Life Is Huge(Graduation Speech-Dec 5,2014)

The Journey It Has Been.

I stand amazed by the might works of God. 

Looking back at the path it has been, I must confess it has been a long way. Stemming from birth in May 11, 1991 with heavy cheeks which have disappeared as I get older, to joining nursery school in 1996 which I was hesitant. To be separated from the love and care of my parents at home was just too much for me. I was timid then. In fact, were if not for my Dad who insisted on retaking the nursery school oral exam I would not be here today, for I would have redone one year after keeping quiet during the test. In his presence I talked, he gave me the confidence, to tell Ms Njoki, and the head teacher what those shapes and colours were and that qualified me to join Kari Primary. 

How can I forget that incident in 1999.I was in class three. I had been sent me a queen cake, unfortunately I didn’t connect the ‘queen’ part of the cake, to me a cake was cake then, and therefore I went and brought a ‘mukonye’(muffin) .She sent me back with it to get a queen cake!, oh my good lord, on going back the ‘queen’ was still not ringing in my head and so I brought an andazi!,Guess what? She sent me back again! By now it would be suicidal not to have remembered the ‘queen’ part of the cake.Ms Mutire, you taught me not to settle for anything less than what we want in life. 

How can I forget Chemistry lessons in Mugoiri Secondary between 2005-2008.To me those 40 minutes or 80 minutes were a chance for me to learn what life is. The teacher could in fact spend the entire session teaching us how to live. I knew so well I could make reference from books for me to pass exams, but where could I have made reference when it came to life? Mr Ndegwa, you came in handy, I listened. I’ve have applied very little of the Chemistry but I’ve applied most of your life lessons. I’ve found issues becoming light by using my 5 common senses as you insisted. I’ve also realized the power of a 6th sense-the conscience, it’s still alive and super alert. 

In 2010, October 12, I joined the University of Nairobi, to pursue Bachelor of Commerce and majored in Procurement& Supply Chain Management, few know how I spent my life there. Let me shed some light on what made me a who I am so far; I made vow with myself on the 1st day not to engage in drugs or be sexually immoral. That vow carried me along my entire campus life. I deliberately chose who and where to hang out and mostly I got involved in Christian Union activities. I also took risks by trying business and vying in campus politics. This will sound bad, but looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I made; spending less time in theoretical class work and attending more of seminars, talks and browsing Internet. I made friends, good friends, I’ve at least one close person in almost all of the 47 counties of this country and lucky enough even outside the country. Meeting transformative lecturers the likes Dr. Bitange Ndemo, XN Iraki, Mr Mulwa, Dr Njihia, Dr Madam Kinoti also had a bigger impact in my life.

From the bottom of my heart.

I’d wish to express my sincere appreciations to the following;

My relatives;

 Grandma, uncles, aunties and cousins. Your words of encouragement kept me going. That prayer from my grandma every time I was leaving from long holiday gave me energy to start the semester. 

Teachers;

Let the entire staff of Kari Primary School know that I’m grateful to all, for the journey they started, filling my empty brain. Let the entire staff of Mugoiri Secondary know, they are part of me, and will forever lift the name of the school high. UoN community, you’ve taught me to appreciate life is huge.

The society and Church

The society back at Murang’a and most importantly those who have made it here treated me like their own son, whenever I did wrong they didn’t hesitate to reprimand or even report me to my parents. May that collective responsibility continue. And ACK Kari Church, thank you for instilling a spiritual direction in me right from a Sunday school boy up to now.

Friends;

At times life hits us hard, our self-esteem tested and confidence wilted but I’ve the best friends. They have always been there when I need them most. Nguma, from playing together since childhood to helping me in areas I was weak in secondary school and the support you’ve continued giving me after campus, you will forever be blessed for your big heart. Mercy, after sharing my passion and goals with you after campus, your one sentence has kept me going, ’I believe in you Sam’, it’s all I needed, you’ve remained special and wise to me. Phinehas, Velma, Purity, Freshiah, Rahab & Kinuthia; the laughter, pats in the back &exchange of ideas made my campus life memorable. Thanks too Jimmy, at times I overspent and your M-pesa came to my rescue. Njoroge, thanks, the computer skills you taught me have been of much help. The list can be long.All those who have taken their time to advise and help in one way or another I salute and respect you.

Parents.

MUM & DAD YOU ARE THE BEST.

