Life carries a lot of lessons with it. Trials after trials. Honesty and truthfulness taken as a joke. Lust for wealth, positions and ranks, fame and quite unnecessary show offs have sadly become a norm. In addition to it, the offenders play victim. Probably the ones they tend to offend would not wish harm upon them but it is always wise to remember that Allah is Al-Hakim(The wise), Al-Baseer(The All seeing) , As-Samee( The all hearer) and Al-Aleem (The all knowing) . Once an unrestless adventure strikes them in life, maybe then they will get to reflect on the unfairness and unjust they did at a particular point in their lives and decide to turn on a new leaf. Remember, what goes around comes around. They will one day remember that, they hated a thing that probaly was good for them and loved that of which was bad for them. And Allah knows what they know not. May Allah protect us from all the evil temptations and grant us His endless guidance. Ameen.
lulu_na_marjani
GRANDMA
Her love,
Unconditional,
Her affection,
So profound,
So real,
So deep.
She is that one person,
Who holds you before you fall,
A voice of reason,
Motivation for each and all,
The one you could sit by,
And sleep with her lullabys,
Words of wisdom,
Pouring from her mouth,
Just like an ocean,
So vast and wide.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE.
I believe we all can agree that our Mombasa is rising.
That youth empowerment has worked magic and brought out plenty of them from their comfort zone.
The slogan of what others say “Wangoja nazi zianguke” has been proved wrong and that so much change has been witnessed.
This indeed is a great step to a better society filled with hardworking young men and ladies out there doing an amazing job. Kudos to you all๐๐
Impressively, CBOs are formed to address societal issues and find solutions to the calamities befalling our communities.
But before you get that calling of starting up your organization, at the back of your mind, ask yourself this, What New Idea Am I bringing on board? Does it necessarily need me to open up an organization to address this issue or can i just partner with already existing ones to get my message home?
To all the leaders out there;
- Leadership is a skill, no matter how much of a born leader you think you are, just a piece of advice, sacrifice and go for a leadership training before ascending to the position. I know of excellent leaders, yes they do exist in our own Mombasa. Those who do community service wholeheartedly with a positive purpose and with the intention of being the change makers in their societies. They deserve the title of a MENTOR.
- Embrace teamwork. Keep in mind that, If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself automatically. Know how to delegate duties accordingly. That’s the essence of you having a team in the first place. Don’t be a boss, commanding tone can be quite harsh. Remember, this is totally voluntary. It’s not what you say, basically, it is THE HOW YOU SAY IT. Learn to appreciate your team members. When in a room filled with opportunities, include their names. It kills nobody, does it? Learn to include them in decision making. For as much as they are those who are busy with their own life ups and downs, they will see the essence of allocating time to create change in their societies.
- Be genuine and authentic. Review your intentions of starting the CBO. Ask yourself, Is what I shall be doing of importance and beneficial to my society? Do I have the guts to take up this task bestowed upon me? Do I have the guts to be a transparent leader? Do I want to be a boss or a leader? Am I trustworthy? Can I handle the responsibilities on my shoulder?
- Most important, Honesty is paramount. Communication is very important. It takes a minute to break someone’s trust on you and mark my words, gaining it back might take longer than expected or maybe, never ever happen. Remember, whatever the input getting into the account is NOT YOURS. Be transparent. Having proper recordings of every penny spent is equally important. This does not mean you are Untrustworthy but rather, it means that you are a responsible leader and understand the essence that money can change someone. Whether in a positive or negative aspect. I believe contributions are made with an intention. Whatever it is that it’s intended for, be that trustworthy leader. Ensure that it reaches the recipients in full. At times, all you need to do is stand out and be open about everything. Sometimes, you have to let go of your ego and pride. Be open and transparent about everything. And yes, do not take up a responsibility that you can not handle or try finding words sugarcoating your lies.
- The bitter truth is that, Plenty of CBOs, NOT ALL that are started, are basically to satisfy personal needs, be a source of fame for someone, creation of networks and sourcing sponsors and help the society. Well, the correct term I believe should be to pretend to be helping society and at the end of it all, find something that shall benefit you and you alone as an individual. As I stated earlier, NOT ALL CBOs IN MOMBASA FALL IN THE CATEGORY. THERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM THAT ONE FEELS THE CHANGE IT’S CREATING AND APPRECIATES THE EFFORTS OF EACH AND EVERY OF ITS MEMBERS.
