Grace Muthoni: My Journey to Self-Discovery Made Me a Teen Mom

“Being a petite and short girl has been one of my greatest challenges. Despite struggling to accept myself, I was bullied by others for the better part of my schooling years.” Grace outlines with great emotions.

Grace Muthoni Maina is a firstborn among two and she describes her childhood as normal and simple. According to societal standards, she was described as a good girl, lovable, disciplined, and very outspoken.

The Narrow Escape that Never Was

Courtesy: nytimes.com

Growing up there was always something to look forward to. Do not get excited, it never was that serious but just ‘a narrow escape’. At every stage, I look forward to the next available ‘escape’.

I am told as a toddler, I looked forward to going to school since all my siblings were already schooling. In pre-school, I looked forward to Primary School because I wanted to be in the same school as my elder sister. No sooner had I wished for it than my parents took me to that school; there was some drama involved but that’s a story for another day.

Why Motivation?

Courtesy: Oxbridge Academy

For the longest time, I never believed in motivational speakers and regarded them as a scam. I could not resonate with the logic behind motivational speaking and how it impacts on life. Flash-forward to now and I am beginning to buy into the idea. Truth be told, motivation may not get you far in life, but it will definitely get you started.

Ambrose Kamya: The Love Child Of Teenagers Who Has Fought For His Silver Spoon

Photo | Courtesy

“For the better part of my life, I struggled with the feeling of rejection and a sense of belonging. What has kept me going is my zeal to work hard and prove to the world that I have so much to offer for a better world.” Ambrose begins by pointing this out.

Tell us about your childhood and upbringing

I was born in 1989 to teen parents in Kayunga Village in Eastern Uganda. My father and mother were in Senior four and Senior two, aged 19 and 18 respectively. 

Children Have Emotions Help Them Grieve

Courtesy: MN Spokesman Recorder

Recently, I have found myself engaging in conversations on children and grief. One thing that stands out is the fact that many people assume children are not able to process complex emotions. As a result, children are shielded or sidelined when it comes to grief.

You need to appreciate that, children are emotional beings. I actually think they are masters of emotional manipulation which is evident through their wide range of emotions such as tantrums, unexplained crying, hilarious laughter, and spontaneous frown which they can do even before they develop speech.

'Grieving & Healing After Loss' Book Commentary by Allan Bukusi

I met Allan Bukusi last year and the first thing he did was purchase a copy of my book, 'Grieving and Healing After Loss'. Several days later, he sent me an email that moved me to tears because it spoke to my heart.

Today I wish to share with you the following words from Allan and I hope they will speak to you as well.

When did Love Become a Battle Field?

Courtesy:  news.un.org

Before anything else, we need to begin with a moment of silence for the souls who have gone too soon in the name of love. 

The crimes of passion have become so rampant and the corridors of social media justice seem to be justifying the trend.

Looking at the tragic death of Ivy Wangechi, a Moi University sixth-year medicine student who was killed in broad daylight, I am left wondering; what value do we attach to life? Are rejection and disappointment such a strong incentive to take a life?

Wrong Cab Wrong Night; My Worst Nightmare

Courtesy: Fashion Reverie

We had just finished our Friday gig at a Five Star Hotel along Valley Road, and I was in no mood for chit-chat. It had been a long week and all I wanted was to go home and rest. Being a live musician, weekends are the buzziest and I needed to re-energize. I gave my fellow band members goodnight kisses and hit the road. 

Normally we head to town as a team but this day I was impatient. After all, it was Friday at 11.00 PM and the streets were much alive.

Suicide Awareness and Mitigation

Courtesy: The Book of Man

Suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally and at the same time the second leading cause of death among the youth between the ages of 15-29 years.  According to WHO close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. 

In Kenya, about 4 people commit suicide daily. However, this is just an estimate and there is the worry that the number could be higher given that suicide is not always indicated as the cause of death.