You’ve made sacrifices to see me through and ensuring never at once was I sent home for fees. You’ve believed in me right from childhood that even when I left books at Wagakai’s shopping centre, you still knew that somehow your son will pass, even when you left me at the shop to serve customers as early as class three & four and customers thought I stayed there so that I could inform you when they alived only to serve them with diligence and they were surprised, you made me realize there was something unique in me. It made me confident. The freedom you gave me to do anything I wanted as long as I didn’t bring trouble home instilled a sense of responsibility and creativity. It made my childhood memorable and fun. I’m forever nostalgic of my childhood days. And those rib cracker jokes from Dad, waaa, makes me smile even when I’m alone.

I will never disappoint you. God bless you. Thank you. Regardless of how many degrees I will have, I’m still your kid and will always listen to you. John ‘Mageria’ (and family) and Joseph ‘Musiekuna’,( hehe, I know the latter will give me a lecture, haina pressure, see you) thanks for the support, its fun and blessing to have you as my brothers. We are meant to go far as a family, and yes we will.

God

Many others worked harder than me but they didn’t get an opportunity like this. Nobody applied to be born the way they were, or by the parents who bore them or be brought up in a certain way under certain circumstances, for me it has been only God’s favor in my journey. I will always humble myself before Him. It’s not the end He is taking me places.

The Big Question; Now that I’ve graduated what next?

I have started feeling the weight of graduating, huuuu. With so much expected from me, it can be a tricky affair. The glory and glamour of graduating will end in the next few minutes. And the reality of our lives will dawn. The next thing you will be asking is what does Sammy do nowadays? The mindset our system has instilled in us; Go to school, get good grades, get good job, marry a beautiful wife, get 2 kids, buy a car, build a nice house…and then, probably wait to die. Others will expect to be seeing me in suits and tie, with a protruding pot belly,(Hewu,!Tufiakwa! chiniiike me, if I’m unable to tie my shoe laces because of utambi). This can be a limiting perspective, though the above will make our life sweet. But nowadays there is no colleration between good grades/academics (as most Kenyans are easily access tertiary level education making competition super stiff) and success in life (success is broader than riches), I mean haven’t you seen a graduate who is morally, socially and spiritually rotten or struggling financially? Is it not true some of the most learned are the mega corrupt? Do you think the drugs and prostitution cartels are handled by people who have just basic education? 

Well to me life is all about purpose and passion not necessarily material possessions, this should come as a bonus. I’ve been searching for that one thing that I will enjoy doing whether it will pay peanuts or millions, the bottom line is, I should do what is giving me a reason to wake up tomorrow energized. But then we can’t run away from the fact we need money, and lots money for a comfortable life, the cost living is high. In Kenya I’ve realized if one wants to make some serious money enter politics and/or business or go illegal by selling drugs/black market/corrupt deals As a result I’ve made a choice, which I’m passionate about; creating a business system (I need serious money too, ha). A business system in this context is a venture that can make money whether you are present or not, the difference with employment is, for the latter if you are not working you cannot earn. I’ve been trying in a small way, most times I’ve failed, which is part of learning, it’s not an easy choice but I’m willing to do what it takes to have a successful venture. For now, I may even be forced to work when the worse comes to worse but employment is just not my thing. I’ll be happier for one to mentor & support me in this than offer me a job. 

Writing & Speaking message of hope, entrepreneurship and telling the world to live fearlessly and pursue their true calling is also something else I’m passionate about. By the way I’d love if you can take a walk to a public cemetery or remember a close person who died with their dreams and passions fearing what others will say about them, magnifying the problem than the solution, just stuck in something they hated doing….I always ask myself several questions before taking any action, some of them are: Is it against the Bible? What is the worst case scenario of my action? In my deathbed or some time to come will I my conscience haunt me for doing or not doing it? I also remember my younger me, the things I feared doing or talking my mind and heart out or opportunities that passed me because I wasn’t bold enough. By the way, imagine the things you feared when you were 5/10/20/30/40…yrs, do they still scare you? .Some years from now it won’t matter and probably you will sit down and punch yourself why you failed to do or not do it. Let’s be bold and face it fearlessly with passion and zeal because whatever one is going through it will soon pass and life is huuuuuuuuge! 

