“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
As a single mother, I spent years working away from home to provide for my children. Every sacrifice I made was driven by love and the hope of giving them a better future.
When I grew older, I looked forward to spending my remaining years surrounded by family. Instead, my life took a turn I never expected. Today, I find myself in prison, separated from the people I dedicated my life to raising.
My journey has taught me that love and sacrifice are important, but so are wisdom and self-protection. Not everyone will value your efforts, and sometimes life’s greatest disappointments come from those closest to you.
If I could leave one lesson for the next generation, it would be this:
Love deeply, serve faithfully, but never stop protecting your dignity, your voice, and your truth.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Judith Simiyu
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall
My name is Benard Wanyonyi. I was born and raised in the remote areas of Western Kenya, a place where life was simple but often very challenging. I come from a polygamous family, and we were the second family. Growing up in such a setup was never easy, especially because my father struggled with alcohol addiction.
At a young age, my parents separated. That moment changed everything in my life. I was left under my father’s care, but instead of stability, I found confusion, hardship, and emotional pain. Life became difficult, and as a result, I was unable to attend school like other children. Watching others go to school while I stayed behind was one of the hardest experiences I had to endure.
My childhood was filled with struggles that no child should face. There were days of uncertainty, days of hunger, and moments when I felt completely lost. My life felt like it had no direction, like I was stuck in a storm without shelter.
But through all this, I survived.
Somehow, through the pain and challenges, I found strength within myself. Life became my teacher. I learned lessons that no classroom could ever teach—patience, because nothing came easy; hard work, because survival demanded it; and resilience, because giving up was never an option.
Today, I stand grateful. Grateful that I made it through. Grateful that the struggles did not break me, but instead shaped me into who I am. My story is not just about hardship—it is about endurance, growth, and hope.
I have learned that no matter how difficult life becomes, patience pays, hard work opens doors, and resilience can carry you through even the darkest times.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Benard Wanyonyi
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.
I was born and raised in a small village in the western part of Kenya, in a family that was trying to survive with very little. Even though we were considered middle class, life never felt easy. Every day came with its own struggles.
My father was a forester, but he lived a life that pulled him away from us. He was polygamous and often lost in alcohol. We were the second family, and many times it felt like we did not exist in his world. Days would pass without seeing him. When he wasn’t at work, he was in drinking places or with the other family.
As a child, I didn’t fully understand it—but I felt it. The absence. The silence. The questions that had no answers.
But in the middle of all that, there was one person who never left—our mother.
She was our strength, our hope, and our provider. Every morning, she would wake up early, carry her vegetables, and walk to the nearest market just to earn enough for us to eat. Sometimes it wasn’t enough, but she never gave up. She stood by us when everything else felt uncertain.
Watching her struggle and still choose us every day changed me.
There were moments of doubt, moments of pain, moments when life felt unfair—but I held on. I got the opportunity to go to school, and I chose to fight for a different future. I pursued electrical installation, not just as a course, but as a way out, as a promise to myself that my story would not end in struggle.
Through everything, I learned that: Hard work is not optional—it is necessary.
Patience is painful, but it builds strength.
And even when life feels divided, you must build yourself whole.
Growing up in a polygamous family was not easy. It came with pain, confusion, and many challenges. But it also gave me resilience. It forced me to grow faster, to think deeper, and to become stronger than my circumstances.
Today, I carry not just my dreams—but my mother’s sacrifices, my struggles, and the lessons that shaped me.
This is not just my story.
This is my foundation.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Dan Mchonje
I was born in a small village called Muyayi in Bungoma. That is where my childhood began—simple, quiet, but full of challenges that would later shape who I am today.
My journey in education started at Bible School and nursery before I joined Chemche Primary School, where I studied from Class One to Four. Life was not easy even at that young age. The journey to school was tiring, and at home, things were already getting difficult. Later, I was transferred to Khaoya Primary School, where I continued from Class Four to Class Eight. It was there that I sat for my KCPE. By God’s grace, I passed well, and my results opened doors to many big schools.
