For nearly 4 years now, I have flirted with the idea of starting a blog.
I wanted to provide myself with a structure that ensured I held myself accountable to goals I set myself.
I also wanted to capture precious moments, return to my love for writing and reading and be able to share with others some great finds- processes, ideas, etc.
Every year since having this wish, life just kept coming at me. I couldn’t find the time, my hair wasn’t looking presentable or I wasn’t my ideal size and the list went on and on.
It gets to a point where you talk yourself out of whatever idea, dream you had and you really become good at rationalising why you had to give up on a dream.
Getting to it...
About 2 years ago, I nearly started on a blog…actually, I found myself courting the idea of vlogging; even put up a number of YouTube videos before deciding I needed to think things through a bit more. So, I took a break and also pulled down the initial videos I had put up.
I then figured I should create an online course for parents and along with the course, create a free version for parents. I also decided I should create short snippets of videos to serve as mini info videos for parents. These videos would be accessed through my blog.
So, at the beginning of 2019, I got started with the mini info videos and populating a speech therapy related blog; an augmented version of my original idea of starting a blog…
Was I ready?
Absolutely, not!
To date I have written 40+ blog posts and videos housed on my blog, www.blog.speechtherapytoto.com and growing.
I did this before I was ready, before I had achieved my ideal weight (still waiting on this y’all 😉), before I had the full picture (does anyone ever) and each new step I took, new moves were revealed to me. I didn’t think I would be able to manage maintaining a blog as well as a YouTube channel leave alone 2 other social media sites 😳.
If you had told me that it was possible to do what I have managed to do in the short space of time, I would never have believed it.
Before I started on this journey, I panicked about not having enough money, capable team, etc., but somehow at each road block, I found solutions.
And today, I can say I have a team of remarkable, dedicated individuals, who a short 4 months ago, didn’t seem possible.
What’s my point?
My point is, no one is ever ready.
It always feels impossible before you embark on any venture big or small and yes, these ventures never have to see the light of day because you can rationalise that life keeps coming at you and it may seem noble to abandon your dreams because your parents are unwell and you’re the primary provider for them or because your mortgage repayments keep coming month in and out, because you don’t have everything you need…
I get it!
But, do you know what’s worse than giving up on your dreams?
Regrets.
I’m told, starting something and failing at it is far better than being filled with regret for not ever doing the thing you always wanted to.
My thing happens to be changing children’s trajectories by improving their oral language skills- their talking, reading, communication, etc. and empowering parents with ways of ensuring their children thrive not just in their communication and at school, but in life.
More recently, I’ve allowed myself another thing…to be the change I would like to see in the world.
I have started a personal blog, which can hopefully, hold me to this challenge of being the change I want to see. For me, it all starts by not being part of the problem.
You see, you’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.
We all have our 1, 2 or more things we are good at and can share with the world. You are uniquely talented in something!
Oh yes, you are.
And it doesn’t have to conform to what society deems as talent. It could be your love for people, your friendship qualities, your empathy, your incredible ability to forgive, to be slow to anger, it could be your meticulousness, your sense of family, organisation skills, your love for teaching, for numbers, for nature…
It could be anything!
The world needs your unique gift.
I need it!
If you have complained about the state of things, YOU can do something positive about changing the status quo!
For me starting a blog, putting myself out there, inspiring others whose paths are similar to mine with real, authentic stories is how I am changing the status quo…
Stories that portray the messy (but beautiful) side of living, working while raising children, failing more times than you can count, finding success in unglamorous places, excelling amidst adversities, finding your tribe…
These stories must be told.
I am changing the face of lifestyle blogging- it can’t just be about socialite- living, fashion and cocktails. How can this be the only model to live up to?
What of those of us whose current realities don’t allow for fast-changing fashion and exotic holidays?
Do we have a future in blogging?
If all I do is complain about how there are no relatable models in the Kenyan blogging scene (for me), who’s fault is it that that’s still the case in 2019?
I say, it’s mine!
What are YOU responsible for allowing to continue happening?
What are YOU responsible for allowing to continue happening?
I know, you know!
Let’s not wait for our leaders or people in power.
Let’s not wait for stars to align.
We have within us the power to create the world we wish to see.
I challenge you to start right where you are!
Move out of your own way and into your own stardom by leaning into courage and demolishing limiting beliefs.
You absolutely can!
Sending you positive vibes.
Always.
L
30 Amazing Women in Kenya: An initiative by Caroline Mutoko