Finally good people mentor someone. If for example Mr Ndegwa (To me he was and is a life coach) kept quiet from talking about other issues of life apart from books, could I have benefited from his wisdom apart from just passing exams? Life is not all about me. The aspect of individualism has penetrated .Leave a mark, however simple it will be. The society needs you and me, there are people who are disadvantaged they only need someone to tell them, ’Yes, you can do this, ‘Keep on trying’, ’Good job’. Someone to shed some knew knowledge on how to do things better. I stand to be counted, will you?, Will you support me in this?. Ms Njoki go tell Kari pupils I said yes they are not doomed, Mr Ndegwa tell Mugoiri students I believe in them, we made it with Nguma,they are no exception, for we had no magic . Mr Nderitu go tell ACK Kari all is not lost, they is hope…and I tell Murang’a all is not lost. Mercy will you give Kitui hope?,How about Velma? Kakamega is looking up to you, Purity Embu needs you, Rahab Kilifi can’t wait any longer,Phinehas Nyandarua is waiting, Uncle ,Transzioa is waiting…..And all of us Kenya is waiting, let’s go impact and encourage one  another .Lend a helping hand. 

It’s not how the degree I have acquired plus more I will acquire since this just the beginning will help me, but how it can help many, for if my brother is in trouble so do I. 

God bless you.

Goodbye Employment

There comes a time when you have to make a choice between the ideal reality and the real reality.
Every day we make  choices that will make us who we will be tomorrow.In fact our today is as a result of our yesterday choices and it goes without saying that our tomorrow will be as a result of today's choices.

Some times back in my 3rd year of study in Campus my room mate asked me why I'm studying.Without much thinking I told him,'I'm studying to make myself unemployable'.I hadn't understood what's all the fuss over with employment but I can now guess a few things being faced with such a situation of whether to look for a job or not.Employment is secure because at the end of the month one is assured of a salary to foot off the bills.Job gives one a higher social status.It also offers a career growth.

Having gone through the curriculum,one is faced with several alternatives;Get into trying their hand in business by applying the skills they learnt,Get a job,Self-employment,Invest(few can take this route because of informational &financial constraints),Volunteer.The easiest paths is getting a job,one only needs to apply without ceasing till it comes by and volunteering.

I've chosen to take the path less taken,though majorly in Africa venturing in business is seen as for academic failures or dropouts it bothers me less.It's a choice career I've made,to be an entrepreneur regardless of all the papers I have and will acquire.I must confess it's one of the biggest risk I've ever taken with my life.Family and friends were surprised but have rendered their helping hand.That's all I need, someone to believe in me and leave the rest.

It's  more satisfying for me to rub shoulders with hustlers and look for connections and business networks than be in an Italian suit and bow tie in an elevator,faking a smile while dying inside.It's more satisfying for me to earn little and watch it grow to an empire than be a slave.It's more satisfying for me to fail once ,twice,thrice,struggle to foot off my bills than get reprimands that will never add value to my later life only pressure.

Some may think ooh,this dude has received  some financial back up to start off,ooh,..honestly no,in fact my net-worth as we speak now could be negative,but you know what something keeps telling me I can do excellent in entrepreneurship.And as we know that faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen,this is enough for me.I have the end in mind and that is what will keep me going despite how rough the journey might be.At times life may even get to that of a Boxer a character in Mumford & Sons song ....but the fighter still remains.

Wish you well my corporate friends and former course mates,I'll be more than glad if you buy one or two of my products.
See you at the top.I'd also appreciate so much to get a entrepreneur mentor via this platform.

Use Your Common Senses.

The core part of every vehicle a mechanic will tell you is it's engine.Likewise human beings have the core part that controls all their activities and that is the brain.The brain reacts to impulses that are received from the sensory organs via common senses.There are 5 common senses these are the sight,hearing,touch,smell,taste.I can add a 6th one the instinct.The 6th is when we are describing scenarios we say,'Something told me...','I sensed...','I felt uneasy...',others describe the instinct by saying say God spoke/communicated.

When I was in Secondary School,there was a Chemistry teach who I liked and I still like till today but was hated by many,Mr Ndegwa. He used 'harsh' language,others said he was rude/snobbish but somehow I liked him.Most of the time especially during Chemistry practicals he used to 'insult' by saying,'Can you use your common senses!','Are you thinking!'.I saw this  as 'insults'.I felt pierced in the heart and I was like,'Kwani what does this mwalimu think I'm using my head for'.


One day during a practical lesson,we carried out an experiment and he asked all of us to  say what we observed.As he used to say, that's when I realized that common senses are not common to all.The answers that people gave from what they saw,heard,touched and smelt turned out to be the one of the most comical classes I've ever attended.Some probably had problem expressing in logical language what they observed but all the same it was just,Wa Wa!