However, despite the good performance, my family was not financially stable, and I could not join those schools. Instead, I joined Namachanja High School. Even there, the journey was not smooth. I faced many challenges, including sickness, but I did not give up. I pushed through and managed to complete my KCSE.
After high school, I joined Kisiwa Technical Training Institute. College life was also tough, with many struggles along the way, but I remained focused. I worked hard, sat for my exams, and eventually went for my industrial attachment—an important step that has contributed to where I am today.
Growing up, we were a middle-class family, but life became very hard when I was in Class Four. There was little money, and we had to find ways to survive. We woke up as early as 5 a.m. and worked until evening, doing manual jobs on other people’s farms just to meet our basic needs. Despite all this, we never missed school. We balanced work and education, determined to build a better future.
We started hustling at a very young age, not because our parents had failed us, but because we understood our situation. That experience taught me responsibility, resilience, and the value of hard work.
Through it all, I learned one important lesson: giving up is never a solution. No matter how difficult life becomes, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
I keep going. I keep believing. My story is not over—it is just beginning.
With love, pride and gratitude, Your future self, Job Naomi
Never giving up is a cornerstone of success and resilience
I joined Kibabii University on 19th September 2023. I was excited and hopeful. I was convinced that I had finally found the path to change my life. Like many young people, I believed education was the answer to everything I had left behind at home.
But as time went on, I began to understand more.
I realized that getting to university is not the hardest part—surviving it and making something meaningful out of it is. I saw friends struggle with fees, families organizing harambees, and dreams delayed not by lack of effort, but by circumstances.
I also learned that life is not just about books. The people you meet, the relationships you build, and the networks you create matter just as much. Truly, your network is your net worth.
To my younger self, I would say this: Hold onto hope, but be ready for reality. Be intentional with people, stay resilient, and never stop believing in your journey.
Because even in uncertainty, there is purpose. And even in struggle, there is growth.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Victor Kibet
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,”
My name is Job Simiyu, and this is the story of my younger self and the journey that has shaped who I am today.
I was born on 3rd September 2003 in a small village called Menu, in Bungoma County, Kenya. I grew up as the only son of Patrick Simiyu and Agnes Khaemba, surrounded by eight sisters. Being the only boy in a large family placed responsibility on me from a very young age. Even as a child, I understood that much was expected of me.
My father was, and still is, a peasant farmer who depended on small-scale farming to provide for our family. Life was difficult, but my parents tried their best with the little they had. However, in 2007, when I was still very young, my life changed completely. My mother became seriously ill and was eventually paralysed. From that moment, my childhood took a different direction.
As a young boy, watching my mother lose her strength and ability to work was deeply painful. Our home was filled with worry and uncertainty. Medical needs increased, yet our family income remained very low. I watched my father struggle every day in the farm, trying to care for my paralysed wife and provide for his children. Even though I was young and did not fully understand everything, I felt the fear, pain, and heaviness in our home.
My Education Journey
I began my primary education in 2007 at Chwele Boys Primary School, where I studied until 2019. My younger self faced many educational challenges. There were frequent times when school fees could not be paid, uniforms were missing, and basic learning materials were unavailable. I was often sent home because of fees, and those moments were painful and embarrassing, especially when I saw other children continuing with their studies without interruption.
Despite all this, my younger self refused to give up. I knew, even then, that education was my only hope of changing my life and helping my family in the future. I studied whenever I got the chance and learned patience during times of hardship.
In 2020, I joined Kaptanai High School, where I studied until 2023. Secondary school life was even more challenging. Fees were higher, my mother was still paralysed, and my father’s farming income was not enough to meet our needs. Many times, I felt overwhelmed and close to giving up, but I reminded myself of how far I had already come and why I started.
Through resilience, discipline, and determination, I managed to complete my secondary education and passed my Form Four. For my younger self, completing Form Four was not just an academic achievement—it was a victory over hardship and despair.
Faith and Values
From a young age, my faith in God became my strongest foundation. I grew up as a God-fearing person, and prayer became my refuge whenever life felt too heavy. My younger self learned to depend on God for strength, hope, and direction.
