Blogs

Right, let’s get this straight. It’s nearly that time of year again—the dreaded Black Friday and the equally stressful Christmas shopping frenzy. While some folks are frothing at the mouth at the thought of snagging a bargain (or ten), I’m over here clutching my mug of tea and saying, “Hold your reindeer, people!”

Now, before I dive into this festive rant, let me answer the question I get asked all the time: “Do you celebrate Christmas?” My answer? Yes and no. Let me explain.

I don’t go to church or belt out carols in the town square (though I’d crush Jingle Bells on karaoke, just saying). For me, Christmas is less about religious rituals and more about quality time. It’s our chance to hit pause, gather around the table, and bask in the warm glow of family chaos and too much dessert.

Growing up in Nairobi (my birthplace!), the big festive showstopper wasn’t Christmas—it was Diwali. Oh, and what a spectacle it was! Diwali was the event, complete with national holidays, dazzling lights, epic feasts, and a flurry of gift-giving. It was like Christmas, but with fireworks that made New Year’s Eve look like a practice run.

Read more: Bah Humbug to Black Friday and Over-the-Top Christmas!

Ah, life—forever the relentless teacher. It’s like being back at school, except this time there are no lunch breaks, you’re the only student, and the teacher happens to be a bit of a sadist. You see, life has this funny little habit of sending the same lesson your way over and over again, until you finally get the message. It’s like when you ignore the washing-up for a bit too long—it doesn’t go away, does it? It just sits there, getting more grim until you can’t ignore it anymore.

Read more: The Relentless Return of Life's Lessons: Like a Bad Penny!

Hello, my lovelies!

Let’s chat about a subject that sends most of us into a bit of a spiral: change. Yep, that thing we all know we should embrace but find a hundred reasons to dodge. And let’s be real, most of us like the safety of our little bubbles. Even if they’re cramped and maybe a bit stale, we know the space inside those four comfy walls. But here’s the thing: nothing ever really happens in there.

So, this isn’t a rant about blowing your life up to the tune of some dramatic makeover scene. No, no. We’re taking this at our own pace, one minuscule step at a time.

Why Bother With Change at All?

For starters, it’s not about some radical life transformation. Change doesn’t have to mean throwing everything you know to take up skydiving. It can be as small as using a different coffee mug in the morning! (Groundbreaking, I know.) But these small changes can spark a little shift in your perspective. It’s not about flipping your life upside down – it’s about giving yourself space to expand.

Read more: Tiny Steps, Big Moves: Embracing Change Without Overwhelm

Alright, my lovelies, grab your favourite cuppa, settle in, and let’s have a little chat about something we all do far too often: people-pleasing. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Bending over backwards, putting our own needs on the back burner, just to keep everyone else happy. But let’s get one thing straight: losing yourself in the pursuit of pleasing everyone is a sure-fire way to end up feeling like a soggy biscuit at the bottom of a cuppa—utterly useless and a bit of a mess.

Don’t get me wrong, wanting to help others and make them happy is a beautiful trait. But when it starts costing you your peace of mind, self-worth, and authenticity, it’s time to put the brakes on. So, let’s dive into some tips, tricks, and sassy wisdom to keep that lovely sparkle in your eyes while staying true to yourself. After all, we’re here for the self-love, self-care, and a cheeky bit of gratitude, aren’t we?

Read more: Don't Be Afraid of Losing People: Be Afraid of Losing Yourself Trying to Please Everyone