How I lost my Innocence at 7 years in My Father’s House

Courtesy: vishwavani.news

Home is meant to be the safest space and parents the greatest protectors. At least that is what I believed till the day when my world turned upside down. 

Having grown up in a typical Coastal family, having relatives at home was the norm. We were all a big happy family with relatives who received financial support from my parents. Our home was their home.

Parental Influence on Children Character Formation

Courtesy: giadinhnino.com

Who and how you turn out in life is your character influenced by multiple factors. Some of these factors are; parenting, environment & exposure, life experience, genetic makeup & cognitive abilities, material possession, religion, media, and socialization.

Despite there being numerous influences on character parenting plays a key role. Parents are the first contact children have in this world, their nurturing role is directly linked to character. Whatever you do as a parent, good or bad, influences your children. This equally extends to your presence, involvement, and absence in their life.

Parenting In The Digital Age - Pampering

Courtesy: thepenspeaks.com

What is Pampering?

There is a close relationship between Loving, Pampering, and Spoiling. 

Pampering-catering for one's needs and desires excessively, which in turn adversely affects his character and attitude towards life.

Parental Absence and Effects on Children

Definition

Parental absence is the temporary or extended absence of one or more parents. 

Parental absence can be because of a mental illness, personality disorder, or something else such as a job, career goal, or educational endeavor among other reasons.

Is It For God's Glory?

Courtesy:icl.org

The morality debate is currently trending and has been trending for some months now in the country. All of us have our own definitions and perception when it comes to differentiating and understanding what is really right and wrong. We can defend and justify our actions and behaviors to others with all the energy in us. 

Today’s society has an added advantage compared to the society in the seventies and eighties. Technology has opened our eyes and ears to the world. People are more open-minded to a lot of things from relationships to accepting and embracing other people’s cultures. 

My Two Cents On Youth Training Programs Part One

Courtesy: SchoolMattaz

According to Wikipedia, Youth Empowerment is a process where children and young people are encouraged to take charge of their lives. They do this by addressing their situations and taking action to improve their resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values, and attitudes.

There have been lots of talks on ways to empower or what youths can do to be empowered. This is good because youths are challenged to be open-minded, courageous, and ready to see and grab opportunities. 

Letter from the Other Side

Courtesy: Yale Daily News

To whom it may concern

It has taken me so long to write this letter but I think it’s about time. Probably because I have had enough time to think about it and found the right things to say. Maybe it is also because I am now on the other side and what I say or do will not make much of a difference. Either way, I chose to write this letter at this time.

For the longest time, I kept wondering, “How did I get here?” I mean, my life had just begun and I had so much to achieve. 

Every Woman Deserves a 'Sponsor'

Courtesy:imgflip.com

This might appear like the most irrational article I have ever written, but just hear me out for a moment. 

The number of ‘Sponsor relationships’ have been on the rise with scandal after scandal flooding our media. Focus has been put on condemning the vice but who has tried to analyse the situation and explain the trend?

Women depending on men is a normal phenomenon and nothing absurd at all. I mean, the man was created first and the woman was made to be his helper. 

Sex Conversation Parents Should Be Ready For

Courtesy:birthbreathanddeath.com

Parenting comes with tasks and responsibilities. Parents telling each other anecdotes and seeking advice on the different stages and experiences they have had while their kids were teething, crawling, learning to walk and morning struggles on their first school day are very normal. 

 

In the African culture, parents seeking advice or sharing stories of how to talk or introduce sex conversation in the home is rare.  

Sex is not a very hot topic for family bonding time. Most children teach themselves, learn from their peers, or read about sex in magazines or on the internet. 

My Life, Their Demands!

Courtesy:PinInterest

Today I want to throw a tantrum on behalf of myself and others who are tired of social demands and expectations constantly being thrown at their faces.

 

Every person’s life is a different script according to God’s purpose and will for our life. But  to most human beings we are all are expected to have the same script. Society expects you to go by its rules expectations and demands.  My plea to all of you out there is to Just let me fill out my script.  

Compare and contrast is one of the major causes of stress and depression in this modern world. Stress and depression are among the leading causes of suicidal deaths in Kenya and the world. 

Children’s Rights and Safety in The Digital Age

Courtesy: Malditang Librarian

When I think of children’s rights in the digital age, the thought leaves me in between violation of some rights while upholding others. There is a thin line between the safety of our children and exercising their rights.

The most commonly regarded definition of a child is anyone below the age of 18 years. Despite toddlers, infants and adolescents being different in terms of needs and understanding, they are all treated the same under the law.

18 years is deemed as the legal age in most countries where one gets a National Identification card and permission to purchase alcohol or even consent to sexual engagement. 

My Thoughts, My Choices, My Happines.

"Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings, always darker, emptier, and simpler." Friedrich Nietzsche. 

A thought is an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind. Approximately 60,000 thoughts run through the mind in a day and 95% of those thoughts are the same as yesterday and the day before yesterday.