Because of the struggles I faced while growing up, I developed strong values early in life. I learned the importance of honesty, humility, hard work, patience, perseverance, respect, and responsibility. These values continue to guide me today.
Life After Form Four
After completing Form Four in 2023, I hoped to continue with college education. Unfortunately, financial challenges made this impossible at the time. This was very painful, especially because education had always been my dream. However, my younger self had already learned not to give up easily.
Instead of losing hope, I chose to remain patient and determined. I believe that education and success are journeys, not one-time events. I continue to trust in God, work hard, and seek opportunities that will help me grow and support my family.
Conclusion
From 2007, when my mother became paralysed, to the day I completed Form Four, my younger self walked a path filled with pain, struggle, faith, and perseverance. Life was not easy, but I remained resilient and focused.
My story reminds me that where I come from does not define where I am going. Through faith, determination, and strong values, I believe I will succeed.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Job Simiyu
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”
I was born in Chewangoi, Mt. Elgon, but life did not allow me to grow up where I was born. I found myself in Chepkube, at my grandmother’s home, where my childhood truly began.
My school journey started at Kamosong Primary School, and it was never easy. My grandmother was old and a widow, struggling to provide even the basics, including school fees. Life was hard. We were five grandchildren, and we went through a lot of suffering. We were beaten brutally by our uncles, chased out of the house at night, and forced to do hard labor while still very young.
What hurt me most was not knowing where my parents were. I was abused, yet no one ever told me where my mother or father was. Deep inside, I knew I had a home somewhere, but I didn’t know where it was. Because of that, I endured all kinds of pain and torture. Eventually, my cousins could not take it anymore—some girls got married as early as 15 years old, while the boys ran away to look for work. I stayed behind because of one thing: school.
From nursery to Class Eight, the journey was extremely tough, but God gave me strength. When KCPE results were released, I performed well. My marks opened doors to many big secondary schools—something I had always dreamed of. Sadly, that dream did not come true.
After the results, my grandmother took me to the place she said was my real home. I was very happy, believing I would finally meet my parents for the first time. But my happiness did not last long. When I arrived, I was told that no one knew where my father was.
Still, God did not abandon me. My father’s brother and his family accepted me and treated me like their own child. For the first time, I felt peace and happiness. I will always be grateful. May God bless them.
My secondary education began at Kabkara Secondary School, where I completed four years. Life there had ups and downs, but I managed. After that, I joined Matili College, but due to lack of fees, I was forced to stop my studies.
I then decided to look for a job, and that decision brought me to Nairobi, where I live to this day.
Dear my younger self, I want you to know this: life will test you in ways you never imagined, but do not give up. When you are alive, accept to go through thick and thin. One day, God will lift you from grass to grace. Keep believing. Your story is still being written.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Herbert Chemiat
The only limits you have are the limits you believe.
I grew up in a small village where poverty was not just an occasional visitor but a constant presence. I was one of eight children in a loving yet struggling family. My father was a hardworking farmer, and my mother did her best to manage the household, though there was never enough to go around. Our home was a simple two-room house made of clay and thatch, with cracked walls that let in the rain and a roof that leaked during storms. Despite the physical hardships, what filled that little house was love, faith, and hope — values that became the foundation of who I am today.
As a child, I quickly learned the meaning of sacrifice. There were nights when my siblings and I slept hungry and huddled together for warmth, and mornings when I walked to school in worn-out shoes that barely held together. My uniform was often patched, but I wore it with pride because I knew that going to school was a privilege many children around me didn’t have. I understood early that education was not merely about books and lessons — it was a lifeline, a chance to change the story of my life. My father would often remind us, “Education is the key to escaping poverty,” and those words echoed in my mind every time I faced disappointment or struggle.
