lord answered: “Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her ?" 
“She must be washable, but not made of plastic, have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and she must function on all kinds of food, she must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken hearth and she must do all this with only two hands”.
 The angel was impressed. “Just two hands....impossible!“ And this is the standard model?! “Too much work for one day....wait until tomorrow and then complete her“.
 “I will not”, said the Lord. “I am so close to complete this creation, which will be the favorite of my heart”. 
“She cures herself when sick and she can work 18 hours a day”. The angel came nearer and touched the woman. 
“But you have made her so soft, Lord” “She is soft", said the Lord, “But I have also made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome.“ “Can she think?" the angel asked. 
The Lord answered: “Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate." 
The angel touched the woman's cheek.... 
“Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her.” “She is not leaking....it’s a tear” the Lord corrected the angel “What’s it for?" asked the angel. And the Lord said: “Tears are her way of expressing grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride.” This made a big impression on the angel;
 “Lord, are genius. You thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvelous!" Indeed she is!

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MY LOVER WOULDN'T HEED MY CALL

MY LOVER WOULDN'T HEED MY CALL:

I remember the first time him I saw

Boy, didn't it send shivers down my spine

From then on to myself I made a vow

That one day with him I would finally dine

But my lover wouldn’t heed my call.

Day in, day out him I would time

When and where he passed myself I found

He  smiled; the bells in my heart would chime

Everything about my sweet was truly divine

But my lover wouldn't heed my call.

How I wish you could all see his lovely smile

Oh, how to see it I would walk many a mile

His charming ways, my time oh so worthwhile

To reach out to him, I tried all my womanly wiles

But my lover wouldn't heed my call.

Days gone by, I asked myself, "how much longer?"

The attraction only kept growing stronger

For him to notice me I had to be bolder

For him to see and accept me I had to be closer

But my lover wouldn’t heed my call.

So with my friends our hands we joined

We sat down and together we planned

My untold suffering had to be eliminated

My lover had to heed to the call I beckoned

But my lover wouldn’t heed my call.

So one day my plans finally sailed through

A chance to talk to him I luckily got

To him I presented my proposed draft

But he said we had to have a referendum first

So my lover didn’t heed my call.

The day dawned and to the poll they went

My heart kept hoping for the' yes' to win

Hours slowly dragged by that voting day

Lady luck was on my side and the yes vote won

But my lover didn’t heed my call.

Ah…I remember the day of promulgation

The day my heart sang with such jubilation

The day I said goodbye to all my frustration

When I showed the door to all mediation

But my lover still wouldn't heed my call.

Till now I keep pinning for him slowly

Even after litigation,"aluta continua"

Our enemies I shall have to fight boldly

When shall I enjoy our union? I ask sadly

When my lover still doesn’t heed my call.

I will never give up on us though

If I succeed the benefits I will enjoy

So I keep trying through and through

Like for Helen I will fight as did Troy

And one day, my lover will heed my call.

PREFIX:

This is a poem that uses the persona I to represent Kenya and The lover written about is the new constitution. It talks of the hurdles in the implementation process and the hope that one day it will come to pass.

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR DEAR YOUTH.

Dear Youth,

 "You are the leaders of tomorrow." I am sure we have heard this phrase countless number of times and somehow it always sounds right. Today I want to challenge this rather popular belief and infer to the Swahili saying "msema kesho ni mwongo." Truly, truly tomorrow never comes, we should act NOW! 

Now is the time to be those leaders, not today evening or tomorrow, next month or next year but NOW! For how long will we take shelter in our cocoons being too afraid to speak our mind? How long will we sit back and agree to be manipulated causing chaos? It is a crying shame that we always satisfy those who stereotype us as "rowdy" and "irresponsible". Allow me take you back to the post election violence that rocked our nation between Dec 2007 and Jan 2008. The perils that came along with it can fill a whole book. It was gorry and quite frankly brought the nation to its knees. The worst case scenario is that it is the youth who were hired and used to perpetrate it.

  Recently we have witnessed the Tana River Delta clashes between the Pokomo and Oromo primarily because of water. The youth sorry to say are the ones who propagated the violence. This was a crisis that could have been mitigated calmly and peacefully to satisfy both parties using mediation by their leaders. However it was not and the consequences were tragic leaving hundreds of families displaced and the young ones deeply traumatised. Let's take a closer look at the political figures surrounding the whole issue. The chief for one is currently being held responsible of inciting the violence. The area member of parliament on the other hand is busy shifting blame to the minister of internal security. This leaves me asking if we, the young people in this nation, don't take a stand against the ethnic clashes and violence, who will? Lord knows if we wait upon our politicians, it will be a long, long and painful wait and the lossses will be tremendous. 