In an exam set up it also turns out that what you observed is what you recorded and is what you used to make conclusion with.And I remember during KCSE in Chemistry Practical exam after carrying out an experiment the colour changed to pale green but on looking back at the person just one index number behind me,he had done the same experiment and the colour was deep blue!.I paused,closed my eyes and recalled what Mr Ndegwa used to say,'Write what you can see not what you think it's supposed to be or what  your friend has observed'.I must confess that his deep blue colour was more convincing than my pale green but I used what I saw for explanations,that became my chemistry results.

In life we must use our common senses wisely,if we make the wrong observation(In this case the information we hear/see,things we touch,smell and taste) that is what we shall record in our brains and is what we shall use to process decisions and choices that will ultimately give us our results an A or an E in our life behaviors and actions and finally shape our destiny.

Mwalimu also used to warn the student who scored highly in theories that most of them fail in practical papers simply because they think they know a lot.They are not humble enough to follow and observe simple instructions.It's the same case in life,observe keenly and following simple instructions they will spare us a lot of anguish and at times spare our lives.A simple example is using the pedestrian bridges in Super Highway,I saw a man being hit by a car just below the bridge,Did he really deserve that death?,This leads me to asking how will watching pornography help one in processing worth decisions and choices,listening to hardcore punk naughty music,alcohol taking...

It's also worth noting each person should use their own observations in tackling life exam.Who said what he/she observed is right and they've not received the results yet.This is where courage and faith comes in,to believe that as long as you've followed instructions,you're are right!

Joining the Dots

Photo Credit:Pinterest

Steph alighted from a Matatu in Nairobi at OTC bus station.
He had travelled for one and half hours from his home County.
The thoughts of the warm welcome by his parents and the delicious 'aromatic' food are still fresh in his mind.He had first to reset his mind and body into aggression mode and ready to hit shoulders,as well as apologize to several whom he will have stepped on their toes.

Before making a step  further he watched the hustle and bustle of Nairobians he chuckled and wondered,'Why are this people running up and down,can't they be relaxed?,Why can't they shop online?At this point he tapped his red bag pack which had his Laptop,a few clothes and 10 chapati's.
He had to tightly adjust the shoulder straps and waist harnesser...otherwise he might realize why not everyone has a laptop.

He started maneuvering his way through,..then a thought hits after seeing how everyone just minds their own business, 'What is my business in life?'. He relaxes the steps,he is headed to the stage to pick a Matatu to drop him off in Campus,'School?,not now',he changes direction and connects with Haile Selassie Avenue headed to Bomb Blast Memorial Park,he pays 20bob at the entrance,buys  Picana and njugu and sits in one of the pews.

He needed an answer.He rested.
He remembered when he was eight years old how his dad started a shop back in the village.
He smiled at thought of  first customer who bought the filter-less cigar 'rocket' and sweets 'koo'. Though they weren't well up financially,but this became the milestone for their well being.His dad by then was an employee with a firm dealing with diary milk collection from farmers,later till now he does dairy farming.During weekends as young as from class three he was the shopkeeper,he was  brilliant with figures.

Steph checked on his passions and behaviors,how he used to sell watches and radios at school.How he took advantage of sports day to supply refreshment.How he loved issues to do with health but at the sight of blood he puked.How he loved making profit.He remembered during JAB applications how he was torn in between Nursing course(which he chose as first choice) and B.com (2nd choice) where he was admitted to the latter.How some of his Inshas used to be hailed and even read to other classes.How he enjoyed soccer and table tennis....

He started joining the dots of what he still loves today,a couple of years have passed now...He had registered a company while still in campus,in the table tennis campus team,enjoyed writing.He joined the dots for his Dad from being an employee in dairy business to doing dairy business.He remembered Abedi Pele and how his sons Andre Ayew,Jordan Ayew,Abdul Rahim Ayew..all became footballers like their dad.He connected the dots of  the likes of William Ruto & Kabando wa Kabondo were student leaders and ended up being politicians.....He sipped the remaining drink and left,his question partly answered.

We cannot ignore our past because with it comes lessons and acquired traits.How we've been brought up,who we admire,who we relate with,the choices we make........>present state .........>future state.