According to Wikipedia, Thinking is the mental process in which beings form psychological associations and models of the world. It is manipulating information when we form concepts, engage in problem-solving reason, and make a decision.

Mentorship Session at St Peter's Girls Utawala

One thing that gives me great fulfillment is mentorship. Every moment that I get to impact a life is priceless. 

On 14th August I got a rare chance to speak to girls at St. Peter's Girls in Utawala courtesy of Brian Ombaka. 

Together with me were other great mentors; Dorothy Otieno, Grace Ndirangu, and Corazon Amukhale. 

Can We Control Spread of Fake News?

Courtesy: library.queens.edu

In the digital age, we have had to battle with so many challenges, and one that remains as challenging as a wildfire is fake news. 

Fake news can be viewed as news articles, stories, or information that has been published without verifiable information. This is mostly done with the intent of misleading others or gaining an unfair advantage, especially in the issues of politics or business. 

Fake news comes in different aspects such as unverified news stories, propaganda, hoaxes, conspiracy theories, unverifiable claims, fake job adverts, and pseudo-social media accounts. [Source: BAKE]

When A Child Is Forced To Become An Adult

Courtesy:Pixabay.com

"You know you are the first born so you must behave very well because your younger siblings are looking up to you and emulating." This statement is true in most African families that the first child. 

Compared to other children, firstborns are raised being taught and shown how to be responsible, respectful and above all caring for others which are very good and vital for all children while growing up.

Safe Spaces Available at Decent Conversations

On 12^th August we celebrated International Youth Day (IYD) across the globe in different ways. This was a culmination of week-long activities geared towards having conversations on issues affecting the youth.  

Open Letter To Sunday Nation Chief Editor

Dear sir/madam,

I salute you for the good work you have been doing in informing us on several issues besides giving the public a chance to share our thoughts and insights. Thank you. 

You may not see this letter directly but some of your coworkers will, and if they share with you this post I will appreciate it.

How to Promote Human Rights Through Blogging

Courtesy: Sunway Echo Media

“I know my rights!” This is often a statement that most Kenyans will use when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law or better still the law enforcers. You are also likely to hear the statement when the turn of events is against one prediction. 

You know for sure you are entitled to so some basic rights. If you have never heard about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you have at least heard of  Chapter 4 of the Kenyan Constitution which covers the bill of rights. So what are these rights and do you understand what they represent?

Is it Love or Just a Camouflage?

Love is one thing that man has for ages struggled to understand and explain. The most simple definition is a strong positive emotion towards someone or something that goes beyond feelings.  

Everyone desires to be loved but mostly you end up in a camouflage of love.

Related Post: Love and Lust: Tearing Down the Relationship Veil

On 24th June 2018, I had an opportunity to be a panelist during Mombasa Youth Ablaze monthly session. The theme of the day was 'Love Dare' based on Songs of Solomon  8:4. 

#UnderstandingAddiction Forum Recap

On the 13th of July, a Friday evening after a long day of schooling, working, and hustling, converged at the American Spaces, the Bazaar where a good number of people with an urge to learn.

Hosted by Miss Tabitha Mwai, the day's session of Decent Conversations was on Understanding Addiction.

Understanding Addiction And What It Is Like To Be Addicted

One can define addiction as, occupying oneself with or involving oneself in something habitually or compulsively. 

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. It comes in different forms. Addicts are moral agents, in the community, with biology working against their spiritual goals.

Decent Conversations Wellbeing Forum #UnderstandingAddiction

In June Decent Conversations participated in different activities to sensitize the public on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. 

Through the engagements, there was a general concern that young people are having multiple addictions as a result of the modern lifestyle. This is also a conversation that came up during our May forum on #MentalHealth.

From Lunga Lunga Slums Nairobi to United States of America; A Tale of Isaac Maweu

Isaac speaking during a Decent Conversation Forum on #Hemotions

This is my story. It may not be the first one or the best but it inspires me and all who hear it. If I have made it, you too can make it. Yes, anyone can make it, provided you keep going. Life may knock you down but get up and keep going.

What Nobody Tells You About Menstrual Health (#NomoreLimits)

Courtesy: Health24.com

Yesterday was Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day). This is a global platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, the private sector, the media,  and individuals to promote Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

MH Day raises awareness of the challenges women and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and highlights solutions that address these challenges, including through media work. 

Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder With Franciscah Nzanga

During the Decent Conversations Mental Health Forum held on 11th May 2018 one of the topics discussed was on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder commonly known as baby blues. 

The presentation was done by Franciscah Nzanga, Founder and Managing Director - of Mama Mzazi Mommy & Me.

Let Me Be

 If I seat alone in a corner,

Let me be.

If I don’t want to talk,

Let me be.

If I’m confused,

Let me be.

If I’m anxious,

Let me be.

If I’m moody,

Let me be.

If I’m angry,

Let me be.  