 Another recent incident is the Mombasa riots protesting against the assassination ofthe alleged Al-Shabab sympathizer, Sheikh Rogo. Within just a period of just 2 days Mombasa has been turned upside down. It has drastically regressed from being an elite tourist hub to being a city in turmoil. Shops and businesses being closed down, banks being broken into and chrches being burnt down. The once peaceful city now has the sound of gunshots replacing the chirping birds in the air. The incident is threatening to further spark a war between Christians and Muslims. This is the last thing our already struggling economy and the nation as a whole need. We should find peaceful ways of expressing our woes and not taking to the streets protesting violently. One group that am sure is very much pleased by the turn of events is the MRC movement of the"pwani si kenya" philosophy. This is yet another disappointing develoment when I look at the contribution of the youth. 

Touching lightly on the Miguna public humiliation, he found himself jumping into hot soup soon after his public address trying to market his book in Mombasa. He was harassed and stripped of one shoe and his sgnature hat. To add salt to injury, he was forced to stay hidden in one of the rooms in the building till the mayhem cooled down. Once again the main perpetrators were young people. We need to find respectable channels of expressing different opinions. A channel that takes into account the fundamental constitutional rights of a Kenyan citizen. For those who have a bone to pick with Miguna in regards to his book;keep in mind that he indeed has the freedom of expression.

 Kenya has a population of 38 million and more than 70% comprises the youth, shocking but also true. So honestly i believe if we embraced the "umoja ni nguvu" philosophy we can truly be the change we want to see in Kenya. The minute we stop shifting blame to politicians and giving them the keys to our destiny,then will we get the much needed revolutinary change. 

One thing we should keep in mind is that we have the power to bring about change. We have the powero vote in the right leaders to propel us to greatness and give the boot to those who have failed us time and again. Lastly i would like to urge the educated population who am sure are a good number of people to take some time and mentor the rest. In most cases the majority of youth being manipulated to do these chaotic acts are those who feel they have nothing to live for. It may be that they have no proper education thus no proper jobs. Therefore, they wait upon and maximize on such opportunities as mentioned above to make a coin or two from those more than willing to pay for their" services". My last call, young Kenyans rise above the "ushenzi" in our beloved country, say no to violence and tribalism and take an active stand in propagating change starting with yourself!

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LASTING RELATIONSHIPS :8 SIMPLE RULES.

So much has been said on relationships. Lord knows there have been millions of books sold and hundreds of tv talk shows. Don't even get me started on the multiple radio talks shows and the “Dr. Loves “ out there daily giving advice on relationships. Now, I do not claim to be the best but through experience and observation, I came up with 8 golden rules for relationships built to last. 

 RULE NO.1: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. 

 This is the most basic rule you should observe if you want to have any type of successful relationship. Knowing what you want from someone and letting them know is key. This usually saves a lot of time and effort from both parties. This tremendously reduces the frustration of always ending up with the wrong person

RULE NO.2: DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP(D TR) 

This is really essential when it comes to any type of relationship. Lord knows there are many types out there: friends,lovers, friends with benefits just to mention but a few. By defining the relationship, both parties seats know what is expected of them,making life easier for everybody. 

RULE NO.3: LAYING DOWN GROUND RULES. 

The fact that humans have a natural tendency to break rules is one I can't deny. But then again rules are the guidelines that direct actions and by laying them down relationships can always be set straight when they stray. An example;no meeting the parents until after the fifth date. 
 RULE NO.4: FORGIVENESS “Forgive and forget.“ A phrase we've heard countless number if times but do we really practice it? In order to stay in a relationship you need to forgive and let go. People will always make mistakes and we should accept that. If you can't forgive, you will be a constant reminder to people on when they failed and let's face it,who wants that in their life? Many will claim that there are unforgivable deeds and maybe so but that's a topic of another day. 

 RULE NO.5: KNOWING WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE.

 Arguments are a natural part of a relationship. That's all because we are different thus we will always have a difference of opinion. At the end if the day, for a relationship to last, one has to draw the line somewhere. Somewhere close enough to avoid seriously denting the mutual respect for each other.