There were days I was sent home because my school fees had not been paid. I remember sitting outside the classroom window, listening to my teacher’s voice drift through the air, promising myself that one day I would return and never stop learning. Even without electricity, I would study by the faint glow of a kerosene lamp, reading until my eyes grew heavy. It was during those long nights that I discovered the strength of determination — the belief that no matter how dark life seemed, there was always a light ahead if I kept moving forward.
Poverty was not just about lacking money; it tested every part of me — my body, my spirit, and my will. I learned responsibility early. Being among the older children meant helping my mother with chores, fetching water, or taking care of my younger siblings. At times, this meant missing school, but it also taught me discipline, compassion, and resilience. I began to understand that every challenge carried a lesson and that endurance was the key to transformation.
Through those years, I developed a deep appreciation for life’s smallest blessings. When there was only one meal to share, I was grateful for it. When I managed to stay in school for another term, it felt like victory. Gratitude became my quiet source of strength — the ability to find peace even in the midst of struggle. I learned that happiness is not found in abundance, but in recognizing and appreciating what little we have.
Education became my greatest weapon against limitation. Every book I read expanded my world, and every exam I passed fueled my belief that I could rise above my circumstances. I worked hard, not just for myself, but for my family — for my parents who sacrificed everything, and for my siblings who looked up to me. I took small jobs, tutoring younger children and helping in farms, to contribute whatever I could. These experiences taught me the dignity of work and the importance of perseverance.
Most importantly, my childhood taught me empathy. Having lived through lack and hardship, I came to understand the struggles of others and the importance of kindness. I learned that sharing — even when you have little — multiplies hope. A simple act of generosity, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand can change someone’s day, or even their life. I realized that true strength is not measured by how much you have, but by how much you give.
Looking back now, I see that my past was not a curse but a classroom. Every challenge prepared me for the person I am today. Poverty taught me humility, struggle taught me resilience, and love taught me hope. I am grateful for the hardships because they gave me purpose and perspective. They taught me that dreams are not limited by where you come from, but by how far you are willing to believe and work for them. Today, when I look at my journey, I see a story of perseverance and faith — a story that reminds me that no obstacle is permanent and no dream is impossible. I may have been born into poverty, but I refused to let poverty be born in me. My younger self faced darkness, but she also carried light — and it is that same light that continues to guide me forward, inspiring me to keep striving, keep believing, and keep becoming the best version of myself
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Christine Nabugwere Emase
I was born into a humble but loving family of eight children — four brothers and three sisters — and as the eldest, I learned responsibility from an early age. Growing up in a large family taught me the importance of patience, care, and leadership. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us, even when life was tough, and their sacrifices helped shape the strong and hopeful person I am today.
One of my earliest memories was when I was only about two years old. Out of curiosity, I followed my mother to the river, not knowing the danger ahead. I accidentally slipped and fell into a well. People rushed to rescue me, and by God’s grace, I was pulled out alive, though I had several injuries. The scars from that day remain visible on my body, and when I was older, my mother told me the full story. That experience taught me that life itself is fragile but precious — a gift to be protected and cherished.
When the time came for school, I was an eager and hardworking student. I loved learning and often performed well, competing closely with my cousin for the top position in class. My teachers admired my commitment and discipline. However, I also learned early that not everyone will share your good intentions. One day, a classmate borrowed my books and papers but never returned them. That small act affected my studies deeply, and from then on, my academic journey became challenging. Even in college, I faced similar setbacks, losing important materials and struggling to recover. Yet, those experiences taught me resilience and the value of persistence despite obstacles.
In class six, I faced one of the scariest moments of my life when I was bitten by a snake. I suffered for nearly six months, moving from hospital to hospital without healing. Eventually, I found relief through traditional treatment. That period of pain and uncertainty strengthened my faith and showed me that healing doesn’t always come from medicine alone — sometimes it comes from prayer, patience, and hope.
Just before my final primary school exams in class eight, another life-threatening experience occurred. I had been sent on an errand using a small tractor, and on my way back, a light drizzle began to fall. As I approached home, a flash of lightning passed right above my head and struck a tree just one meter ahead of me. I was thrown to the ground, and even everyone at home felt the shock. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life, but also one that reminded me how truly powerful God’s protection is.
