DELAYED GRATIFICATION

   We spend our lives working hard to be where we are at now just to feel like there is a lot more that we are yet to accomplish. It needs to click in your mind that being conscious and grateful about the moment in time you are in, sets off a wave in the universe that will draw your goals closer to you. It always feels like the progress is happening slower than you anticipated but the true value of achieving your life goals lies in the process that you take to get there. Your long term goal should influence what you do now. Getting caught up in "the moment", by the moment I mean indulging in things that have nothing to do with your goals, will only set you back. It can get exciting experiencing the external world but you risk the chance of missing out on opportunities that take you closer to the end game. Distractions will always be there, you have to try and be aware every moment of your existence for you to control your thought process.

   The small steps that you take matter. If you set a high bar for yourself, it means the journey will not be easy. Only your mindset can keep you from quitting or slowing down. Control your thoughts, control your life. This is one of my life mantras. Human beings are beyond blessed. We have the power of consciousness, the power to control all the thoughts that we plant in our minds. It is quite a profundity once you start to understand that everything that has happened in your life is as a result of all the conditioned thoughts that has been embedded in your mind since birth, whether you are conscious about it or not. This is why it is of essence that you learn how to keep your mind in a state of awareness for you to realize that you can control how you react to different situations without causing yourself unnecessary stress. Free your mind by accepting all that you have gone through, it is the only way you can heal and release that build up of energy within blocking you from growth.

   Everything that is meant to be yours is meant to be drawn to you inevitably but all the worry, doubts, built up emotions and distractions keep you from receiving what's yours. Visualize what you want, believe it is yours, plan your moves and execute meticulously everyday, eventually abundance will flow into your life effortlessly. You deserve to live the life that you want, love yourself enough to know and accept what will be required of you and gear up. Don't allow yourself to settle for mediocrity or short hand gains, the end game is what matters. You are improving yourself now in preparation for your future self who will have the skills to execute milestones with precision. If it is important enough to you, you will do whatever it takes to get there. It will happen, trust the process. 

   

THE ILLUSION OF TIME FLOW

   

   The flow of time is a construct that we have created for ourselves to try and explain this worldly existence and experience of life. I was reading on Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and it changed my perspective on what I view time to be. Understanding that this element called 'time' that we think is always flowing may not be moving at all. Start by viewing the experience of life as a four-dimensional entity for example like a loaf of bread. That four-dimensional entity is what Einstein called space-time. Back to the analogy of a loaf of bread; one end of the bread is the moment when we start to experience life and the other end is when we stop experiencing life. Life exists in this continuum. You are at one specific point in the continuum at this moment in time. Every moment that we have ever experienced exists as different moments in this space-time. You could pick out one moment from the past or future on that continuum like selecting a picture frame from a movie reel. So, according to Einstein's thinking, the 'past' that is, the moments that you already experienced, exists at the same time as the present moment and 'future', the moments yet to manifest. I hope that this simplified analogy makes it easier to understand the aspect of space-time.

   Viewing life in this perspective gives you an opportunity to create the life that you want because the future you desire already exists. Everything exists in the now. We create our lives by the choices that we make everyday. You have to be conscious of your being at all times because you  literally are an artist creating a work of art that is your life experience. Stop living life giving power to the world over what happens to you and start taking control of your mind and being, by consciously making choices and taking actions that are in line with your goals. When you are productive, time seems to move faster than usual and when there is a ton to do it can get stressful because of the deadlines that you have set for yourself. Take a deep breathe and realize that you are moving closer to the life that you have imagined, that gives you a sense of purpose and an unwavering drive to take action. What matters is what you do now with your life not in the next few months or years. Simply ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing now in line with what I want to manifest?" You have all that you need to take control of your life just be conscious about your awareness and show commitment to your goals by taking the necessary actions.

       

REALITY CHECK PART 2

   We live in a capitalistic world, no doubt. It has its benefits but it has become so prevalent that we have thrown our values and morals out of the window. These days it seems these values and ethical reasoning have no bearing on our character as people. Things are spinning out of control and only those with a strong conscience can see it. We have become oblivious of the core issues that are affecting the world that we have forgotten how to critically evaluate the repercussions on our sustainability. Problems are never problems till they are. In other words, if we are not vigilant we can never see change coming. This capitalism has placed the victims of it in a bubble. Usually, most people only pay attention to issues that affect them directly. This is diluting our sense of compassion and advocacy on matters that can affect the mortality of our beautiful world.

