Simple Life, Great Outdoors

I Stumbled here and found this really beautiful picture titled "simple life, great outdoors" and I could not agree more. Looking at the photo resonated with my inner self, it gave me peace and to some extent I admired the man in his simple shelter. I know there are many people who would love to be in a rather plush luxury-laden house in a grey colourless city, but as for me, that view, that location, that simplicity is all I want.

Although I don't have as much time to be outdoors more, I am an occasional camper and hiker. I still cling to a dream of owning a piece of land in a picturesque place in Kenya before I transition to the other world. I will build my simple shack and wake up to the views and fresh air, which might be good for whatever old-age ailments I may carry then!

Moving On

After three years and five months in the environment sector, I am moving on to a different sector. I have had myself a ball in the that time and I take no regrets but many lessons learnt and many joyous moments shared. I have made many friends and met many Kenyans and friends of Kenyans who have made an impact in many lives. I have been privileged to work in such an important sector, doing work that was very satisfying and in tune with mankind's basic needs of water, food, shelter while one eye was on posterity and the questions they may ask of our generation should we make a mess of the environment. I leave with a lot of satisfaction in my heart, knowing that I did my part to the best of my ability. I can now move on to do my work elsewhere, especially in other spheres that aim to create happiness and a sense of wellness. One of the lessons I learnt is that there is so much that needs to be done and not enough hands. Another lesson was that Mother Nature is watching and despite all the science available to us, she remains a mystery that seems to heave in painful anger now and then, just to remind us who is in charge. As I move on, I will share with you a quotation that has helped me in my journey through life- "The secret to success is figuring what you want and how to get it". Go figuring and go getting.............

What Thoughts Do You Have Today

Valentine Njoroge is a columnist in the Star newspaper and a former radio presenter who has distinguished herself as a sex therapist who is both blunt and honest. Although she is not a psychologist, the very nature of problems laid before her every week do qualify and in cases may need  proper psychological counseling.

In the recent few weeks my attention has been drawn to Valentine’s Friday column by some interesting headlines. When I saw a catchy headline of a reader seeking to know where the G-Spot is located in a woman’s anatomy, I was instantly hooked. True to form, Valentine with the dexterity of an experienced doctor guided the reader to the location of the famed spot. As to whether it exists or not, I have no idea, but her very vivid road map would lead someplace for anyone who was keen to go exploring. The next week, another reader wanted to know if men too have a G-Spot and valentine did not disappoint in her response.

   

I am a keen consumer of the well written English and I am always on the lookout for the rare breed of Kenyan journalist or writer with the ability of intertwining both message and prose into a master piece. In my view Valentine’s article in the Star of February 4^th was such a piece. Whereas she was faithful to her subject, a reader who wanted advice on her failing libido wanted to know if a sexual assault she suffered in the hands of an older live-in cousin in the past could have been the cause of her fledgling interest in matters of sex.

“You have to learn to select your thoughts the same way that you select your clothes every day” is the summary of Valentine’s philosophy. She says that anybody can volunteer for any label and find a suitable event to match the term. All human beings have the choice to choose the theme of their lives. If by some bad luck you suffered an unfortunate event in your life, you have the ability to choose to have this event define you and ruin the rest of your life or you can choose to define your own values and build a life around that.

What really touched me is the deep truth and philosophy in this message. Don’t we know so many people from amongst out friends and relatives who have refused to let go an event or episode from their past? I am not educated, I am from a poor family, I am an orphan, I have no father, I am not from the right tribe or race! I don’t speak with the right diction etc. Just like a bad event in your life a weakness of no consequence can also hinder your life and deny you the confidence that is needed for one to enjoy life fully.

What the article did for me was explain to me a philosophy I adopted a long time ago. I am the architect of my life and everything therein. If I want a happy, fun filled life, I have to choose thoughts that will ensure that happens. If on the other hand like all people I encounter some bad moments or people, all I do is block you from my thoughts. It works. 

Thank you Valentine, for putting  it so vividly. You are an artist.