Looking back at all these experiences, I see a journey of grace and strength. Every scar on my body tells a story of survival. Every hardship taught me courage, patience, and faith. I have learned that no matter how difficult life becomes, there is always a reason to be grateful. My childhood was not easy, but it molded me into a woman who believes that hope is stronger than fear and that perseverance can turn pain into purpose.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Tabitha
Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.
Growing up in Bungoma, I was always that curious boy who loved to see things take shape — houses, bridges, and roads fascinated me. I would often stand by construction sites, watching how workers mixed concrete, aligned bricks, and turned empty ground into something meaningful. Even then, I knew I wanted to be part of that transformation someday.
After completing my studies at Kakamwe R.C. Primary School and Tongaren C.E.B. Secondary School, I joined Kisiwa Technical Training Institute to study Civil Engineering. College life was exciting but also demanding — balancing theory with practical work, late nights of studying, and financial challenges that often tested my focus. Still, I kept pushing, reminding myself that education was the key to changing my life and honoring my family’s sacrifices.
But just as I was stepping into adulthood, life hit me harder than I could ever imagine. After graduation, my father passed away — the man I looked up to for guidance and strength. I was broken, but I tried to stay strong for my family. Then, not long after, my mother also passed on. Losing both parents within such a short time shattered me completely. I felt empty, depressed, and directionless.
There were days I woke up with no plan, no money, and no one to lean on. The silence in my home became heavier than any burden I had ever known. But deep inside, something kept whispering — “don’t give up.” I realized that if I wanted to honor their memory, I had to keep moving forward.
I started taking any work I could find — sometimes mixing concrete, other times operating machines, painting walls, or helping on construction sites. Those early days were tough. The pay was little, the work exhausting, but I refused to let my circumstances define me. Every shovel I lifted, every wall I built, reminded me that rebuilding my life was possible — one brick at a time.
Slowly, I began to grow. From being just a helper, I learned to lead teams, operate machines, and supervise projects. I gained respect through hard work, humility, and consistency. The same pain that once broke me became my motivation to build a better future.
Today, when I look back, I see a journey of strength and transformation. I’ve learned that life can take everything from you — but it cannot take your will to rise again. My parents may be gone, but their spirit lives in every goal I achieve, every challenge I overcome, and every structure I help bring to life.
My story is one of loss, resilience, and hope — proof that even when life tears down your foundation, you can rebuild yourself stronger than before.
With love and gratitude, Your future self, Emmanuell Makonge Masakha
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”
Dear young me,
Don’t worry too much, I believe in you, that you will take a good decision which will make me happy and proud.
Life is not easy for everyone, but face it with confidence and faith, never let the bad seconds ruin the good hours.
I know that you live in a country which is difficult to get anything you want, but don’t give up and remember quitters never win. I’m waiting for you and I will be who you made me according to the choices that you are making now. I can be a mango or a cactus, it depends what type of seed you plant now.
Use your friends wisely because if there’s no enemy inside, the enemy outside can’t do anything. Set goals and approach towards it every single day and never change the goal no matter how hard it is to achieve, but instead change the path or the tactics. Build network, the more people you know the more information and opportunities you will get. Always be aware who you surround with, you will be shaped by your surroundings and people will judge you accordingly.
Don’t stress yourself too much, enjoy every moment and obey God. Always do prayer all the time. Let your faith be your shield and the weapon of your success. Don’t let down anyone who is struggling in order to achieve his goals just like you. All I want to say to you is that I trust you, I love you, I believe in you and I will keep praying for you in order to make me the best version that I can ever be. I’m proud of you and I’m waiting for you.
“The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.”
Dear Abdullahi,
You may not realize it now, but you came into this world in Mogadishu in 1996, at a time when the air was heavy with war and uncertainty. carrying the weight of responsibility without always having a voice. Life tested you early, but what you didn’t know then is that those very struggles were shaping the resilience, discipline, and strength that would one day define you.