    I am passionate on addressing climate change especially now that our global focus is on wealth creation. It is a shame that some people who we have elected as our representatives consider this matter as deceitful despite all the signs that are evident. I am also a victim of being in a bubble at times, I am not perfect but every moment when I get that abrupt awakening and a sense of awareness I feel like it is my responsibility to try and change the circumstances. We can get caught up on what is happening in front of us that we forget to see the bigger picture. I feel that climate change hasn't received the attention that it deserves. I hope that by writing this, I will ignite an inner fire within you that will bring an inspiration to take up this matter and bring even that little great change that the world desperately needs. People become aware of climate change through the media but what if the matter isn't being addressed as much as it should be? Does that mean we forget and wait for hurricanes, tsunamis, famine and drought to brutally remind us of the current reality? 

   Climate change hasn't been receiving much attention because it happens over a long period. The problem is it only becomes noticeable when natural disasters strike. You can go through Reality Check Part 1 and see how countries like Bangladesh are on the brink of extinction because of the rising water levels. Waiting for problems so that we can tackle them isn't sustainable. Eventually all the ignorance and misconceptions are going to catch up with us and unfortunately it will be the posterity to suffer. I don't expect everyone to care, there are people who are the pioneers of the causes of these adverse changes in our ecosystem. Look at fossil fuel industries, multi-billion dollar companies that are run by people that are apathetic to the issue. It won't be easy changing all that we know. Simple things like the car that you drive or plan to contributes to CO2 emmisions. Change starts with awareness. 

   Uniting on this will speed up the process of self-restoration. The world is like a cell, it can recreate itself, it just needs to be given the right conditions for it to do the inevitable. You may not have the wealth and resources to go against these wealthy polluting companies but you have a voice that can change people's perception towards the matter. Only a voice? Doesn't seem so powerful, does it? But imagine if millions take up this cause, we have all the power that we need in unity. Trust me. Synergy creates a Master Mind where everything is possible. 

NEXT GETAWAY IDEA FOR YOU

     I try to make everyday the best of my life. This was undeniably one of the most fun weekends I have had in a while. I love to getaway, clear my mind, escape and be one with nature. What better place to do that than Nanyuki, Kenya. My friends and I rented a house in Mt. Kenya Conservancy Estate at Olpejeta. Just a few kilometers from the town. The environment was serene, woke up to see some wildlife in the morning around the house. The rental houses are quite a number but they all have a similar design. The rent per night for the whole house was Ksh. 20,000 ($200). The price might change depending on the season. The place can accommodate about 10 people.

                                Images obtained from http://mountkenyawe.com/ 

       We also got a chance to explore Ngare Ndare Forest Trust located at the foothills of Mt. Kenya in Meru. The waterfalls are something you should go experience. Can't remember the last time I saw water that clear. The water comes down to form a blue pool, you can swim or just enjoy the scenery. I recommend this place if you love adventure. We also went for a canopy walk, if you love heights you'll feel the rush as you walk across the pathway on top and in the midst of nature. The waterfall and canopy walk experience was roughly Ksh. 2,000 ($20) per person. Highlights of the trip are in the video. Enjoy. 

WOMEN IN A MAN'S WORLD

    I am a feminist; supporting women who are trying to make something great of themselves makes me feel like I am contributing to the advancement of women in every field. I encourage you to do the same. From my experience I still feel like it is a man's world despite all the necessary attention that is being shed onto the girl child. The policies coming up that are inclusive of women have shown the world the importance of empowering women. My focus today is especially on women working in male dominated fields but, this is a problem that pervades in all sorts of different environments.

   It can be rather intimidating working alongside men, you feel the need to constantly prove yourself because there is pressure to perform. Making your way to the top without having to compromise on your dignity because of the prevalent objectification of women that clearly exists, is more arduous than it sounds. Saying no to unrelenting unwanted advances in the workplace or any other place for that matter can be seen as being conceited which can make your male colleague change his behavior towards you. It is strenuous for women in hyper-masculine environments to find a balance of neither being seen as yielding or too harsh. I am not saying that this is the only dynamic that happens but it happens so it should be addressed.

   Just to show you an instance demonstrating the gravity of the situation, the results of a survey called 'Elephant in the Valley' were released earlier this year. The survey was conducted on women that work in Silicon Valley and those living around the area and it focused on finding out the challenges that women face in their work place. These were mostly women in tech and venture capitalists. It was found that 60% of women acknowledged that they had faced sexual harassment in their workplace. There were other issues addressed but I wanted to focus on this specific statistic (www.elephantinthevalley.com). I believe such statistics can be reported in other fields as well and this makes me feel unsettled.

 
Well, my advice to you is to not condone such behavior, ever. You are doing yourself an injustice by ignoring and not standing up for yourself in a situation where you feel condescended upon. Surprisingly, most men are oblivious of what us women go through in such a workplace and it is upon us to bring awareness with regards to the issue. Courage to say no will do you great in your life. Don't be a victim if it can be avoided and if it can't, take the matter up to someone with the power to stop what is happening to you. You have the power to demand mutual respect. The essence of being a woman is something special and should be valued by everyone. It's time for you to see that, more so, it's time for the world to see that.

