Can you embrace seasons?

In 2017, I was involved in a terrible accident with my immediate sister and we spent that whole year between hospital and home.

It was January and graduation fever was in the air. My sister was unwell so mother asked me to go with her to Makerere University so she would go through the clearing process. For anyone who has been to Makerere university, you know it’s hilly and within no time, my sister was tired and we had to go back home. We took a boda boda, used the northern bypass to get to Busega and that’s where the accident happened. Our boda guy collided with a car or the other way round. I don`t remember the details to this day.

All I remember is being taken to Mulago hospital and later transferred to Mengo where we attained our treatment. My right leg was badly injured, the leg turned right or out (no pun intended). For anyone who touched it, I felt pain. My sister`s right leg was severely damaged. She was also pregnant but didn`t lose the baby- story for another day. Long story short, we went through the process of treatment, physiotherapy and encouragement. Our doctor, a one Dr. Okello was a constant point of encouragement in that trying time.

It was such a dark season for I as one and for the entire family. I was in-between places emotionally.

Some of the people who visited us in hospital kept on saying, “We can’t wait for your blogs in this season. They’re going to be deep.” Because depth of words is found when the soul is in a dark place. The irony!!

I was on pressure to write and measure up to these expectations. I penned down a few things but I eventually gave up on this endeavor.

We all go through seasons; summer, winter, autumn and spring and Jesus is the maker of them all. Therefore, we need to learn to enjoy each season because we know Who is with us.

In my winter season, only God sustained me. I was mad at God but that never stopped Him from being God. I saw His sustenance through friends who visited us in hospital and at home, bought us food and drinks, friends who gave money, prayed, called in and made sure we laughed.

Enjoying where you`re at is a valuable lesson I learnt during the winter season. Don’t be on pressure to run away from the season, the pain. Find out what God is saying to you. There are lessons in all seasons, find them. A new side of you is revealed, meet her/him. In short, choose your focus.

Even in this season of the Corona virus, it’s a winter season for so many individuals and nations at large. Do what the doctors have said. Keep away from news and conversations that will cause you panic attacks. Rest in God.

This too shall pass.

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27 onto 28

So today, I turn a WHOLE 28 years old.I`m getting closer to the 3<sup>rd</sup> floor and I am as excited as I am scared. I want to share with you some lessons I`ve learned over the last few years. The lessons could be more but I chose 27 as I step into my 28^th season.

Here we go:

1. Have a belief system. As a Christian, my belief system is hinged on/in Christ. Everything I do has a background to the bible. My values are formed by this.
2. Find your calling and purpose and pursue them wholly. This answers the why, reason for your existence. Take it a notch higher and invest in your purpose.
3. Don`t be afraid to say NO! When I had just started saying NO, it felt strange on my tongue and left me wondering if the person I had said it to, still loved me, liked or even wanted to be my friend.
4. Don`t criticize what you aren`t and can`t do. This lesson has been my motto since 2018. Appreciate the fact that someone woke up and did their thing. Hope you are doing yours too.
5. Mind your own business. Chilleeee *in Sarah Jakes Roberts voice*

Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11, MSG

Image source: Sarah Jakes Roberts

6. Have a healthy support system. I emphasize healthy because the support needs to be balanced. These friends cheer on, celebrate you but also call you out when you are doing foolish things, rebuke you ,ask you the tough questions and you do the same for them.
7. Read extensively. Forget the notion that, if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book. Reading keeps you alive and on top of your game. Reading gives you insight into a world beyond your physical environment.
8. Speak up-Know what you want and speak up. Speak up against things you don`t settle well with you like injustice, sexual harassment, corruption, foul play, et cetera. But also speak up for things you like and love.
9. Die to opinions of men. I know in Uganda we are raised with the, `What will people say?’ line. It`s crippling and you need to outgrow it.
10. Support your friends and their hustles. It doesn`t have to be monetary all the time, broadcast their businesses, share their posts on social media, advise them when things aren`t going well, etc. Help them build their empires and careers.
11. Mentors are gold, find one. Mentoring sets you on a path of discovery, adventure, helps you push your limits and achieve over and above what you expected. I encourage you to find a mentor. I have had a privilege of being mentored by amazing people.
12. Acknowledge good things and dwell, savor them. We easily acknowledge bad things.
13. Don`t settle for less. Always aim for more and the very best.
14. Make that money and don`t apologize for it.
15. Have boundaries and respect them, others will too. In return, respect other people`s boundaries.
16. Keeping time is a thing. Dear Ugandans, it’s not just for bazungu –white people.
17. Run your own race and avoid the comparison disease.
18. Celebrate small victories/wins. These make up the big wins.
19. Spend time with people you love.
20. Travel. It is therapy. Start with small tours of the places nearby and go on expanding your territory. Don`t let people`s Instagram posts get you broke. Travel grows your perspective on people, cultures, mannerisms and a wider view on life and the world.
21. Seasons are part of life. There will be summer, winter, autumn and spring. Grow through all the seasons. Embrace them.
22. Practice letting go. It is a painful process but one that has to happen. Sometimes we have to let go of longtime friends, clients, lovers, clothes and pieces we acquired over time.
23. Be generous with your resources.
24. Practice MDD. I said it. lol!! Listen to music, its therapeutic. Sway and dance to that beat. Welcome drama, not every drama is 100% dramatic. Some has lessons, fun, revelation and so much more. Live life to the fullest.
25. Don`t give up on love. Sometimes being in love hurts but pain has never stopped its beauty. Love wholeheartedly and unapologetically.
26. Self-awareness is bae. Know thyself well. What makes you happy? What do you believe? What makes you sad? Be honest with yourself on every level.
27. Enjoy being alone but not lonely. I have learned to be with myself and still be comfortable. Years ago, I had an itch to be with people all the time but I`ve learned to be alone, have quiet moments and still be comfortable. Try it.

Here is a bonus;

Don’t hinge your happiness on other people.

Share with me some lessons from your years of living.