I remember my childhood struggles. I trembled whenever I had to speak in front of people. I often failed to complete my assignments on time, not because I lacked ability, but because I hadn’t learned discipline or time management. I relied only on memorization, thinking it would be enough. It wasn’t. That mistake taught me my first big lesson: planning and consistency matter just as much as knowledge.
I remember my teenage years too. I was blessed with friends who motivated me, but I also chose others who pulled me away from my goals. I wasted time on football and social media. I studied only to pass, never striving for excellence. Yes, people respected me, and I respected them, but I missed out on opportunities to shine. That’s when I learned the people around you can either elevate your growth or anchor you to the ground.
University became my turning point. I transformed my mindset and committed myself fully to learning. I worked hard, discovered new skills, and pushed myself to compete for top positions. I won awards, built confidence, and proved to myself that determination can change the direction of an entire life.
After graduation, I was fortunate to find work quickly. At my job, I built a reputation for integrity, punctuality, and dedication. Colleagues respected me, and I earned promotions not only in position but also financially. Each step forward reminded me of the lesson I now carry everywhere: discipline, respect, and hard work always open doors.
Looking back, I see that my life has been a journey of mistakes, lessons, and transformation. Childhood taught me discipline. My teenage years taught me to choose wisely. University taught me focus. And adulthood taught me the power of consistency.
With gratitude and strength. Your Future Self Abdullahi.
You’re going to fall down, sometimes it will hurt, but get back up.
My name is Maryama. I am a girl who grew up in a comfortable life compared to the children of my own age. Our family consisted of a mother, father and five children. I am the eldest in our family.
If I look back on the sweet life of my childhood, it was a life with a special meaning. As Maryama, I grew up the way girls of my own age were raised with the loving care of both my parents.
If I reflect on my educational background, in Somalia we have a tradition of sending children to Quranic school when they are old enough to understand and speak. When I finished the Quran school, I was sent to the primary school. I still remember that special day, starting school in the third grade.
My academic journey has brought me countless memories. I have met friends who have always been my friends and we have learned together. Also, in my life journey, I have make friends who have shared life with me. We have made friends at every stage. In the environment where I grew up, I had girls who I can never forget their games, stories, laughter and wise advice.
Similarly, in the Quranic school stage, I made friends with various girls and boys who have shaped my academic life in different ways. I was fortunate to have met students who will never leave my heart and have become true friends.
A special memory from when I was little being the time when my little sister – Maida, joined the family. A sad memory was when me and some of my classmates were attacked on the street by thieves who wanted to steal our mobile phones.
My childhood memories were too many to mention, most being more than just personal stories.
Speech for University Culture Day Asalamu Aleikum Waramtulla Wabarakatu.. Esteemed Rector, respected faculty, honored guests, and my dear students, Good morning! Today is a special day as we get to celebrate the Somali culture. The Importance… Culture is very important in every society, in the Somali setting – culture not only means stories, poems, games,songs but so much more. Imagine hearing fun and exciting stories from our grandparents about our brave ancestors and all the amazing adventures they had, or spending a night at a traditional homestead during a wedding celebration with the unique beat of the drums filling the air and beautiful songs being sung that make you want to get up and dance. The poetry as well is not just mere words but they tell of the rich Somali history and share nuggets of wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation. The games too add a sense of belonging as they seek to bring both the young and old together to enjoy sports and have fun in the various ancient leisure activities.
Somali culture therefore teaches us values such as respect, community, and resilience. This way of life makes us become better people and the lessons we learn from them stay with us forever no matter where we go.
I want to touch briefly on – the Role of English in Nurturing Somali Culture: English helps Somali people share their culture with the world. Imagine a Somali poet sharing their poem online and getting fans in countries from all over the world. This educates the masses who are ignorant regarding other cultures. In addition, a Somali student can write a blog in English about the delicious Somali cuisine, and people all over the world can learn to not only cook but appreciate mouthwatering dishes like oodka, ambulo and injera. English also helps Somali people find new opportunities, like studying overseas or working for an international organization abroad. The list of advantages are endless, basically learning English is like having and enjoying the best of both worlds.