- Respect is essential. Whether young or old, regardless of race, tribe, interests, learn the art of respecting all without discrimination.
- As a leader, accept corrections. Nobody is perfect. Humans are to err. Change for the better. Be the role model your team members look upto. And learn to positively criticize your members. You know, criticize lovingly or else, you shall break their confidence miserably .
- Before changing others, are you, as a leader satisfied with the position you stand in? Is your cup full or is it enough for you and the one you want to share your contents with? Take note and don’t find yourself being a STARVING BAKER.
- Have a well drafted vision. The long and short term goals and achievements that should be achieved in a stated period of time. This makes one be more focused and aware. Having them drafted
- Lead with example. A model that one feels safe around. Be the inspiration that your team needs. And believe me you, success will be tagging along.
Congratulations to the Change Makers out there. Keep doing the amazing work. And YOU ARE HEROES.
HOW NEW CAN A YEAR BE?
Love is tremendous,
Love is humongous,
Love is instantaneous,
Love is joyous,
Love is marvelous.
Oh, Yes! I have experienced love. A two way traffic that is. I have been loved endlessly. I have loved with no limits. “Are there even limits in love?” I wonder.
Love is so beautiful. The kind that resides in your heart. So deep, so sincere. The person you always feel safe around. Energized, ready to face anything and everything courageously.
I have experienced love. The one that your wishes are granted before you spit them out. The affection and care, you never wish to despair. Love. Oh Love! Should I wrap you in my soul or should I carry you as a whole?ย
True love makes you feel like it is among the reasons your life is beautiful. The time you are lost in thoughts and you think of them every moment. Loving someone is most probably the best or the worst feeling because you might end up feeling motivated in their presence and sadness prevails in their absence.
“Alyahโฆit has been quite long since we last had our “we” time. The guests have already dispatched to their designated premises. Finish off your work fast, then we can catch up.” He started it off.
Bonding with him was something I always looked forward to. He was imperfectly perfect. The one who I could open up about everything and maybe nothing. Just being by his side was more than enough therapy. Both emotionally and psychologically.
The moment I was miles away, his voice would rent the air calling out to me. It is not that there was nobody around to come to his beck and call but I think it was the sentimental attachment and bond he and I shared.
Have you ever had that one person who would never be at ease and peace unless you are somewhere in a corner around the house? The person who hardly stands the sight of you being shouted at for many and no reasons? Maybe that is probably why they say “Mjukuu mtamu” (A grand child is lovable๐.)
My mind has driven me back to 31st December 2017. After ups and downs of the entire year. Failures, despairs as well as success tagging along. Hectic and fun moments.
Reading and more reading. A bookwormโฆ not reallyโฆ maybe that was not really me or maybe it was. But wellโฆ I still had to keep up the spirit of being that excellent goalkeeper.๐The last time I took up the role against “Green Team” in the semi-final back in my high school days, I instantly developed a tomato-red face filled with some hills and depressions and a quite admirable chubby cheeks๐คฃ.
Phewโฆ Amana’s hit was not really a threat for me though I knew I had to have a catch on Mulki’s๐. (Spare me, I can not recall each of my opponent player’s names. It is quite a good luck if one happened to be a classmate or maybe a very close ally๐.)
Usually, I name December, a family moment. Where I get to bond with relatives from all over space. Okโฆ realisticallyโฆ that should be my beloved parents and my closest aunts and uncles.๐
We introvertsโฆ Well, I do open up with very very close people in my circle, that should be less than two at the most and only when the need to do so is extremely intense. So, am I really introverted?
It was our night. There were so many things that drew me to him but his enchanting smile within his lips took the cake. Especially when he let out his words of wisdom. His voice was not really sonorous, maybe a dulcet one might do. His deep brown eyes were like polished amber in the first rays of dawn. His nose was the star of his face. He was a complete package.
