Like many Kenyans, I was hoping that the new year would be off to a more positive start than the last few. We’ve had a rough ride, what with Covid-19, the ongoing global polycrisis and sociopolitical change here at home.
One would hope that at the very least, our friends on the hill would empathise with us, but alas! The opening months of 2023 have landed some unwelcome surprises.
Barely days in, parents learnt they will be paying much higher school fees and before we could say ‘washa taa’ the math on electricity, fuel and pretty much basic goods and services, is not ‘mathing’. Generally, the cost of living is smacking us even harder in 2023 and it’s dizzying.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the year so far should really be that we are surprised at all. I was having a chat with a colleague recently, lamenting over the harsh state of affairs, especially for mwananchi, and he asked, “But why are you surprised? We go through this every year.”
So, my ‘frens’, instead of succumbing to Murphy’s Law, we need to be proactive. Instead of joining the chorus of woe about the headwinds buffeting us in 2023, we should be grabbing the year by the lapels and taking charge.
I believe we’re still calibrating our new year resolutions and vision boards, so there’s room to tweak our approach. See, they say the tax burden we’re carrying is to build economic sustainability. So then, shouldn’t it behove us to take the same approach and build resilience within our domestic spaces?
Is sustainability at the core of your life’s plan? As you chew on that, here are some actions I’m taking to rid myself of the bad mood malaise, but importantly, weave a more sustainable lifestyle that helps cushion against the perennial socioeconomic shocks. No matter how minute, it all eventually adds up.
Proactive 360° wellness: Lord knows, I’ve struggled to tame my sinful sweet tooth for many years. And it’s not for a lack of trying. So, with the news that sugar prices are about to get salty, I’ve decided to use this as motivation and once and for all, quit sugar. No chaser, cold turkey. Ultimately, my pocket and general health will thank me.
Perhaps for those who overindulge in similar things like drinks and cigarettes, now may be the time to explore less harmful consumption habits like a moderate glass of wine (studies cite health benefits) or (legally sold) vapes.
On the financial front, if you’re a debt magnet, ask a trusted ally to hold you accountable to your budget and investment plans; and professionally, if you’re unhappy at work, invest in upskilling to prepare for that next level job or entrepreneurial opportunity.
Practise positive self-talk: One of my coaches at work never tires of reminding me to be mindful of the words I use when referring to negative or difficult situations relating to me, and instead, reframe them positively.
I’m not too crazy about theories, but since I started practising positive affirmation and writing down anticipated outcomes, I’ve experienced a shift in my overall disposition, which has helped me face some otherwise debilitating situations. Furthermore, this being the month of love, how about we just love ourselves first?
Move! Literally, be in motion. Various studies highlight the harm caused by prolonged sitting. I have made peace with the fact that the gym is not my cuppa. Instead, a 90-minute brisk walk it is. Though from time to time I get lazy and I’m never short of excuses – oh, have you seen how scorching the morning sun is these days? Or, my feet hurt from tripping on Nairobi’s rugged walkways…there’s always something.
But then comes the scary thought of having to replace my wardrobe to accommodate extra inches in these times of prudence, or worse, my precious heart or some other critical organ – and off I go.
Granted, it’s easier said than done. Managing and embedding change is a process, however, once you make the first step, no matter how small, you will feel like you’re moving in the right direction. And if you dare, you can take that to the bank.
Corporate affairs & sustainability professional and writer
