“Sekensigha!” Don’t leave me.

As I contemplate the challenges one faces in any Bounce Back today, there is a Taita expression that keeps on coming to my mind; sekensigha (do not leave me). It is a special expression because it reminds me of my mother.

I remember it because it intrigued me when I first heard her and a childhood friend call each other sekensigha (don’t leave me). It was normal in my culture to give each other nicknames. They were monikers that described special relationships and bonds. My mother and her friends took it a step further, they used words creatively. While others settled for common names like Amsita or Atele, my mother and her friends used language as a canvas not only for expression of affection but what they saw as their identity and playful defiance.

Imagine two young girls walking and likening their confident gait to that of an eight-legged arachnid, calling themselves “Spider” with pride. Or likening their beauty to the African paradise flycatcher — Mwazurumbi — with its elegant tail and the radiance of its plummage! Now consider one calling out to the other when they meet “mwazurumbi” (African paradise flycatcher) and the other responding “mkumbi ghwa njogholo” (cockerel’s tail)! These were girls who knew they were beautiful and were boldly unapologetic about it. And they had every reason to be.

They were early adopters, the ones who dared to go to school when the greatest fear among girls their age in their village was missing out on marriage because of pursuing eduction. At a time when education was seen as a distraction from a woman’s “true path,” they chose differently. The Holy Ghost Fathers, like Fr. Madigan, went door to door urging parents to send their daughters to school. Most refused. But a few, like my mother and her friends; sekensigha, spider, and Mwazurumbi-mkumbi ghwa njogholo, said yes.

It takes a special kind of courage to go against the grain — to walk a path that others mock or misunderstand. And it’s not always easy. In the thick of it, you may feel like Artaban, the fourth Magi in Henry van Dyke’s story, who saw the star but never arrived with the others. You may wonder if you’ve made the wrong choice. But time, as it often does, proves otherwise.

Those moments when we feel left behind, uncertain, or out of sync with the world around us can be difficult and confusing. If we are not well grounded, we could end up giving up on our dreams or losing sight of our God-given purpose.

If we have friends to support and remind us of our vision the burden can be lightened and the inevitably challenging journey become easier to handle. Such friends come draped differently, they could be friends, acquaintances and mentors or books wherein authors have shared their personal journeys that help us know we are not alone and also give us suggestions of ways to lightening the loads we must carry. The book Bounce Back is one such friend. In it 9 women (Ann Njuguna, Catherine Ochako, Esther Barasa, Lucy Njoki Nyathira, Rachel Mbula Musyoki, CHRP(K) CPM Rebecca Kimau MIHRM, SALINE OMONDI.MSC, Syombua A. Kibue, Clemencia Mwamburi (Eng) )have shared different aspects of their Bounce Back.

In my chapter titled Unexpected Bounce Back, I explore my personal journey through personal stories, coaching insights, and spiritual reflections. It’s not a manual for success, nor a tale of perfect timing. It’s a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the courage to pursue deferred dreams.

So, if you’ve ever felt like Artaban — wandering, wondering, waiting — know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, the most meaningful paths are the ones that take the longest to unfold. In such circumstances embracing uncertainty and daring to start afresh or continuing in a chosen path might be the way to realise your dreams.

You are not alone in the journey either there are Professional Coaches like myself who can help you as you clarify your purpose and assist you figure out if you are on the right path or refine your chosen path

🔗 Pre-order your copy here:
https://lnkd.in/gkA69gMc
Make sure to include the author referral code (BB-CM)

Thanks to Dooso Radido and ZionPearl Publishers for coming up with this amazing idea.