Campus Confession II

I love change,as a result I was eager to know what there is after campus,though it came with mixed reaction of happiness(no more books) and uncertainty(what next).There were so many unanswered questions(not yet fully answered even as I write this).All the same I had to face it.I told God to reveal to me directly(Plan A) what he wants me to do otherwise I will apply to 100 companies for job in Logistics and Supply Chain,Marketing & Graduate Management Trainee(Plan B).If a job comes,I will conclude it's God will, if it doesn't He wants me to go ahead with plan C which I love more than B.

My plan C is being in business.Unfortunately when business is mentioned there are some people who start seeing me busy selling unga,salt,sugar,or something of the sort.A kiosk or even better a tuckshop. Nooo,a business is a system that makes you money even when you are absent for an year because it has structures.

Most of what we call business is self-employment because they die when the owner leaves or dies as well.E.g, A lawyer who freelances his services,if he falls sick,there will be no money to be made,but if he has established a legal firm where he has employed other lawyers,even when absent his firm still makes money.Business should outlive us and be enjoyed by many more generation to come.

My colleagues and most of us,especially in Schools of Business want to do their 'own thing' in the near future but as it is said that there is always a starting point,which most of us think it's a job.So that one can go 'acquire capital' and 'skills and knowledge' to go start their own business.I beg to differ.If one has no interest in starting accountancy firm what skills and knowledge will they acquire working as an accountant?.If one is paid net of 50k,pays rent 10k,transport 6k,Food 6k, Entertaintment &Miscleneous 5k,Sambaza(Friends&Relatives) 5k,Tithe 5k...what remains is 10k,...Eeeeh,what can we say about acquiring capital.To make it worse when will one have time to think business when  being overworked as a donkey.When one get's to their house they just hug the bed dearly.

Campus teaches us that, we get good grades so that we can get good jobs.I'm slowly stamping that LIE,I signed while still studying.Jobs are as scarce as illiterate Chinese.I'm not shocked to have applied to 20 firms so far,5 regrets and 15 don't cares(no reply)...and my hunger to continue with my all time favorite plan C intensifies.

Dr Iraki,Mr.Mulwa, Dr Bitange Ndemo,Dr Njihia were right,thank you for giving me the real knowledge...leave alone those proud minded finance and accounting lecturers who thought within the box.They made me hate those subjects by challenging our minds into things I'm finding very stupid out here.Now that jobs are scarce,how will that question of Sleep,Consumption & Income in economics help me find a job or pay bills,how about those sets, how to account for assets instead of how to acquire assets.

To those studying and out here we have to find a solution in a creative way.I'm a testimony that one doesn't need money to start a business,just throw away that old way of thinking.As you study just know you are doing your best to get a profession, in whichever the field you are in,not to get a job or get rich but for self-satisfaction and actualization,it's no wonder one is supposed to study what they love.For one to make big chunks of money think business system.

I understand perfectly that not all can be entrepreneurs and therefore wish them well,ensure you get as many papers as networks as possible(watu wamesoma huku nje,haija!).

Despite all being said and done we will emerge victorious regardless of the route.See you at the top!

If you missed,check it out:Campus Confession I.

Hello World

Photo Credit:Pinterest Photography

Dear World,

Greetings,

I have been quiet, but I've decided to face you and for once request for a one on one conversation. This has been necessitated by the changes that happened in April 26,2014.

Now, now, now...Let me see, how/where do I even start.

Mmmmh,
I've been away from reality since I was born up to the date mentioned above. For all those years I had an almost sure perfect fallback position. If faced with a challenge there was a kind of subscribed support system that had never failed me.

Here I'm. It has come to that point I can no longer beat around the bush assuming that you know my situation.(I know you know it but you’ve assumed awaiting my reaction )The harsh reality is I come to you with debts in the name of HELB, I come with ideal life scenarios since birth, I come with ambiguity of what next (I mean how can I be very sure with your radical nature, massive competition, corrupt nature).

Yesterday, you were funny if not harsh. I just wanted to watch the game between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich 2^nd leg, first leg I watched at the comfort of my sitting position almost reserved at no pay and a bigger screen, but, you know what you did yesterday, that I had to pay for almost a 100bob for 300ml soft drink so that I can watch that game. Seriously!, I mean can’t you understand I’m yet to make big monies. Today the same fate befalls me as Jose Mourinho face off with Diego Simeone.

