Better Together

Today we have a guest post! Yes! I am super excited to share this post written by a guest writer. I will not speak much, let the post do the speaking. Enjoy!

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In Africa, it takes a village to raise a child. A child belongs to the community and not to the individual parents to whom child is born. Both correction and complementing are done by the society.

If you want to go fast go alone if you want to go far go together…

Over the years, Africa has embraced the West and its culture that has led to the loss of the sense of community and togetherness. This has led to the deterioration of togetherness, support and care. The African values that made Africa have been diluted and almost non-existent.

After campus, I joined a blue-chip organization and my parents were exceptionally proud of me. My clan threw a party to celebrate the milestone. This not to mention the graduation flamboyant party that the whole village was in attendance, cow slaughtered, and a band hired. From the speeches to the attendance you could tell I have cheerleaders who totally felt part of the process.

In my new job, I was attached to a mentor who’d offer support and monitor my progress for career development I actually felt a little weird, having someone to report to other than my supervisor. I had hoped that after campus, I’d be free.

Jane was a no-nonsense kind of a person. She was well organized, goal oriented and mannerisms were on another level. She kept reminding me dress how you want to be addressed. This irked me to the bone.

I must admit that I did not like her so much as deadlines were a big deal to her. At that time, I lived by the mantra ~ it’s never that serious.

I owe my career growth to Jane. Looking back, she was an angel sent from heaven. She saved me from youthful folly. She was instrumental to the woman I have become, I got to learn much more than just career, she actually saved me from a bad relationship and bad debts due to peer pressure.

From my relationship with Jane, I learnt that one has to be deliberate on relationships. We are the average of the 5 people we spend time with both online and physically. Are the relationships you have making you better or bitter?

You need three types of people; those have gone ahead, those at same level and those who are looking up to you.

Those who have gone ahead of you could be teachers, mentors, coaches or sponsors. Most of these are like Jane who have experienced something you haven’t. They have made mistakes and learning. Connecting with them shortens your journey to success.

These are not limited to career but could be in marriage, business, parenthood etcetera. Initiating these relationships, you need tact and intention. Some of these you have to work with or for them to gain the knowledge. Here you require a learning attitude where you don’t take offence when corrected. Others, you learn from reading their books or listening to their speeches.

You need peers, those you can speak the same language, share similar experiences or challenges. This group is contributing almost 99% of who you turn out to be. These are friends, frenemies or acquaintances you find yourself with regularly either during parties or hang outs. They shape your mindset, spending habits and perception towards literally everything.  Choose wisely.

Those who look up to you, not necessarily economically but in age or experience. These can be like your house manager who holds fort your home affairs to allow you peace of mind while growing your career, those who look up to you for advice or emotional support. Be a cheerful giver of love, advice or even financial support. Just give.

The danger is in mixing up these relationships or not recognizing who is who in your life. No man is an Island, we were never created to be self-sufficient.

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Hey, I hope you enjoyed reading my article.

My name is Joy Mwasi Senteu. I am a mother and a wife. A cheerleader and mentor. A believer of Jesus Christ.
I live by the mantra “pass the baton.” I would like to die empty, having used every gift God gave me effectively, positively impacting those around me, spurring them to be who God intended them to be. I am taking every step carefully so as to leave a footprint that would inspire the next generation never to settle for less.

I believe the world needs colour – I love bright and rich colours. Yellow, orange , blue 
Those around me; especially the youth discovering and living out their purpose unapologetically.

Follow me on my socials, let’s get to know each other!

Thank you so much!