“Always have a contented heart. Be thankful for everything that gets along your path. For He knows what is best for you. You are a very strong young lady. You are my pride. And I always will be thankful for having you as part and parcel of my life.”
It was quite an emotional hour. He shared quite a bucketful of his early years. When he was a dashing handsome gentlemanโฆPreviously, when I was doing some minor accounts, I found his picture with his lady, who was, just like a flower, her beauty radiated like the morning sun.
No denial, he still looked so amazing even in his late 60’s๐. His sense of humour was rib-cracking. His paradoxical statements, innocent looks and hugs which always came in hand.
Suddenly a bodaboda was heard from a distance with “Amarulla” hitting my eardrums nearly sending them to the Celestial Being.
“Ummu-Kulthum, Feiruz, Abdul halim among a few others were a hit during our early times.”
From a distance I could hear his faint voice singing “Alf-Leila-o-leila” then followed by “Gaan-el-Hawaa.” ( Sing along with me๐ค). Honestlyโฆ the serenity they bring along is on another level, don’t you think so? (though I never understand the essence of having the slow beats for the first half an hour or could be a bit less or more๐ค. Do you mind enlightening me on that?)
He was a steadfast person. A motivator in doing good. An advisor and an indescribable blessing for me. We had a very intense conversation about everything without having left anything aside.
We parted ways and he was almost retiring to bed after some good massage. “Your hands are magic๐ค” (I think this is one of the things I inherited from him. Nothing soothes me like a good massotherapy. It is actually the best way of hushing me to sleep๐โโ๏ธ.)
It came along that two most important beings birthdays fall on the same day. They were the opening chapters of every year. It was actually the first birthday that I had to send birthday wishes and prayers to heaven. The very first that I could not stand getting to hear one of the voices which always used to bubble happily like a mountain river.
The night was lengthy and short. What I recall is helping him take ablution and staying by his side. Slowly but surely, I could note the change in his fingers. From reddish-white to purple. Without struggling, so peacefully, he united with the beloved souls in heaven too.
I could recall our last date few hours back. With so much laughter. It was a nostalgic moment.
The sooner we all realize how impermanent our lives are, the less entangled we find ourselves getting in superficial things, things that bring pain within our hearts. Allowing the thought of death to enter our minds is something that seems surreal and scary, however it provides us with true feelings and guidance. Death will eventually come, it could be today, it could be tomorrow or it could be in many years.
LOVE CAN’T BE MEASURED
Sometimes I think of my students,
The echo of my voice projecting in variations,
The serenity and silence filled,
Filled when I teach.
Sometimes I think of my students,
When they burst into laughter,
Smiles and cries,
Filling the air.
Sometimes I think of my students,
When they decide to let the inquisitive nature get hold of them,
When they ask none but all questions,
When they would not stop before getting what they wanted.
Sometimes I think of my students,
In the middle of a meal,
Then I remember,
The beautiful smiles, zeal and determination marked on their faces.
Sometimes I think of my students,
When they are attentive,
But in their thoughts,
Maybe, just maybe thinking of what to munch for break.
Sometimes I think of my students,
When we tend to play games,
And how my anxiety, panick attacks and restlessness,
Find their way down the drain.
Sometimes I think of my students,
Their soprano and Bess voices,
Their muteness and their noises,
Their joys and sorrows,
That we cherish and share .
Sometimes I think of my students,
And remember how tender they were,
Some few years back,
And how courageous they have become,
Send chills down my spine!
They are all grown ups.
Sometimes I think of my students,
Each embedding a uniqueness,
Standing out in all ways,
Describing the gems and rubbies they are.
Sometimes I think of my students,
Their goals and ambitions,
Their missions and Visions,
And I find myself kneeling,
Praying that the Almighty answers,
Answers all their prayers.
Sometimes I think of my students,
And I tend to fall in love more,
Trust more, treasure more,
And appreciate each blessing abundantly.
Sometimes I think of my students,
And all I see is success,
Success holding them,
Hugging and kissing them.