I know this is just but your introduction of the hurdles to come but do you think I’ll just let you twist and turn me, No. In fact I’m armed big time with several weapons; God, Honesty, Confidence, Entrepreneurial spirit and Dynamism, that’s all that can give me an edge in  your presence. For the papers eeeh,eeh you know what happened between me,books, Nduati with his CSIA(but I’ve got life papers,you know)

Let me warn you if you will not be fair with the way you treat me, I’ll humble you in a manner you’ll hate me, your ways can be torturous. You are mightier but with the instruments above you can be sure, you have a huge set back.

Vrooom!, Let’s go.

The ExtraOrdinary

There is something that apparently stand out for all those who are considered successful in their lives starting with Jesus to other world achievers;Nelson Mandela,Wangari Maathai, Steve Jobs,Lee Kuan Yew...They had some traits,here are 5 of those traits;

 Photocredit:Pinterest

1.Status Quo Disruption
They were not comfortable with their current situation of the environment and nations.
They did not just sit and watch  things happening or just got complacent with the cocoon.They went an extra mile to disrupt the commonly held belief.

2.Impacting on Life of Others
While they were busy chasing their visions,they indirectly or directly brought positive mark to the society.Their dreams were bigger than themselves.It was not just what is in it for me but what is in it for the masses.

3.They Believe in their Own Ideas and Visions
 It looked like a far fetched idea when Martin Luther Jnr was fighting for the rights of black Americans...now what can the racists say now? They were ready to die and others have even died pursuing their burning Visions.

4.Ready to Ignore Conventional Wisdom
 Everyone thought the world was flat until Columbus proved otherwise.When M-Pesa came to being everyone was asking where will money be traveling through.

5.More than Average Risk Tolerance
 Remember Job in the Bible who was willing to continue 'risking' his Faith in God despite losing his all.

Random Thoughts I

• Harness Creativity

             -Look for unexpected Realities-Break the routine
             -Let the Mind wander by doing something undemanding.

• "Whatever that is chasing you determines the speed you will learnt at"-Unknown

• Prayers have the power to: Humble us,Work miracles,Get rid of carnal mind,Make our lives clear.

• ''Umuntu ngumutu ngabantu"-I am because you are,because we are.

• Small things done consistently have immense power.

• Everything that you are enjoying someone thought of it and made money from it.What are you thinking?

• Think what you can do that is different from everyone else. 

• Your Idea may not make sense to anyone else apart from you.

Find,Pursue & Live It

Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up.It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be eaten.Every morning in Africa a lion wakes up too.It knows that it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle,when the sun comes up you'd better be running-Wale Akinyemi.

I've always admired people who found their callings and passions early in life.I've searched and keep on searching that thing that will give me immense satisfaction whether it is earning for me money or not.I know money motivates but I believe there are other ways one can make money while pursuing what one loves most.It beats me for people to live unhappily in a job you don't love in the name of I have bills to pay.
I've decided to suffer for my passions.All I want is peace of mind,contentment and joy.

I shared with a friend of how if one finds it fun and satisfying to be with kids why should they not give it a trial of working in an environment which has kids.I can only imagine what would have happened if Messi was using his legs to roam around in offices as an accountant.I can only Imagine what would Reuben Kigame be doing with his voice if not singing.I can only imagine what would  a passionate primary school teacher be doing if not teaching,what of PLO Lumumba, Martin Luther Kings Jnr,...What of you and me,if we shall be doing........ and not.........

All we need to do is find,pursue and live it.
Allison Ottawa identifies several things that can hint direction of one calling:
-Dreams and signs:The subconscious mind can be used to direct direction.
-Prioritize in expressing yourself in whatever you find enjoyable.
-Think about what you used to love when you were a kid
-Pay attention to what keeps coming.
-Shake up your routine and try out things.

It 's worth noting too that  we should be conscious of the things we naturally do without struggling(talents) and the people we admire.Also forget not to PRAY so as the passions are aligned with the Creator's will.
And as the lion and gazelle run,they run in the direction their instincts guide them.We also need to be on the move,but in the right direction of course.
Find ,Pursue & Live thy Purpose.

Dunga Thoughts:I Appreciate Your Beauty,but...

Earphones are on.I'm scrolling through the playlist to get a song that suits the mood.I settle on Instrumentals and I start with one of my favourite,Vangelis-Chariots of Fire followed by Guantenamera, Friends of Wind by Demis Roussos, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika(South African National Anthem).In the list too are songs by Casting Crowns,Reuben Kigame and Dustin Kenstrue.I press play and let the beats and lyrics start to sink.

