Cultivating the culture of contentment

A harvest of peace is produced from a seed of contentment – Proverb

“The thing is most of us are never satisfied. We’re too busy running after the things that we believe will fulfill us and forget that which we already have. You’ve got to be happy with what you have”. These wise words were spoken to me by a taxi driver as he drove me home from my friend’s house. Lately, some of the most thought-provoking discussions on life, love, faith and everything in between tend to happen in taxis, so this encounter was no exception. It was a late, cold and wet night however and besides being exhausted, the only thing I longed for was the comfort of my bed. I do not remember what prompted our conversation, but the topic of contentment triggered a deep and meaningful exchange that felt like it lasted longer than the 10 minutes journey ride home.

Stay rooted in love

“…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7

Isn’t it funny how time just keeps ticking on and the days go by sometimes unnoticed and before you know it a whole year has come and gone? Many dreams were accomplished, some unrealised and others still yet to be thought of. Numerous people encountered forming some of the deepest friendships that turn strangers into family, some broken relationships, while other acquaintances bind us to souls that seem all too familiar, like we’ve known them for a lifetime. Countless inner battles fought, insecurities shattered and fears conquered. Tears, uncontrollable laughter, mixed emotions, a bucket full of confusion and multiple questions left unanswered defined the seasons passed.  It’s safe to say that a lot has happened in my life over the past 3 years since I took a break from blogging but one thing that has remained steadfast and unchanging is my faith, an albeit fragile faith that has persevered in growth through some of the harshest seasons.

Journey to the cross…

This week marks holy week, it commemorates one of the most poignant weeks for Christians, as we remember and follow the journey to the cross and celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday. The event that brings to mind so much about Jesus’ suffering as he was betrayed, arrested, wrongly accused, rejected, beaten, tortured and died for the cause which he did not commit; but all for love. A story which is made all the more scandalous when Jesus conquers death and resurrects three days later, as he had previously preached about (yet it was a shock even to his disciples who had followed him for 3 whole years).

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son. that who so ever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.' - john 3:16

Music Monday: H-A-P-P-Y

There’s a song that’s been in my head for months now. A song that instantly makes me want to get up and boogie like it’s the 90’s and do it fearlessly like no one is watching. As soon as the beat drops, and drums starts beating- I’m caught. Whatever I am doing, no matter how miserable the day may have been, this song just somehow seems to bring a raw energy of Joy into my life. It truly does brighten up the mood of the day at that given moment, just like the bright yellow used in the background of the single cover photo with the word HAPPY carefully placed right at the middle. Its simplicity, repetitiveness, catchiness and the inevitable invitation to join in is what wins this song the second music Monday award on the blog.

“Happiness does not come from without, it comes from within” ― Helen Keller

Fear and Fatigue

So it’s been over a week since I graduated…and it still hasn’t sunk in yet. One thing is certain though, the reality of falling under the category of ‘unemployed’ has indeed settled in. I was filling in some application forms for job opportunities the other day, and it hit me that I am no longer a student. I don’t know how I feel about it. Does that mean I am now a fully pledged adult? What if I am not ready to embrace that fact? What if I just want to remain a student forever, acknowledging the benefits of what that brings along? It’s all too much to take in. Plus on top of that, some of my close friends are all leaving the city. And I for one hate goodbyes. In fact, I detest them. Yet I understand that this is a changing season, people are moving on, going places, accepting new challenges. So does that mean that I should just suck it up and be strong? What if I want to cry, and hide from it all? What if I am not ready or strong enough to stand firm in the midst of all these different waves of emotions? WHAT IF??

Graduating with gratitude

So, Monday was a joyous day of celebration. It was graduation day!! :) I was finally presented with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. The sun was shining. My classmates were all dressed up, soaking up the occasion, I was surrounded by my wonderful family and friends (who were genuinely proud of my achievements) and had the immense privilege of rejoicing on the past 3 years of this unforgettable journey of University life. As the famous saying goes 'All good things must come to an end' and it did and it was unbelievably emotional. But I thank God for bringing me thus far, I can now declare that it was not easy...but with hard work and perseverance coupled with  faith and diligence I crossed the finishing line. And it was glorious!


You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated. - Maya Angelou


I could not have done it alone. I owe my family, friends and you wonderful readers so very much for your encouragements, prayers and support during these very trying times. As the picture on the left demonstrates...It was certainly a time of letting go of all the stress, by the infamous gesture of throwing the cap and leaping for JOY! And doing so in style...the 'Authentic Happyness' style.

Birds sang songs of praise...

WOW,
Where to begin...
First and foremost, I apologise for the lack of posts. Apologies for not keeping up with my words of keeping y'all updated with my journey. It HAS been a long while. Too long infact.

But I'm finally back, and boy do I have a few exciting news/projects up my sleeve for the future of this blog. Yes, I WILL share in due time. But for now, here is, a little post to say 'It is done'!!! My journey through University has finally come to an end as of this Monday!! I'm not sure if it has sank in yet. Mixed emotions. Most of all I feel like those who were stood along side me supporting me on in prayer are chanting:

Congratulations! You made it through University!

Another year, another chance to get it right!!

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a  H A P P Y   N E W    Y E A R !! Full of 'Furaha' (Joy), 'Salama' (Peace), and 'Baraka' (Abundant blessings) indeed in all you do. There's a little Swahili lesson you weren't expecting. :) I proclaim that 2013 is going to be a good year for me!! Just reflecting on what 2012 offered is overwhelming. Through tears and laughter, each day brought forth more HOPE. I have come to a conclusion that it was most certainly a year of new discovery, 'Out with the Old, In with the New'. The year I started Blogging, and as most say, So far so good!
The journey had been a fascinating one, and rather tricky at first. I always knew taking this up would sometimes mean putting a little bit of myself out there to the world. A little bit of my soul, my personality, my frustrations, my fears and Joy. It's been amazing being able to document my journey through this platform and for that I smile.