Sometimes I think of my students,
And I find myself saying,
Oh My Lord! These kids are gems,
Thank you for bringing me to themโค
~lulu_na_marjani
The Beauty of Motherhood
When someone asks me for the reasons as to why am so fond of babies,
My answer will be;
“These little ones give me a sense of belonging, they elevate my self esteem. They talk in a language that makes us understand each other. They bond with me rather fast than any other bonding I have with anyone else. They always extend their ears to listen to all that is in my heart without being judgemental. Their smile are my softners deep down my soul. Their cute little arms and toes relieves me from my anxieties and panic attacks. That moment when we are in deep conversation, I find peace, the feeling of comfort yet never being completely comfortable with things just being good enough. And well, they serve as my best partners.
It was on a Wednesday, 7th of November 2020 at around 11:40am when I first held him in my arms. His eyes were the color of deep sienna, with a mischievous glint that seemed to reflect the corners of his mouth. They were every shade of brown you could imagine, a raw umber and caramel mix, dotted with bits of dark chocolate, the similar one I use in baking. They glowed with humor and playfulness that gave me shivers and wrapped me in a warm embrace at the same time. There was so much purity in his gaze. The baby was all of me, the person I was born before culture had its say. I could feel the love, given and received and I knew in that moment, without a word said from my lips, that I love him.
And if a person poses a threat to harm him, then I would defend him with my life.
Is it always this natural?
Our eyes locked and a smile plastered itself on my face. It was a beautiful feeling indeed. As hungry as he was, he kept on suckling non stop as if trying to tell me that the drops he had while in the womb made him yearn for a meal more and more. Soon after, he found himself peacefully in deep slumberland.
How he held onto the tiny pillow reminded me of what my mother shared regarding my tender age. That is, in order to find sleep, I would hold onto my pillow tightly and started pulling it from every corner as if I were in a kung-fu movie. I would keep on practicising my moves and when I was finally drained, I hardly realised when I fell asleep.
Ps(A little secret, this habit is still embedded in me; shushโฆ it’s a secret remember๐๐)
Days went by and he became my essential priority. My day started and ended with him.
Well, I still had to get done with Church History unit revision before the examination date. I earlier told myself that I would embark on it immediately after my first class, and yes, I actually did through group and online discussions, the zoom meetings we held with the likes of Rahma, Mwajuma, Hilda, Hamdan and Ismail among others.
As time flew, the momentum kept on decreasing escpecially after the outbreak of Covid 19. Each day, I grew to become a procrastinator and when I did revise, it was as if I was trying to sieve salt in ocean water. So, when that moment made a grand entrance and examination bells started ringing from every end, the need to dig into understanding the entire concept was dire. “Well, Well, I shall never again procrastinate my revisions.” ( I hope by finally writing it down, it might eventually work๐).
That moment when I was about to rest my head on the pillow and straighten my aching back, this little prince, it is like he had some instincts, woke up and started wailing as if he was ailing. So, I had to get off my bed and attend to him.
“He’s gonna kill the baby!”
A shout I heard when I was almost getting done dressing up. The lightning speed that carried my legs to the spot was similar to “The flash”. I had achieved great speed in a very short span of time. I found my other little darling with a baby bottle trying to force it in my son’s little mouth.
I pulled away the bottle and asked him politely,
“What are you doing love?”
“Baby is hungry, I was just feeding him… reallyโฆ I did not hit him. Pinky promise.” (Insert the baby’s voice)
He responded back with a very remorseful and cute voice, head bent, fingers crossed and he was trying to align his juicy lower lip with the upper lip.
I held his hand, gave him a kiss on his forehead and told him,
“Honey, I believe you, just that next time, we will feed baby together…is it fine?”
He looked back, nodded with a smiley face then he took off looking for his ball.
I took my little angel, fed him and spent some quality bonding time with him.
Life had became so beautiful until when a calamity struck and left me in cross roads!
On Tuesday the 24th of November, 2020,ย I woke up in the wee hours of the morning, did my supplication, made my family some tasty, yummy ginger tea. Later on, I went to check up on my darling only to find him struggling to breath! When I held him, it was as if I was drilling a nail into a wounded lion. His voice was slowly diminishing. He struggled opening his eyes and when he finally did, he never closed them. I gave him some water and he took a gulp. I reached out to my phone trying to make a call to (Reel with Nusrat); a Vetenarian but it was too lateโฆdeath was at the doorstep๐. His time was at a halt. He took his last breath painfully at around 9:23am.