PERCEPTION MATTERS

   Ever felt stuck in a place, a place that drains you of your energy, a place that you keep running away from but always ending up at the same spot? Most of us won't admit it but we have those faults in us that we try to cover up in a carefully crafted veneer hiding from the truth. You need to accept yourself for who you are, for you to be able to accept the person that you want to become. The truth will always catch up with you, remember that. It is far better to initiate the changes within ourselves for us to move forward with life. You are not being fair to yourself revolving around the same spot that took you nowhere in the past. Time is moving, you better move along with it or all you will end up with is regret. Part of the reason why we end getting stuck in a rut is the perception of what needs change. We have become perfectionists, wanting our lives to seem a certain way to other people that we forget that it is okay for us to lose a bit of control in our lives. Relax, take a breather. It is never as bad as it seems. You can look at people and think they have it all together yet underneath the facade they are ordinary people with the same problems as you. Once you realize that what you should be focusing on is what is within you, the fear of change dissipates.

   I have noticed that we have become intent on observing what is in our external reality to reflect what we want to manifest in our lives. Everything that is in our external world is as a result of people's thoughts that have come into existence. Your external circumstances should not dictate who you are, instead seek to nurture what is within as this is the starting point of all that comes into actuality. Put the world in perspective and it will never take control over you. How you perceive the world has a heavy bearing on the person that you will become. Ask yourself, "Would I want to place myself in the constraints of my own thinking?" If your answer is no, you need to change often. This is the only way that you will set a motion of constant growth within your life.

    Who moved my cheese? :An Amazing way to Deal with Change by Dr. Spencer Johnson was one of my most interesting reads. It focuses primarily on change but the author uses a simple and in my opinion quite a funny way to convey that message. I almost dismissed the book because of its simplicity but I got compelled to finish it because I have realized I needed to read something light for a change. I suggest you read it too if you are someone like me who can end up being too hard on themselves at times. The quotes in the book keep lingering in my mind when I face moments of self doubt and resistance. You can never go wrong having a reference point for wisdom when times get tough. This was my favorite quote:
       
                            "If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct" 

REALITY CHECK PART 1

     This is a series where I will be shedding light on the crucial issues that are existent in the world and the ones that have a major impact on life as we know it. I think we have become accustomed to living in a bubble, closed off from the real world that we forget what is truly of importance. We come across endless information from the media and most of it is just utter nonsense if you come to think of it. The media mostly gives the audience what it asks for because this is linked to ratings and ratings are linked to paychecks. In this age of media conglomeration money talks and it is becoming more evident that preeminent issues that can change the world are not being given the attention that they deserve. What has this lead to? Ignorance. I want to change the way you view the world and the only way for me to achieve this is by telling you what you should be focusing on to change your perspective on things.

     It is becoming increasingly alarming at the rate at which we are depleting our water sources. Global warming is catching up with us and it is inevitably going to end water if we do not come up with sustainable solutions. Water is the most vital resource that exists. Our bodies are made up of over 60% water, producing energy requires water, cooling our atmosphere requires water, producing the meat that the world consumes requires water, agriculture requires water...I can go on and on about the uses of water, the list is endless. It is devastating to know that the most valuable resource that we have as humanity is the least treasured and the most misused. It is evident that the world has started experiencing the effects of global warming. Hurricanes in Florida have wiped out towns and killed hundreds of people, flooding in India, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries has also resulted in the same fate. The wildfires in Australia caused by an increase in temperatures have destroyed lush forests and have resulted in massive loss of wealth, recurring drought in Russia has caused parts of the country to declare a state of emergency. The increasing examples of such catastrophes are becoming increasingly worrying.

    It scares me looking at the bigger picture. The ice in Antarctica and Greenland is gradually melting resulting in the region losing about 70 kilometers of ice per year. The ice contained in this region accounts for most of the fresh water in the world. The melting of the ice is causing an increase in sea level which screams disaster for flat countries. Bangladesh has a low lying coast which is gradually being submerged due to the rise in sea levels. According to predictions, in a century, this might lead to more than 30 million people being displaced from their homes. That number is nerve wracking. Where these people are going to go? Nobody knows.

    We need to start taking responsibility of what is going on in the world. It is our own doing. In this age of capitalism we forget that we are suffocating our world gradually. The increase in greenhouse emissions, excessive use of fossil fuels, improper garbage disposal, these are all man made problems in the race to make more money. Incessant greed and ignorance will be the end of us unless we change the story. Just as there exists oil disputes across the world, nations will start to collide because of inadequate water. Think about it. It is already happening, look at the disputes that occurred along the Nile Valley or the ones occurring in parts of Asia for example between India and Bangladesh over The Ganges, it is also happening in the Middle East and South America. We need change and we need it fast. The responsibility to take care of the posterity is with us. Now that you are aware, what is it that you can do to help better the situation? That is the question.