 RULE NO. 6: STANDING FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

 Sometimes in a relationship, we find ourselves so taken by our partner that we completely forget to establish a stand. I have fallen victim to this once or twice. Lesson learnt i in order to earn respect from your partner you need ti stand your ground. In as much as you may want to avoid friction, picking a stand and holding it down is important. To establish mutual respect, one should stand for what they believe. The only catch is to know when you're wrong and accepting to change. 

 RULE NO.7:GOING THE EXTRA MILE.

 Yeah I said it! The extra mile! Quite frankly relationships involve sacrifice. That starts by putting another person‘s needs/wishes into consideration. Going the extra mile gives your relationship that luster that never fades. It makes the other person feel appreciated and more often than not willing to do the same.(Unless of course you are with the wrong person). Relationships built to last are hehe self serving

 RULE NO.8: BEING PROUD OF YOUR MATE. 

This is the last but not least of my 8 simple rules. Be proud of who you are with! This boosts their esteem and puts that glow in their heart and smile. When you are four of someone, you like to show them off and never want to lose them. You'll defend and always stand up for them. So ladies and gentlemen, always be proud of who you are dating, it could do wonders for you both. So thus concludes my 8 simple rules of lasting relationships.

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THE MYSTERY OF LOVE.

LOVE

 So much has been said about you

 So many movies have been acted 

 So many books have been written

 All trying to explain to mankind 

Who you are Or is it what you are ?

 Many seek you earnestly 

 They travel far and wide 

Just so they can have you 

Are you an elusive dream?

 Are you even real ?

 How is the best way to find out 

 Are you hiding from us all?

 Personally am yet to answer such questions as these

 If love is good, why do people do bad things

 And give you as the excuse ?

 Why does it make people jealous 

Or what strong feeling is that ? 

The good book tells us that love is enduring

 All bearing, patient ,not selfish..... 

So should a wife bear battering in the name of love?

 Is that really true love or a life line we cling on to help us get by?

 Does one fall out of love just as they fell in ? 

Can you love more that one person at a time? 

Does love dwindle like the flame of a burning candle? 

O should it grow and spread like a bush fire?

 So so many questions about you love 

If there's anyone out there with all the answers 

 They must truly be wise Love oh love..... 

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LESSONS FROM THE EQUITY LEADERSHIP CONGRESS

“Developing a global edge .” That was the theme of this year’s congress and indeed it was depicted through out. There were various speakers, all prominent in their various fields and professions. Each delivered their message in the best yet easily comprehensible way. 

I particularly was rather challenged by a message by Kenneth Njiru of the “Uungwana Vs Ushenzi “campaign. His major highlights were on how everything rises and falls on leadership. That in order to truly be great leaders we should start by leading our very own selves.

He spoke very passionately on how our country has given in to ‘ushenzi’ to be the order of the day. Even before pointing fingers at politicians and rogue business people, we should start with ourselves. Time and again we have heard about the famous Mahatma Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see.” But honestly very few of us have actually sat down and thought about where to start.

How many times have you actually broken a promise you meant to keep? How many times have you arrived late only because you decided to sleep a little longer? How many times have you performed poorly in a test all because you were too lazy to study? How many times have you lied simply because it was the easier way out?

The sad answer if we were totally honest is, many times, and those are just a few case scenarios. We keep waiting for this big revolutionary change to rock us and that is where we go completely wrong.  It is the small things we do on a day to day basis that help us grow and become great.

If you had one bad trait, say always being late, it is by changing that weakness that will make you gradually transform it into a good habit. In the long run it becomes a way of life, thus eliminating the problem with punctuality. The same principle can be applied in all other varing situations and overall create a positive culture.

The most important thing in stopping the “ushenzi-like” practices is starting NOW! Not in the next 5 minutes, the next hour or even tomorrow but now. Only then can we kill this terminal illness known as procrastination. Only then we can we actually map out the way ahead for evolving into a more reliant and self sufficient people.

So in a nutshell all we do, how we do it and when we do it, we should seek to curb any “ushenzi-like” habits and grow into “wangwana”. Let’s stop being mediocre and only then can we reach our full potential and take our nation, continent and globe as a whole to greater heights. Let us live and breathe the philosophy-“Muungwana ni Kitendo.”