This hit me hard that indeed, ” Death is very painful!” His body lyed straight, eyes and mouth wide open!
I recollected myself, wiped his mouth and body gently, got a tiny piece of cloth, wrapped him up and held him using his blanket. I found a corner outside the house dug his tiny grave and laid him to rest. Tears kept rolling down uncontrollably.
Baby, I will miss you so much. You showed me the reality and beauty of love. You helped me overcome my worries and soothed my heart with your sweet naughtiness. I will surely miss you hanging around me, taking your tiny steps towards me upon my arrival. You were my blessing and “Verily we belong to the Almighty, and Verily to Him do we return.”
You are the Apple of my eyes darlingโค๏ธ๐น
The Pursuit of Happiness
Image courtesy: pinterest
There are times when you feel broken, shattered to very tiny pieces that seem very impossible to merge. Moments that you feel unloved and undeserved even with your closest circle. Moments that you are at the verge of hitting an iceberg but you hold back your gears. Times when you feel like breaking down. When your mind races in the thoughts of either giving up or fighting head-on with your fears. Situations where you feel that whatever effort you give is meaningless. That happiness was never meant to be your cup of tea. Times when you are always on the run thinking of what you have done. Times when you feel so down not knowing how to keep holding on.
When you do experience these moments, remember that Allah(SWT) is testing your imaan.
ููุง ููููููููู ูฑูููููู ููููุณูุง ุฅููููุง ููุณูุนูููุง
On no soul does He place a burden more than what it can bear.
Get yourself closer to Him because verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Tears coming out, do not hold it back. Vent out your insecurities in your sujood. Yes, maybe trust can be an issue but Trusting Allah is more than a relief.
Supplicate more each day. For as much as we say that it is all in Allah’s plans, never forget that prayers can change your fate.
Let it be your habit of making this supplication;
ุงููููููู ูู ุฅููููู ุธูููู ูุชู ููููุณูู ุธูููู ูุง ููุซููุฑูุงุ ูููุงู ููุบูููุฑู ุงูุฐูููููุจู ุฅููููุง ุฃูููุชูุ ููุงุบูููุฑู ููู ู ูุบูููุฑูุฉู ู ููู ุนูููุฏูููุ ููุงุฑูุญูู ูููู ุฅูููููู ุฃูููุชู ุงูุบููููุฑู ุงูุฑููุญููู ู
O Allah! I have greatly wronged myself and none forgives sins except You, so grant me Your forgiveness and have mercy on me. You are the Forgiving, the Merciful.
โูุงู ุฅููููู ุฅููููุง ุงููููููุ ููุญูุฏููู ูุงู ุดูุฑูููู ููููุ ูููู ุงูู ููููู ูููููู ุงูุญูู ูุฏูุ ูููููู ุนูููู ููููู ุดูููุกู ููุฏููุฑ
There is no god but Allah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is praise due, and He is Potent over everything.
Does love exist?
Photo courtesy by: pixaby.com
The clock is ticking
Tick tock,
Tick, tock
My heart is racing
As if it is in a rally
โYou look amazingโ
He started it off.
Our eyes locked
His height,
Check
His intelligence
Check
His way of thinking
Check
His appearance
Check
All was check,
check,
and
check
They said โlove at first sightโ
Which earlier on for me,
seemed untrue
He had that look on me
Which was in deep conversations
With my thoughts
I tried to hide
The feelings I felt
I was afraid
Afraid not to be afraid
Of the thoughts in my head
โIf I break, will someone lend me a hand?โ
โIf I love back, is it an assurance of being loved in return?โ
~love without limits
BELIEVING IN YOUR ABILITIES
โI am who I amโฆ I am the best the way I am…I can achieve my goals.โ This is should be your slogan. Your daily reminder. Pat your back when you achieve your set goal, congratulate yourself, give yourself a treat and appreciate your efforts.
