Pauline-Murigi-Sister-Wedding-Dance

My Thanksgiving Edition | By Pauline Murigi

It's the beginning of yet another year and you know what that means! New Year Resolutions, fresh starts, and of course the curse of empty wallets. But rarely do we take a step back and reflect on the year that was. Besides how do you mark a fresh start without first recognizing where you have come from.

That is why I want to dedicate my first blog to looking back at 2018 and write down some of the things I'm grateful for.

 

Self-Discovery

I came out of 2018 a completely different person. I'm not sure when or how it happened exactly but what I do know is that last year I made a deliberate decision to start thinking and caring about myself more. I realized that in the last couple of years I had moved from being single, doing a wedding, getting pregnant, starting a new job, being a first time mum and raising Tish all in the space of 24 months. It felt good just to sit back, breathe and soak it all in.

Pauline-Murigi-with-children

 

I know it sounds a bit selfish but I also know many women can relate.  And I actually believe that this self-discovery has helped me become a better mother, wife, sister and friend to all those around me. I am done being (and settling for) mediocre and I am ready for the best days of my life to continue. Living my best life is what the millennials call it and it's both exciting and scary but I'm loving every minute.

 

Baba Tish

This guy is such a blessing to me. He takes care of his family so well, he's a good listener (well mostly because I talk a lot), he tries to call me on most days just to see how my day is going, he loves bringing order when I am all about chaos and not arranging things. He also just gets me and that's one of the most important things in a partnership. That and letting your partner thrive as an individual because that's how the marriage unions get stronger. I love you baba Tish! Let's keep winning at this thing called life. As we have experienced first-hand, it's not an easy path but it's worth it.

Pauline-Murigi-with-her-hubby-and-child

 

 

Tish

Our 2-and-a-half-year-old princess (they grow up so fast) is such a ball of energy. We are always literally running after her in the house because she thinks it's a fun game. Tish loves music so we do a lot of singing and dancing at home. She is also learning so many new words and our daily activity includes trying to understand what she is saying. Our previous nanny (yeah we suffered the misfortune of having to look for another one this December) understood her completely so she would be our translator. Hoping the new nanny will be just as resourceful in that area!

And she finally loves swimming which means more pool rendezvous. We bought this perfect floater which we call the lazy parents floater. The best way to describe it is that once we put her in it we can just chill and watch her float in the water like the princess she is. I'm also happy that she still loves the attention, hugs and cuddles! It's an awesome feeling.

Pauline-Murigi-with-Tish

 

My Extended Family

Like all families we have our issues (that's just how life is) but 2018 was a special year for all of us.  The highlight was attending my sister's wedding in the Netherlands. Everything, from the ceremony, photoshoot and dancing at the dinner party was just so much fun. I even shocked my mum who didn't believe I could get down like that.

Pauline-Murigi-Sister-Wedding

 

 

My nephew also graduated in 2018 and that gave us yet another reason to party and my big sister isn't one to shy away from hosting a party and party we did!

My sister in law also got a baby and she is the cutest thing you will ever see and more importantly she lets us put cute baby bows on her small head, something Tish never let me do when she was that small.  Baby Sky (As Tish calls her) helps me deal with the urge of getting number two as I keep being reminded what a handful they are especially during that 1st year. To be honest nothing much changes as they grow older but we keep gathering experience so it's not as shocking as it was during those first days and of course no more breast feeding!

Pauline-Murigi-with-family

 

My friends — The family I get to choose

So as I did my own self-discovery I also discovered who good friends are, how they should make you feel and how they always want you to win in life. I'm lucky and blessed to have an awesome community of real friends who I thank God for and who I am willing to stop everything for. They might be very few but that's what my heart can accommodate and that's what I need. I love you my chosen family.

 

Good Health/ Fitness Journey

I read somewhere that Health is not valued until sickness comes and the past year I have seen and contributed to so many fundraisers regarding health issues and it breaks my heart that our government keeps dropping the ball in this key sector. Families keep losing loved ones because the money just wasn't enough. My advice; if you have a health insurance that actually pays for a wellness checkup, please take advantage of it as this could save your loved ones a lot of heartache, pain and money. Let's dedicate 2019 to getting screened and trying to live a healthier life. I remain grateful for good health and maintaining my fitness journey throughout the year! I really need to have a healthy heart at 70. I'm a Fitsista all the way (if you know you know – one of my phrases for 2018).

 

My Blog

This was such an exciting part of 2018.  I didn't do as many blog posts as I wanted to but I did some that I absolutely love and I will keep at it and try to be more consistent this year.  I see my posts as an opportunity to influence and inspire people even in the future. Also, when I'm old and boring I want Tish to remember that I was once young and cool!

 

Social Media

I have been inspired so much by people all over the world because of this amazing tool. I plan to use it more and to also use it to inspire and to shape people into an awesome version of themselves.

I also have some virtual relationships that are amazing especially one special group of ladies – Project Baby Shower April 2016. These ladies are the best thing that happened to me after I became a new mummy. We all learnt about babies together mostly by communicating via WhatsApp. I love this group of ladies because they are so real and they have helped me grow. You shall see some of them on my next blog as they will be part of my birthday celebration girls trip (hint, hint). I love you ladies and you are winning at motherhood; never forget that.

 

Provision

One of the things I'm most grateful for is that in 2018 I have been blessed with not only good health but all the plans we made came to pass and to add to that I have even been able to share time with my family.

I'm already overly excited about 2019 beginning with an exciting trip I'll be taking with my girls and some amazing news from a career standpoint so make sure to look out for the next post!

Feel free to share your stories of thanksgiving on the comments section below!

 

16 Comments

  1. Chipa on February 8, 2019 at 1:53 pm

    Aaw nice! You’re truly blessed to have an amazing family and thanks for reminding us to look back and be thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon us.

  2. Rachel Irungu on February 8, 2019 at 2:33 pm

    You write sooo well. Jus want to go on and on and on and on….. Looking forward to more of your reads

  3. Bryan on February 8, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    Nice one roomie!

  4. Pauline on February 8, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    Aaaah. So glad you came back to do this. Please please don’t stop. I absolutely looooove reading your posts.

    Such a great gratitude board. Loved it!

  5. Djusto on February 8, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    Top Top Stuff Popoh!!

  6. Sheero on February 8, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Awwww lovely lovely

  7. Maurine Jaoko on February 8, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    This is just amazing Pauline.May GOD see you through .

  8. Lydia on February 8, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    Interesting and inspiring story. Go girl go 👊

  9. Bella on February 9, 2019 at 4:36 am

    awwww great read. keep winning gal and all the best in the new year

  10. Caroline Kruijer on February 9, 2019 at 8:48 am

    Just amazing 👌🏽👍🏽🥰🥰

  11. Betty on February 9, 2019 at 9:40 am

    Wow…. Amazing!!!! Well written. Keep it up 👏👏👏👏😊

  12. Frances on February 10, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    You are a talented writer too.You are the most humble and patient colleague I enjoyed working with.God bless you in your future endeavours. Shalom

  13. Olivia on February 12, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    Beautifully written. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs this year. Blessings!

  14. Carol Nkatha on February 12, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    WOW…such an interesting & engaging blog🤓…keep it up! Also, thanks for reminding us to always take time to reflect & be thankful for our lives. Looking forward to your next blog. Keep them coming…so happy for you girl😘🥳

  15. Mahjbeen on February 13, 2019 at 1:51 am

    Love reading your blog! Here’s to an exciting 2019!!

  16. Mukami Carol on February 13, 2019 at 6:25 am

    Wow

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