Ditch that Sour Attitude

Everyday I walk in the streets, I am bound to come across a little boy or girl selling Candy or sweets. These little souls are so persistent and will tug at your arm, look up to you with their big innocent eyes and you'll just have to buy their wares or watch them scamper away, disappointed, to catch their next potential buyers' sleeve. It is one of the hardest moments I have had to experience from the day I stepped foot in Nairobi.

I must admit, these kids have taught me many lessons, they have made me cry from deep within out of pity. I have felt dejected, lost and confused because there isn’t much I could do for all of them. Despite the number of "no’s “they get, they'll still smile warmly at the next person.

How admirable is it? Learning resilience when so young...never mind that the poor babies should be in school or at home, reveling in the carelessness of the young, enjoying to the fullest the innocence of youth but because life can be a sour old man sometimes.

They are out there, earning a living, sometimes under the thumb of an evil master. A lot has changed over the years and many of them have been relocated to children's homes all over the country. I no longer see many of them along our streets.

This just makes me grateful. I imagine how much we can do; how many lives we all can collectively change. Life must have been so patient and kind too many of us who are not in their shoes as we speak. Yet you, who can afford to buy a newspaper, phone, book, wear a warm, stylish jacket and have a cuppa in that fancy coffee house, dare to grip and give yourself a mini-heart attack every time things don't go your way. Who told you they always have to go your way?

I yearn to live in a country where we care about each other, a place that is conducive for the young to grow, a sanctuary of hope just like the one in the famous movie “The Walking Dead”. A place where we all can understand Sade says in her song “This is no ordinary love”. A song that tells more about belief and all one has got to give.

A tale of love that surpasses all odds. All I yearn for is a better place for everyone. I don’t just care about myself. Many times, a couple of my close friends have always mentioned this to me. I am however never bothered because I know it’s all not about me and what I want.

So next time you think that the world is being unfair to you, ask yourself how many times you've been of help, understanding, and encouragement to others. Take a deep breath and know that the world is still a better place without you and that life moves on be it that you are here or not.

Learn to appreciate your little stay here with everyone: learn from them; heed the positives. Know that the world is a better place and that the world is, after all, a fertile place for the resilient.