Moment of Obligation

 

Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

Last week, I went for the YALI homecoming, the moment I got to the entrance of Kenyatta University and saw the Chandaria Business Innovation & Incubation Centre, it was nostalgic. As we drove in with my fellow alumni from Nakuru, I was reminded why I was doing what I was doing. It reminded me of people who believed in me. It reminded me of my purpose. Just a quick story, I applied for YALI in 2019 and I got blessed to be selected. This was my first fellowship, yet someone had seen something in me that I was unsure what it was. The process refined me as a person and leader. We reconnected with other alumni and reignited our passion because this is Africa and Africa is our business. One of my highlights was the speech from Dr. Robert Karanja, a story of resilience, hope, and determination. It reminded me that we have all been created for different purposes, but are you living in your purpose? Do you even know your purpose? 

Quite a number of people believe that the purpose should be mega, launched by national media, and publicized in all social media. Others believe that their purpose is changing the entire world by themselves. You would be setting yourself up for failure. We are all unique and that is the beauty of it. We make the world colorful. It would be a boring world if we were all psychologists, all the conversations would turn to therapy, 'How did that make you feel? What happened to you in your childhood?' It would be boring if we were all cyclists because where would we see the madness of Subaru drivers? Everyone spices our lives. 

Do you remember the moment in your life you were compelled to act? Do you remember your defining moment? Do you remember when you felt that was your north star giving you a sense of direction and hope? That was your moment of obligation. For some, it was a one-time event, to others it was progressive, and for some recurrent. For some, it was from their own experiences and, for others from seeing the community experience injustices, pain, and suffering. Mandela's defining moment was the Sharpeville Massacre. Martin Luther King's moment of obligation was Montgomery Bus Boycott. And our very own Maathai is a testament to Maathai's vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating a better and more sustainable future for all. And then yours truly, being a head girl in high school, and going through a depressive period were my defining moment. 

We all have our defining moments but are living busy lives where we cannot see things around us. We eat fast, walk fast, and get into relationships really fast. everything is moving fast so we do not have to pause to think, reflect, and see what is happening in our lives. For others, they are afraid because they feel like they are unworthy, scared to take the first step but the nudge will keep coming. Think about how life and the world will be a better place if you used your defining moment as your north star. Stop looking at the mega things that need to be done. Begin looking at the first step you should take, do it even if you will do it afraid. Everything will align eventually.