It's 11 a.m,it's an awkward time to be seated on a Dunga,this are campus benches outside hostels,also known as Jobless Corner as one is seen to be 'lazy'.For me dunga should be referred as an 'eagles eye zone',when alone one can get into deep thoughts together with another,almost similar site,the centre of rugby's pitch.They gave a space  to relax and thinking through life in 3D.I'm just from Project Management class and lecturer's remarks are still live,'...the world is hostile,corruption is massive and played smart the only ones we hear in public is where there are differences when they are sharing out...Nobody thinks about you,they only want to use you to accomplish they selfish life goals...'

With only two months left to be through with studies,the thoughts of where to reside,business,job recruitment s,MRP pressure coupled with the hard facts of the end of an ideal life offered in campus,the laughter,the friendliness are tough pills to come to terms with.

...Phew!,my thoughts are diverted when some ladies pass by,talk of beauty and looks,Wa!(NB;I'm appreciating credit where is due,ha).They are blessed as we like to put it and this reminded me of how this campus is endowed with beauty and Nairobi at large and the World at whole any way.But then,human beings are meant to be with one and there is only one for you,why make a hasty choice?.

When we were in class 8 probably we were 'seeing potentials'  but we smiled or even got caned for our ignorance.It re-occurred in high school we went out for conferences and contests.The same is happening in campus where one could be spotting in readiness for 'transfer window'.How sure are we once we have left this place, 'out there' there will be no Princesses and Princes.

Life is transitions and seasons.The perception we have now towards what's good for us now might change with time but since you had committed,there is not much to do apart from holding on.Let's not make a decision that we only vumilia instead of kujivunia 10/20/50yrs from now.It's a 'roko' mentality(As XN Iraki puts it ) to think the Queen or King can only be found in your campus,county or even country.

For those of who are lucky and have made up their minds I salute them.For those who have 'ish ish',take you time.I bet May's rent and bills will not be paid with hugs and kisses.

(....here comes my friends and the story and thoughts will  change to how Manchester is useless,how Arsenal is no longer the weapon,how Liverpool has been walking alone,...Champions League,Brazil world Cup...)
I should catch up with you later.Get yourself a sit at the nearest Dunga and reflect.

...Made All the Difference.

I like listening to other people's perspective towards different issues in life. I get inspired when several people confirm and commend my choices. I feel bad and empathetic to listen to the ill choices that others made but I get inspired not to dare make wrong ones.

We are who we are by the choices we make and have made, I could have chosen to watch a documentary and keep the little I know about choices. The famous, "choices have consequences" slogan is very true, though those that coined this made it sound like the consequences were to be detrimental, get over that context. The consequences of our choices will either be positive or negative.

Before making a choice I consider the following;

Ø Is it in harmony with my beliefs?

Ø Will it give the desired results?

Ø What will be the worst case scenario?

If the answer to any of the questions above has doubts, I have to rethink of alternatives.

A t times, if not most of the time, a choice can even mean taking a path less taken, like one of my lecturers said, ’When everyone is going east try west’  

Robert Frost poem,’The Road Not Taken’ sums it up on making a bold move that many opt not .Whether others approve of it or not, It could be the best choice you’ve ever made.

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I_

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

10 At A Glance.

1.Build Professional Brand
 What comes into your Mind when you hear Richard Branson,Wale Akinyemi,Nelson Mandela,Mc Donald Mariga, Katwa Kigen,...Whenever mentioned,you see their specialty(Who they are),their service(What they do),their audience(who they do it to),Their best characteristic(What they are known for)...that's a professional brand.
2.Discover a Strength
One cannot be a know it all,there areas one is stronger at,is passionate about and they achieve tremendously without much struggle.

3.Do a Time Diary
 Time as a resource is shared equally,yet others become more successful than others with time,track every minute.
4.Set a Goal
If one doesn't know where they are going,any place will be their destination.
Aim at something
5.Get a Mentor
Others have achieved what you want to do,they have trended the same path to easy your journey,ask,one may not live long enough to learn from his own mistake learn from others.
6.Read a Great Book
If there is something I've come to appreciate is reading a book.Just read materials of help ranging from Spiritual,Academic,Motivational,Lifestyle..but a word of caution should be taken to know the agenda of the writer,absorb what is necessary.
7.Start a Habit
'I started singing at Sunday school','I used to dismantle and assemble electronic gadgets','I used to ...'. These are common statement of people who developed a habit that turned out to be a career and an awesome lifestyle.It's too unfortunate we develop habits that end up ruining our lives.
8.Be Thankful.
Appreciate what God has done to your life.The privilege He has endowed us with,how many would have wished to be where we are but because of one reason or the other they haven't managed.Our Friends,family,strangers...
9.Find Your Why. 
I don't think we were just born to be here and go,there must be a specific reason why we were born,why we are in this setting,why we met them....Find it and leave it.
10.Leave an impact.
 They are people I meet for a first time,you like,like and like who they are.I mean nice people willing to go an extra mile for you without strings attached.'Ooh,what a world this could be if everyone was nice like you are'.

