UNTITLED

Midday thoughts.

There is an account on TikTok called “doseofsociety” that I recently came across. It features many interesting videos, but while I was scrolling, I stumbled upon an interview. In the interview, an elderly lady was asked what advice she would give her younger self. She responded by saying that she would tell her younger self to simply live – to truly "liveeeeeee" life, take risks, and embrace each moment. She emphasized not being consumed by worries and obsessions about tomorrow. One of my personal highlights from her words was about the importance of taking risks.

Allow me to share a brief personal story: I recently started driving. It's safe to say that driving has never been my favorite activity. I used to daydream about having a car but not having to drive it. The few times I had tried driving were far from enjoyable; in fact, they were rather intimidating. Navigating Kampala's roads with the busy traffic, drivers, and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) isn't the most welcoming experience for a first-timer. So, for about a week, I always had someone in the co-driver’s seat – a brother or a sibling – with me. Little did I know that my comfort zone would be challenged sooner than I expected. One memorable night, I found myself alone and needing to reach my destination. Not even going to the gym made me sweat as much as I did in that car. However, to sum it up, I managed to reach my destination.

To me, that was a risk I took, and it paid off. I'm not claiming to be an exceptional driver yet, but I no longer break a sweat while driving.

A while ago, I was searching for an internship. If you're Ugandan, you probably know that everything related to employment comes with strings attached. You often need to know someone to even secure the simplest things, like an internship.

Fresh out of university, my mind brimming with enthusiasm, I held high hopes for the universe. I thought to myself, "It's just an internship. Who wouldn't provide a space for learning?" Well, as it turns out, the joke was on me. I harbored a dream of interning at a government entity; that's what I truly desired. Dear reader, when I tell you that I was rejected by every government entity you could possibly imagine, it's no exaggeration.

However, each time I walked out of those offices, clutching my brown envelope, a unique sense of satisfaction welled up within me—a sensation I can't quite put into words. I felt content that I had stepped into these places I once fantasized about. The air conditioning alone felt like a privilege. I remember this particular office where I took the guard’s number , because to me having the guard’s contact of such a dream place to work from was also an achievement. He told me but I am simply a guard , of what help can I be, I said, to me its enough, he was kind enough to promise a call incase an opportunity availed itself. I cant even lie , I didn’t expect any call, but having the number gave me hope, it felt like an investment. like a step towards the goal, LOL.

I consistently faced rejection, but with every instance, I departed with immense satisfaction. Sporting my earpads and indulging in uplifting music, a SafeBoda ride would ferry me back home, and I would add yet another brown envelope to the collection, joining the many others acquired from my previous attempts.

There is a saying in runyakole that says, “ owafa nagyenda amaguru tigamugaya”. which simply means that for as long as you try, chances of winning are high. the long and short of it , I later got an internship placement at one of my dream places(from the previous rejections) and it has been an amazing ride ,I must say.

Dear reader, whatever endeavor you're bravely taking a risk on, first and foremost, congratulations! Your courage deserves recognition. Remember, things will fall into place. Don't burden yourself with worries about tomorrow; as even the Bible suggests, tomorrow will look after itself. Live in the present moment. Your initial blog post might not be your best, your first gig might not bring you life-changing earnings, and your debut DJ set might not trend the most. However, you can't reach your 100th without going through the first. Keep pushing forward.

Typically, I have titles for my pieces. Yet, today, I took a risk and wrote an untitled blog, because to be honest, I do not know what topic this, but I'm genuinely content that I did.

Sending you kisses and hugs, my dearest readers.

As a dedication, I present "Fear is Not My Future" by Maverick City & Kirk Franklin.