“Carpe, carpe. Carpe diem.
Or Seize the day, seize the day,
Tempus fugit, memento mori.
Or “Time Flies, Remember Death.”
“Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” All things are passing, all things are transient. Time flies, remember death. Remember that you will die. This is not being pessimistic; it is just being realistic. Life on earth is short when seen from the perspective of eternity. This may sound frightening, but it is true. And it perhaps looks as an oxymoron seeing that this post is about celebrating life. The author of Ecclesiastes insists that the meaning of life cannot be found in possessions that do not last.” Luke, for his part, says, “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” Because all things are transient and passing, we must focus our energies on those things that have lasting significance.
Exactly 20 years, a tragedy did strike my family and I was left under the care of my granny and this triggered a chain of events that changed the course of my life. These events have in a huge way helped define whom I am today.
The last two years have been full of surprises. I have had fun, attempted forming businesses, learned new skills and tried my luck at relationships. Got a Job (still working there), started an MSc and began writing blog posts.
I’m 28 today. I thank God that He has led me for what would amount to a 3rd of my life.
28 is the Age when men are supposed to marry (as per some elders counsel).This is a milestone birthday and it does make me pause and think. 27 had its had its ups and downs. I am ready for the next job. A few thoughts to share:
Health.
For the last two years I have tried to improve what I eat. I have read widely on nutrition and I had I decided to permanently do away with Red Meat, Sugar and soft drinks. Reduced on milk products as well. I am mostly a vegetarian. I don’t stock sugar anymore, I replaced it with honey. And I think I have improved health-wise. I no longer eat three meals per day. Two are enough, a very heavy breakfast and early supper. I “walk” every day and also make sure I do at least 20 pushups every waking morning. I feel good. And that gives me space to be think and create. I seek to have at least seven hours of sleep whenever possible (not possible at the time of writing this post, at 2.00am!).Play.
When I was a kid, I would play with my friends after school every day. I want to do that again. I have failed in this. Table Tennis, Football, and playing guitar. I want to indulge in these. I was a good footballer, many of my friends don’t believe it when I tell them. I have sought to participate in variety of events; including mountain climbing, hiking etc. I am seeking more. Reach to me if you have suggestions. I try to participate in high school mentorship talks. How can we collaborate?Work.
By God’s grace, I found something I wanted to do and I threw myself into it. I wanted to work in the electrical engineering consultancy industry. I have met challenges but this keeps me on. They say that is how one becomes great at anything, right? Work has helped me develop inner confidence, by taking on challenges and solving them. I have also come to enjoy my daily commutes to work. You see, I am assured of two hours (to and fro) of reading while travelling. Traffics jams no longer bother me. I have some of the best books so far through these trips to and from work. I also started a firm, Brendatt, which also keeps me busy.Learning & Creativity
I managed to start a MSc. Electrical Engineering. I am interested in research (especially on power, & wireless power transmission), so the Master’s program is helping me towards this end. I discovered plenty of online learning resources .I know listen to podcasts and audio books regularly (say daily). I also (within the last two years) started an online resource site for electrical engineers in Kenya as well as an educational site (for KCSE, KCPE, and IGCSE & Career development). A while ago I also wrote a high school guidance book. I hope to keep writing and learning even as I age. I hope to continue meeting people whom we can challenge one another. I am looking forward to forming a society of like-minded fellows based on reading books and generating business ideas. I cannot forget to mention how my diary and notebook have been useful in helping track and remember ideas. Once I jot an idea down, I rarely forget it. I carry my A7 sized notebook wherever I go. Inspiration doesn’t give warning when it will strike.Relationships.
I have performed poorly in this sector. I have read quite a lot on this but I guess practice is more of a viable pathway. Nevertheless I care to not trifle hearts of the fairer gender. When I was in campus I also got to listen to lots relationship/marriage counselors. Based on my observations I then made a covenant of sorts never to start a dating relationship while still an undergraduate or with an undergraduate student. I stuck with this decision until after the graduation and then I succumbed. I broke the covenant. I learnt my lessons; I should have stuck with it. Now I am a bit careful. I think I have few close friends (of both gender). Who is a friend? I also have relatives who also keep a close eye on me as well.Goals
I make goals and I try to stick to some of them. I have overall goals on what I aim to achieve within a specific period of time. I mostly get motivation and inspiration through reading, and especially reading biographies and autobiographies. My main hobby is reading. I refrain from watching TV as much as I can. I am going to read and write.
Nice summary Eng
Thank you.
This is deep bro….. happy anniversary
Thank you brother.
I wish you well Benard, be proud of where you are and move foward. May God inspire you as you inspire others.
Thank you, Irene.
In all God will see you through, happiest anniversary Eng.
Thank you frank.
Nice piece happy birthday bro
Thank you.
Engineer Makaa. I can help with the guitar if you recommend a good few books(English!), for I read almost as much as you do.
Thanks Eric..Will keep in touch.
Here are some good recommendations:
1.Best Books I Read In 2015
2.Best Books I Read In 2016
3.Best Books I read in 2017
Just click the links. The lists are not exhaustive as I have left out several books.
Quite some wisdom
Thanks
Nice one Benard God bless you and add you more knowledge to help others mostly in academics site
Thanks
HEHE a good read there Mumo. Keep up
Thanks Makena
Too powerful men,far we are coming fro n far we are going,vanity out of vanity
Sure, Our Father leads us
Comment
Powerful, good real, kudos
Happy belated birthday
Thanks Lynda