Precious Gift

Life beats us,that's for sure,and the gap between now and achieving our goals/expectations can be emotionally and mentally nauseating.

He wrote a note that bore this writing:
' Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck. (with his signature under the message)”

It saddens that it reached up to this point,though you are gone I'd wish you had thought of the following;


 What your children,friends and family went through as a result of your actions.

Whatever the reasons of taking our life could have been, you were not the only one going through the same,you were just a pin in the ocean,many others have gone through even tougher situations.

How about the after life...

This got me thinking of our actions that we do on daily basis which are equivalent to slowly committing suicide and therefore writing our suicidal note day by day.Most of the times,we are conscious of their repercussions but we choose to ignore.It will be a painful experience of wishing we chose not to,but, unfortunately it will be too late.

Life is a gift and a precious one for that matter.We keep items/gifts of people who are dear to us.
We never forget their good deeds to us,we revere  and make them reference.Why don't we respect and hold precious this gift of life?. The most expensive but priceless gift we can ever receive.It's one off gift, a temple of the Holy spirit and therefore it demands purity,purity nothing less but purity.

Three Lessons Learnt so Far.

There is a forum we meet every Sunday and a question was asked:What are the three most important lessons you've learned so far in life.

 Each person gave their own version of answers.The following were the responses in order of the most mentioned:
1.Trusting God 
It came out strongly that the believe,faith and hope in God kept people going.Hoping things will be better tomorrow is a powerful living tool.
2.Friends
The choice of who one associates with affect his/her life and will have an impact to his other spheres of their  life
3.Standing Firm
There comes a time when your No/yes remains no matter what the circumstances otherwise one will be like wind.
4 Living life to the Fullest
There are things we keep on postponing saying and waiting for good tides,'tomorrow',giving unwarranted excuses of not living the life we've always desired,but one thing always remain there will always be good and bad times,in whichever the season live as if today was our last day
5.Salvation is Not easy
Living right and as per God's teaching is and will never be easy.It takes sacrifice and commitment the world may seem precious,sweet and offering anything we would wish,but the repercussions are always dire
6.Looks can be deceiving
You go to town,hang out in campus and gash!,we've beautiful ladies,extremely beautiful.Hunk dudes with money but let this not blind us to what life there may be beyond the looks and money.The real person could be a blat.
7.Patience
It will come to pass whatever that is,just be patient,wait one more hour one more year,you'll get what you want,they will change..
8.Open Mindedness
This is thinking without the box,blowing up our mind,living out our comfort zones.Viewing & handling things from a different perspective.
9.Time
 Time is of essence what makes the difference between individuals/society/country is how they spend the 24hrs that is equal to all.
10.Networking
 The world we are in is who I know not necessarily what I know.The richness of our network will influence our the hangouts,jobs,business and the social status.'We should know People' as we like putting it.
11.Campus Life Illussion
Campus life is just ideal,it gives us no experience of the hardship there are outside it's environ.The fellowships,cheap lifestyle,theoretical knowledge...not unless one is bold enough to go the extra mile of getting to know what there is out there it might come as a big surprise once done with the system
12.Confidence
 I Once attended a powerful talk by a renown speaker and writer.During his speech he asked a question of which he was to award Four of his books,unfortunately no one got it right.After the speech it was question session,I raised up my hand and asked,'Sir,you were to give copies of your work but since no one got it right and you had decided to give out,why don't you give them to me?'
 Everyone laughed, he chuckled too and replied,'You directly went practical into applying what you've learned today,please come have them.'It takes a little wit and confidence to get what you want.Let's face those hurdles fearlessly,head on.
13.Books
There is so much we can get from other people's thoughts and experiences,download soft copy books,buy hard copies,create your own home library that your generations can draw inspiration from.

I'm sure you too could be having a summary list of three paramount things you've learned so far in life they guide your course and priority hold them dearly and pursue.
Feel free to share them out here too.