The funny thing or probably the fantansy that we look for is appreciation and gratitude from others which often bring us dissapointments. Keep in mind that, not everyone will see your success in the perspective you would have loved them to.
Yes, there will be those who will rejoice with you on your each and every success story. Others will see to it just as a norm and sadly there will also be the โjeolousyโ type. Make sure that you learn for each of them. It is the positive lesson that you should always pick and work on the weaknesses that tag along with you. Each day should a learning day.
One thing I learnt is; whenever you wish good for your fellow, then you reap goodness from it, your heart always feela at ease and doors open up in directions you had least idea of.
The main aspect is that, you do not associate your happiness with someone elseโs gratitude. Be happy, be proud of your success, your failure, your strengths and shortcomings. Only then, will you find your inner peace.
When someone tells you that whatever you are doing is worthless, prove them wrong. Bring out the worth in it, let it shine so brightly and let them see that with your dedication, trust in The Almighty and self-belief. You actually did get your ambitions to greater heights and success keeps on following you step by step.
Do not be afraid of failure. How can your success story be interesting if you fought no battles and rejections?
As a writer, there are times when writerโs block take control of you but when you decide to lift yourself from that comfort zone and try as much as you can to scribble down your thoughts, its much easier to overcome it. As an enterpreneur, there will be times that your business thrives and moments when sales are low, all in all, let this not demorolise you. As a student, sometimes studies may be a hard nut to crack but ask yourself, “Why am I studying this?” In simple words, Know your “Why”
However, I can say that, failure is one of the fundamental key factor to success. Challenges are there to make you stronger and competitive, not to weaken your capabilities.
Learn from your weaknesses and pull your socks. Be proud of yourself.
Say it aloud โI am a Hero, My success story will change the world.โ
What Should I do In Quarantine?
Corona, corona, oh corona. A new theme and rhythm on our dear earth. This has been a norm and a new turn of things in the world. It’s not only for we; the innocent, oppressed with just two cents in our pockets. But, this tragedy chooses no one. Whether as a president, a prime minister, king or queen, a noble, a brahman, kshatriyas or vaishyas, a rastafarian, muslim, christian, budhist or pagan, it could knock you down without mercy.
Ignorance, Ignorance, oh Ignorance, this vice will slowly eat us up and leave no bones of ours. Corona is real, and we better realise that Protection is better than cure.
I know that this is the time that people will discover their inner talents, writers will write, bakers will bake all kinds of delicacies, artists will fill their sketches all over the house, painters will turn the house inside out with splashes of colours like rainbow in the sky. Tailors will mend all the torn clothes and make new designs, so beautiful so fine, readers will read all kinds of novels page by page mastering the words with great enthusism. And this is excellent and good. Fantastic and best.
Let us also not forget that is the time that we need to pull ourselves closer to the Almighty, because He says in the Holy Book that, โIndeed he sends no disease that lacks a cure to itโ We have been complaining that time has not been on our side. Busy schedules, assignments, hanging work from job, homeworks taking your time that we rarely had the time for prayers. Time is now in our hands, we either make the best out of it or turn into beasts by wasting it.
Maybe I could share some tips on how I try to manage my time and use it effectively during this quarantine period,
- Prayers: this is the most fundamental objective to concentrate on. Pray- on time. I do not think there should be an excuse for this. Don’t rush it, it’s not a marathon.
- Increase making repentance to the Lord. Because none is perfect, none is sinless. The best among believers are those who take note of their mistakes and ask for forgiveness from their Lord.
- I believe that everyone has a wish of exploring some ideas a bit due to their tight schedules, it hits the wall and maybe one could not achieve what they had intended to do. This is the time, time to see if you can explore them fully. I know that for some of us, exploring new ideas in such a situation is overwhelming and others can hardly get hold of themselves. It is alright because we all have our own differences.
- Help where you can, social media, I believe it’s a weapon and the fastest means of delivering information far and wide. Keep on creating awareness and enlighten others about the preventive measures to take. Which are:
- Avoiding handshakes
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Donโt touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, a cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
- Follow the directions of your local health authority. Wear a mask.
Stay safe, take precautions, help save a life and may the Almighty grant us cure for this disease. Stay blessed.
lulu na marijani 