All The Transitions Will Make Sense
#MyShadeMyStory
“Your life journey is about learning to become more of who you are and fulfilling the highest, truest expression of yourself as a human being.”- Oprah Winfrey
A few weeks ago, I had the honour of attending a sip & paint brunch hosted by Estee Lauder Companies and Lintons Beauty World organised by Oby Africa. It was lovely reconnecting again after the recent lighting ceremony of Britam Towers in support of the breast cancer awareness campaign. I had a lovely time learning about the new formula for their double wear foundation, painting on canvas which was absolutely therapeutic, and making new friends!
As I was thinking about writing, I wasn’t sure how to approach this topic. What I love about the #MyShadeMyStory campaign, is that it encourages women to share their stories. Sharing your story forces you to reflect; which is what this article will be. A reflection of my story, my why.
When I graduated from law school in 2017, I knew deep down that I didn’t have a passion to practice law in the conventional way of representing clients in court or drafting contractual agreements. The first time I came across the subject of contract law in my first year, I remember struggling to pay attention in class. For a long time, I wondered whether if I was crazy for wanting to change my career path.
In this transition journey, I discovered it wasn’t the course which I disliked, but certain topics. What excited me were studies that positively impacted the most vulnerable in society without an underlying drive to make profit. Eventually, I finished my undergraduate with an honors, and went ahead to pursue a masters in an area of law I deeply enjoyed. Sticking to my gut the whole way has opened doors I never anticipated! And looking back now, I'm happy I took a leap of faith to focus on my passion.
The reason I’m sharing this story is because it took me a long time to understand what exactly I wanted to do with my career. Embracing an enjoyable healthy lifestyle not only gave me good health, but it gave me clarity. I was recently on a podcast hosted by Roseanne Kamau called Hey Sugar, where we talked about the relationship between fitness and mental clarity. The episode will be released early next year and I can't wait for you to listen to our chat.
Staying active over the last few years has also helped me cope through the different career transitions because it was difficult working in new sectors. In 2016, I started my meditation practice with the intention of developing a better relationship with my daily racing thoughts. The consistency of doing it every morning became a routine that empowered me to understand where my thoughts were stemming from.
I developed a student mindset of being eager to learn and quickly picked up new skills which created more opportunities. From law, policy, humanitarian, banking, digital marketing, mental health to climate change, I have been blessed to add value across different sectors. My biggest revelation came in 2020 when I was working in a community project in Kariobangi; it was crystal clear that my joy stemmed from being in service to others.
During the pandemic when the whole world shut down, I lost my job and had to think about how to create an income. This led me to mine out all the skills I had accumulated over years which culminated into working as a consultant. Keeping an open and curious mind while growing through the lessons learnt, shaped my story.
In November 2021, I hit rock bottom and chose to re-commit my life to God. Out of all the decisions I have ever made in life, this changed everything for the better because it shifted my belief system. The bible talks about God granting us peace that surpasses human understanding if we seek for him. My testimony is that he gave me this peace. As I reflect on my spiritual journey, which is a wellness pillar I work on daily, I can testify that my year has been extremely fruitful and transformational because of him.
My story is that I’m a Christian, seeking to use my God given gifts to create positive impact in society and to ultimately leave this world better than I found it. In the pursuit of happiness and purpose, it was right there the whole time..all I needed to do was look within. I have also had so much guidance from books I have read on this path; here are some of my favorite excerpts which I hope speak to you.
“If you don’t see your story matters, chances are no one else will either. So even though it isn’t always easy, it’s important for you to find strength to share your truth. Because the world needs to hear it.”- Michelle Obama
“Becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. Its forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.”- Michelle Obama, Becoming- A Guided Journal
“When your natural talents and passions connect with what the universe needs and become your purpose, you are living in your dharma. When you spend your time and energy living in your dharma, you have the satisfaction of using your best abilities and doing something that matters to the world. Living in your dharma is a certain route to fulfilment.”- Jay Shetty, Think Like a Monk
“Peace and equanimity come from letting go of our attachment to the goal and the method. That is the essence of acceptance.”-The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Book of Joy
Yours in Wellness,
@TiziTalks
Organisers
Estee Lauder Companies
Paint & Picnic Kenya
Credits
Writer - Loise Machira
Images- Oby Africa
Location- Ankole Grill, Kitusuru
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