Beyond the Chills

The world can feel like a frosty place, doesn’t it? Life’s challenges seem to be stacking up with each passing day. We, Kenyans, are acutely sensing the biting cold, down to the very last layers of our not-so-well-insulated skins.

Taxes are soaring to heights that defy reason, leaving us grappling with the chilling reality. Basic commodities now carry price tags scaling even higher than the mighty Mount Everest. To add a financial frostbite, the dollar has mercilessly surged to Ksh.164, rendering our economy against the dollar nearly worthless.

In the job market, opportunities are as scarce as water in a desert, and those few that do exist often come with meager paychecks that barely cover the essentials. Capital to kick-start our dreams is a distant mirage, making the pursuit of our aspirations feel like an uphill climb without proper gear.

Yet, in the midst of our struggles, we are unfairly branded as a generation seeking an effortless existence. It’s a label that does not resonate with the hardworking individuals among us. This is not an endorsement of laziness, rather, a plea to recognize and support those of us who are diligently striving against the odds.

Let’s acknowledge the harsh truth – our generation is not lazy, Look a little closer, stare a little longer beyond the chills. For those who tirelessly toil, I stand as an advocate. We need a respite, a breather from the relentless pressure and the judgmental gazes that surround us. Allow us the space to figure out the challenges without the burden of unnecessary stereotypes.

Times have changed, and so have the circumstances. Give us the time to adapt. While a degree of pressure is inevitable and can be motivating, let it be a healthy force that propels us forward, not a weight that drives us into the depths of depression.

It’s crucial to recognize that undue pressure and criticism have claimed the lives of many promising young individuals. Depression has become an insidious foe, leading people astray in the midst of their struggles. Let us collectively stand against this silent killer.

Guide us, support us, but do so with empathy. Spare us from the kind of pressure that can tip the balance towards despair. We need time to find our way, to carve a path through the challenges that life throws at us. Let us unite in the fight against depression, ensuring that no loved one becomes a tragic statistic of suicide simply because we failed to extend a helping hand and instead burdened them with unnecessary pressure.

Together, let’s stand against depression and build a world where the weight of life’s challenges doesn’t crush the spirit but strengthens it.

@okelododdychitchats

The Shoe Shiner

I didn’t grow up sticking to one spot; I’ve got the privilege of recalling three to four places where I spent my childhood. This journey made me lose a few friends along the way, but it turned me into a social butterfly. Making friends has become my forte, and even though they’re not countless, I hold them close to my heart. This weekend, I reunited with buddies I hadn’t seen in thirteen years. Kelline, the always cheerful guy with a deep Luo accent, remembered me for my knack for cleanliness. It’s amusing to think that at the tender age of eleven, I was already a master in the art of shining shoes, making beds, styling uniforms, and harboring a soft spot for the ladies!

Yesterday, I bumped into Apopo Powel, a hilarious pal from high school. He reminded me of our shared past, especially how neat I was. The funny part was how he described everyone else getting stains of uji on their clothes during breakfast, while I miraculously stayed in mint condition. He chuckled about my well-shined shoes and my “don’t touch” trousers. He even marveled at my impressive collection of uniforms in just my first year of high school. Quick recap: I was the shoe shiner back then, and I still know how to keep my kicks looking sharp. Hence, the title of this piece – “The Shoe Shiner.”

I’ve always known I’d leave a lasting impression, akin to a scar reminding you of how you got it. This mark I leave is meant to jog memories of the things I did.

People tend to remember me for various reasons – my pride, persuasive arguments, potential as a lawyer (I plan to pursue this), my shyness around those I hold dear, and my keen sense of style. I find joy in being remembered for positive and impactful qualities. Forget those unrelated things I mentioned earlier; I’m not here to toot my own horn. The point is, I strive to make an impact, and I love it because those close to me also try to leave a memorable mark, something you’d want to cherish if it were physically tangible.

In this era, forming relationships – not just romantic ones but strong friendships and close-knit families – is sometimes seen as old-fashioned. People give it skeptical looks, associating all relationships with potential betrayal. I get it; Gen-Z and millennials can relate. They treat marriage and reconnecting with hometown friends cautiously, fearing envy and potential harm. The village WiFi supposedly has better bandwidth; you can’t hide from it. I don’t blame them; caution is not fear.

Yet, there are still those who believe in robust relationships and hold them dear. What about you? What do you think your close ones remember you for – good or bad? If you’re skeptical about relationships, what caused the trauma? Is there a way to mend it? Let’s have a chat, my friends. We could even explore topics like “Relationships and Betrayal” or “Friendships and Betrayal.” What’s your take?

@okelododdychitchats

Just Drop a Comment

When do you find yourself grabbing that pen and paper? Is it during tough times when emotions are running high, and writing feels like a way to tackle the challenges life throws at you? Or is it in moments of pure joy, when even the ordinary things bring happiness, and you catch yourself smiling at everyone, even someone you’re not too fond of? Personally, I used to think I was most creative when feeling a bit down, not necessarily to express my feelings but to capture what I saw in small gatherings at barazas, the lively conversations in tailoring shops, the buzz in barbershops, or even the snippets of life heard in matatus. Writing about these observations used to be a kind of therapy for me. However, recent realities have hit me hard, filling my once-bright mind with empty thoughts that have taken away my usual good vibes.

I’m not looking for sympathy here, I’m just curious about how your year is going. Is it turning out to be good, or are you facing some challenges? While it might be early to ask, haven’t they said that you can sense the quality of a day from the morning? Let’s think of that metaphorically. From talking to a few people, it seems that, despite some initial confusion, many are finding this year to be interesting. What’s interesting is the lack of the usual flood of boring “happy new year messages” and the absence of big unachievable resolutions. Instead, people seem to be having more practical discussions, focusing on solid financial plans and pursuing their interests with passion.

Going through the current situation is a bit of a challenge for me, with the uncertainty of tomorrow hanging over. I’ve never been one to predict the future, and while it might seem a bit tricky, there’s a sense of hope pushing me forward. My plan is simple: prioritize things that bring me joy and stay away from things that bore, drain, or stress me. Essentially, I want to create a happy space for myself and those around me….

How’s your year going? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s connect every Tuesday or on any day that suits you (we can vote a day). I am thinking about throwing in some interviews and sharing stories about different places. Just drop a comment to let us know what you’re enjoying and experiencing this year, and also, what topics you’d like us to dive into. I’m thinking of adding some opinionated sections. So, drop a comment – your input is crucial in shaping our conversations. Feel free to join the discussion! Just drop a comment !

@okelododdychitchats