Rest, reflection, renewal
Sitting in Nairobi’s traffic jam the other day, I could feel my body become tense as anxiety welled up in me. I was running late despite leaving the house an hour earlier than usual. The discussion on the FM station did not help-all the news about Kenya and Africa, for that matter, was distressing. Most of the pedestrians seemed lost in thought. If we were sharing the same predicament, I would say their minds were immersed in the rising food prices, the sympathy for the famine victims, anger and frustration at the unfolding political wrangles, the rising cost of education, the prospects of being laid off: the list was endless.
By the time I settled in the office having maneuvered through apprehensive faces, my heart was weary. I had a splitting headache and felt like the world was sitting on my shoulders. Needless to say, the rest of the day was uneventful. I found myself merely going through the various routines in order to fulfil my responsibilities. I could not wait for 5 pm. But then thoughts of another two hours in traffic, cramped up in public transport, and witnessing the tired masses rumbling back home, gave the office’s closing-time an anti-climax.
We are still in the first quarter of the year and yet a lot of negativity seems to have happened. What most of us do not realize is the impact this negative energy has, not only on our day-to-day functioning, but on our relationships as well. It is even worse for you as an expectant mother who is already challenged by the emotional and physical changes often characterized by among others, mood swings and general body fatigue. I see you seated long hours in traffic inhaling mounds of polluted air. I see you on your feet all day working, or engaged in never-ending meetings, handling rude clientele who are prejudiced over your state or rushing around to meet a deadline given by an impractical boss. And then scramble home to prepare dinner and oversee your older child doing homework. How desperate can a situation get!
As I found out later, life is not always gloomy: it is us who should make conscious decisions to make the best out of it. On my way back home in the evening, rather than getting agitated in the traffic jam. I looked around me and picked out what were positive messages.
I saw a young couple walking hand in hand obviously savouring the moments they were spending together: a group of men chatting animatedly oblivious of their fatigue: a group of school children playfully running home: a pregnant woman leisurely eating bananas. It was the last scene that nailed in the fact that happiness is a choice.
This April has an Easter break and school holidays which a good number of us are looking forward to for rest. Making a conscious decision to rest is an indication of one’s commitment to personal growth.
As mothers-to-be. we could actually use the break to rest and reflect on the positives in our lives, in our relationships and in our beloved country (note how positive I sound). The baby growing in your womb is a gift that deserves to be celebrated. Why not take those few Easter days to rest your feet, drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables a whole lot more. While sleeping in. happy at the thought of not having to beat the traffic jam. take time to think about the good things that have happened to you. Spoiling yourself with op-timism is good for your body, soul and spirit.
Better still, you could travel to more quiet surroundings. This will go a long way in clearing your mind and ridding your soul of all the pessimism that has been piling up in your mind in the past three months. And while you are at it. remember to carry your journal to pen thoughts and prayers for your unborn baby, in the quietness of a less demanding environment. The Oxford English dictionary defines journaling as a recording of occurrences, experiences and reflections on a daily basis. The benefits of journaling cannot be underestimated. It is a rich process that enables you to think through issues even as you move onto the next level of your life.
Remember that as you take this much needed rest, reflect on your relationships. Make note of which relationships need your love, compassion or forgiveness. As a mother-to-be it is important that you are surrounded by healthy relationships devoid of abuse, anguish and anger. Since this is not an easy process, spending time in prayer will definitely be helpful as we do need divine wisdom and intervention to experience wholeness.
Pate Marvin and Pate Sheryl in their little book Behind the Masks state the following traits as making up a healthy personality: loving others, having a purpose in life, independent thinking, and authentic living. I really do hope that you will come back from the Easter break exhibiting these traits. And when you seat in traffic jam. or walk to work, or help your older child with homework, you will radiate positive energy characterized by inner strength and confidence that will not only be encouraging to those around you but also to the baby in your womb.
Have a blessed Easter holiday filled with rest, reflection and renewal!
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