In memory of Vanessa Yasintha Wambura (August 2003 – August 2023).

It’s a nice warm summer day. You’re dressed in an amazing new top and a nice pair of pants. You are outside of a huge building that looks super fancy and nice. You put on your game face and step inside. The inside is prettier than the outside, with hardwood flooring throughout and a grand staircase. “Are you here for the recital?” A nice woman asks you as you approach her. Your parents say yes and she leads you to a huge open room. Your hands start to get clammy again. The woman hands you a schedule with the order of appearances, you’re 5th. Oh Brother! You hear the first two people play, they play each note perfectly, the piano sings a beautiful melody, you’re sisters are up next, they are remarkable! How can you match there elegance and playing. It’s your turn, what do you do? Well watotos, let me tell you, I was in this exact situation. It was my second piano recital. I was so nervous. What did I do? Well, I got up, prayed for a few seconds then told myself I Could Do It! Well, I can’t say it was flawless, but I tried my best and it actually sounded pretty good! What I’m trying to tell you is, You Can do it!

I’m sure many of you have been scared and doubted yourselves in scary situations. Been there, done that! It’s okay to be nervous, everyone gets that. What’s not okay is when you start doubting yourself. If you believe, at least you trust God to be there for you, as you can count on him. It’s good to know that God allows some situations at you, because he knows you can handle it. Apart from that it’s important to trust yourself so that you can conquer any obstacle that comes your way.

While reading “Trusting God Day by Day” Joyce Mayer tells us that we can conquer what life and God throws at us. She tells us that thinking right at the start of anything helps you handle life. We’ve all gotten that feeling, sweaty hands, butterflies in your stomach, stuttering or stammering, headaches, sweating, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, rapid or mumbled speech. The good news is, there are ways to prevent and/or stop these feelings:

  1. Be prepared: Knowing what’s coming ahead better prepares you
  2. Be fresh: Taking a shower and being comfortable is the key
  3. Use the right fuel: A proper meal and exercise will calm you down for sure!
  4. Take deep breaths: Rest your hand on your stomach and breathe in through your nose for a count of four – then breathe out through your nose for a count of five. You should feel calmer.
  5. Think Positively!: Smile and just be happy, forget about the audience and just relax
  6. Chill out and stay hydrated: drink lots of fluids, but be sure to do your business before important matters. Just relax, picture everyone as a silly clown (Haha, our parents with a big red nose and painted faces! What a sight! )

Who would have known the Popsicle was invented by an eleven year old. This young boy believed in himself and created a tasty treat. Yes, why not you or me? The truth is, you can do anything as long as you set your mind to it. Trust me, you’ll go very far. I mean, have you ever finished a test and you’re so nervous about what mark you’re going to get? Well stop stressing, the outcome will be the same whether you stress or not!

I found this poem to sum up well everything I wanted to cover in my article; enjoy

Our Greatest Fear
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.
~Marianne Williamson~

Hakuna Matata Watotos, just be yourself, because YES YOU CAN!!

Vanessa Wambura