Decent Conversations Mental Health Workshop on Friday 11th May 2018

Sustainable Development goal number three aims to ensure; healthy lives and promote the well-being of all at all ages. SDG-3 also acknowledges the need for more efforts in addressing the different emerging health issues such is the case; mental health issues that are fast becoming a scourge. 

Closer home, Kenya has been ranked sixth with the highest number of depression cases among African countries by a World Health Organization report released in 2017.

Nobody Owes You Anything

Courtesy: theprayingwoman.com

Every day I feel amazed by the life lessons I learn whether intentionally or through experience. One of the lessons I have found so liberating is knowing that Nobody owes me anything. Sound harsh but it is true. You might find yourself walking tall every day and feeling entitled to some privileges and favors. This is the best root of disappointment and devastation.

A Friend in Need Vs A Friend When in Need

Courtesy: Times of India

I have been thinking about this popular saying, "A friend in need is a friend in deed". Sure there is no greater moment to appreciate friendship than when you are in your lowest moment. I mean, someone who stands with you during adversity can stand by you at all times. But surely, does it mean adversity is the real measure of friendship? What happens when your friend is not available in your hour of need?

Golden Friendship in the Digital Age

Courtesy: IndiaCelebrating.com

As a young girl, my mother taught me a song on friendship that said; Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. This is a song that I have carried in my heart for the last 2 decades and it has helped me never to be disappointed with friendship in this digital age. 

Maintaining friendships with me has required deliberate effort more so in the years after my tertiary education. 

Love in the Early 20s Vs Love in Late 20s

Courtesy: pxhere.com

I have an obsession with public benches especially those that are; remote, lonely and offer a picturesque view. One such bench I love is one Uhuru highway round about, on your way to Upper hill before; Processional way that crosses Uhuru Park and opens out to Serena hotel. 

Life is about Creating Yourself

Courtesy:dreamstime.com

Identity is the fact of being who or what a person is. Self-Identity is the perception or recognition of one's characteristics as a particular individual. Self Identity is composed of relatively permanent self-assessments, such as personality attributes, knowledge of one’s skills and abilities, one’s occupation and hobbies, and awareness of one’s physical attributes.

Love Is Not A Formula

Courtesy:people.co.uk

If you read articles as often as I do, love can start to feel like a formula. You can read thousands of pieces of advice on how to attract the opposite sex, turn a friendship into a relationship, or even how to go on more dates in 2018. 

You don’t need to read more than “show him/her you’re interested, but not too interested” or “pose like this in a dating profile to get him/her to notice you” all these are just articles that make one think they can orchestrate their circumstances so that someone can fall in love with them.  

Condemnation Vs Compassion Embracing #MyParticulars

Courtesy: ted.com

Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

This is a scripture that gives me great comfort even when I feel that I am so far away from God. 

But yet again, I find myself tempted to think that I am at least better than others and that my sin has a lesser magnitude. But I am reminded that there is no measure for sin and that 

Healthy Vs Unhealthy Relationships Forum (#MyParticulars)

This is the month of love and as you celebrate love, it is our desire that you begin with yourself. This Valentine, try to shake things up and look at yourself and how you appreciate who you are. Take the challenge, evaluate how much you value yourself, and determine your price tag.

Relationships are great if started on the right track. But, do you realize your self-awareness, self-esteem, self-worth, and self-acceptance greatly affect your relationships? Better still, your personality also contributes to the person you are attracted to and the one you attract.

Before giving away your heart and taking that of another, you need to begin with understanding SELF.

Meet Samantha, The New Wife Material Contestant

Courtesy: in.news.yahoo.com

My oh my! It is truly a challenge to be a woman. Feminists have had to deal with the issues of empowerment, equality, early marriages, female genital mutilation, and other female reproductive issues.

There is now a new area of concern which is SAMANTHA the latest talk of the town!

Also Check out: 7 Issues that Women Deal With at Different Points in Life

Life Doesn't Wait For Wedding Vows

I'm 31 years old, and I'd love to get married. I write that without embarrassment because marriage is a good and worthy desire. I have spent a good fortune of my formative years preparing for marriage, dedicating to myself it, and honoring it. 

As good and exciting as any relationship we get into can be, preparing for marriage was and became a small idol for me.

Love You, Take Care Of You And Be You

Happy first post from Corazon and our third post as Decent Conversation this year. God is good and great. This year there is a lot of restoration going to happen in our lives. I'm trusting God to help me be a better person for myself and for you guys.

By the way, have I told you how much Decent Conversations appreciate, love and value you for the support we get from you?

Is There a Right Time To Walk Away?

Courtesy: fuelrunning.com

Every relationship is unique in nature. There is no particular template to measure a successful relationship or a healthy one. 

Nothing is cast in stone and relationships are purely developed by individual effort.

5 Great Ways To Love Yourself in 2018

Courtesy: authenticgrowth.com

Let me begin by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is the first post of this year and I am super excited because of what we have lined up.

To start us off this year, I would like us to begin by focusing on self-love. What I am pointing to is an appreciation of who you are and how you are without waiting for anyone's approval.