A common misconception about the English language is that learning English means forgetting the Somali language or culture . But I am here to tell you that’s not the case and here’s an example… you can talk to your grandparents in Somali and learn about your family history, and then write an essay in English about what you learned. Or you can help translate important information, like traditional medicinal herbs, so that everyone in the modern community not only understands but also benefits from the past healing methods that our forefathers used for preventing and curing diseases. Thus learning English links the old and the new and bridges the gap between the young and old generation or narrows the gap between the modern and ancient Somali customs.
In Closing… In our ever-changing world, it’s vital to preserve our Somali culture. As we connect with people from different backgrounds, our traditions keep us grounded. They remind us of our identity and our roots. Sharing Somali culture through English helps others understand and appreciate it, whether it’s through poetry, stories, games or music, we must keep these traditions alive for future generations.
So… Let’s honor the Somali heritage by finding ways of using the English language to share and spread this beautiful culture and tradition to the entire world. By preserving the wonderful Somali culture, we enrich not only our local community here in Mogadishu but the entire world. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the day! Asaalam Aleikum.
When I speak about knowing my worth, it’s not coming from a place of ego or arrogance. I stand by my positive attributes with conviction, but the difference is I’m conscious of my shortfalls and work on them everyday. When somebody holds a space in my heart, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. Generosity, patience, and loyalty are traits of mine cherished dearly by those who know me. But I won’t pretend other emotions don’t consume me. Because they do. However, it is my unwavering devotion to give the positivity inside me a stronger voice – one which overrides all. When I say I know my worth, it’s because I’ve done the work to get here. It’s because I continue doing so, I Know what I have to offer. And I stand strong in that fact alone.
Rich people put most of their spending power into buying assets (stuff that makes them money over time) instead of liabilities (stuff that costs them money over time).
Instead of buying, for example, a flashy Lamborghini that loses a third of its value as soon as you drive off the lot, a truly rich person will take that same chunk of change and buy a two-family duplex and rent it out.
They don’t care what you think of them or whether you’re impressed. They’re happy to just cash your rent checks and let you pay their mortgage.
2. Have an abundance mindset
So many people have a scarcity mindset — a constant feeling that we’re never going to have enough money, that we’re one slip-up away from disaster and we have to hoard every last cent.
The problem with this mindset is that it can make people very competitive with other folks in similar financial situations. So you have people at the bottom of the pyramid spending all their time and energy fighting each other for resources, instead of trying to overthrow those at the top.
Rich people have an abundance mindset. Since they know they’re going to be able to take care of their bills, they’re not worried. This gives them the freedom to decide what they want to do with their time, rather than only focusing on what they need to do to survive.
3. Think long-term
Rich people understand that sometimes, things take time, and they’re happy to wait. They’re kings and queens of delayed gratification.
A rich person has no problem, for example, socking away money in a retirement account. Yes, the $6,000 they invested in their Government Revenue Account this year is off-limits until they’re 59-and-a-half.
But they know that just because they can’t spend that money now, it’s not like it has disappeared. It’s actually the opposite: the longer they wait, the more money they get later on.
4. Share, swap and scratch each other’s backs
Rich people love being known as the smartest person in their friend group: the one with the best taste, who is on top of all the trends. You’ll often hear them say things like:
“I have this great tax person — you should work with them.”
“I found the best coffee bar — you have to try the latte.”
“I joined the best country club — and I’ll sponsor you to join, too.”
They recognize that when they’re open about their knowledge, other people will be more inclined to share what they know. It is another valuable form of currency, and it’s the same reason rich people love nothing more than putting their besties in positions of power.
Their thought process is: “I’m not qualified for this job, but my friend is, and once she gets it, she’ll owe me a solid. Then, as soon as she’s in a leadership position, I’m automatically tapped into that whole network.”
Yes, it’s because they like to see their friends succeed, but it’s also because they’re thinking strategically — and towards the future.
Follow the above rules and guaranteed your finances will greatly improve.
