Act Like a Rose

Written by Salome Akwi

A Rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa; The name Rose comes from French, itself from Latin Rosa. There are over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars and form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp Pricklesthat many of us refer to as “thorns” Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds.

I have always wondered why a Rose, beautiful as it is has prickles all around the stem and yet the Rose shoots out without any scratch. Nature has a way of preserving every species on this earth by giving each a unique defensive mechanism. In this case, Prickles in Roses are Nature’s way of protecting themselves against plant-eating animals since the flowers produced by rose flowers are extremely aromatic and naturally attract herbivores. Also, prickles protect them from being trampled over.  

They also allow the Rose to "hook onto" other plants for support especially for the climbing rose that goes up into a shrub or tree; Note that there is no way it could do that without the “thorns.”

When I look around me, I see prickles and actual thorns all in different forms; Daily life challenges like failed businesses, failed friendships, failed marriages, rejection, luck of money, betrayal, sickness, joblessness, childlessness, loss of loved ones, despair etc. These challenges each varying from individual to individual and however horrific they are, exist in order to Lift You up not to pull you down.   

Let not these challenges drown your dreams but use them to excel in your life because bad situations always come purposely to Push you to another level. Also keep in mind that nothing in life can be Accomplished without Hard work, Perseverance, Endurance and Pain. To sum up the saying, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”  

PHOTO by Salome Akwi No matter the odds surrounding it, a Rose always stands out,
this batch caught my attention even in the darkness.

If you spend all your time talking about your challenges, that is all you will ever do But instead, talk about how you are going to overcome them and be the only ray of light in the dark. Act like a Rose.

Enjoy with me!!!

Remember where you started from

Written by Salome Akwi

It is said, ‘Behind every successful man, there is a woman…’ yes a woman could be a mother, wife, friend, grandmother etc but those that are devoted and see the potential that nobody else does. They will stop at nothing, until they have made something out of you. Whichever finished Item that is displayed on the supermarket shelves, has passed through many hands and a woman never misses out.

Majority of men who have become successful in life always mention a woman in the back ground but often times, these women are forgotten when the time comes for reaping. When some people are elevated to higher positions in life, something happens to them. It is as if a hidden character in them breaks out and they become the total opposite of what they were.

It is also said, ‘What goes up must come down…’ so, as you are up there enjoying your life oblivious of those that helped you get there, remember that what bursts a bubble is a tiny little prick and everything comes crumbling down.

PHOTO by Salome Akwi. I Was curious about the skill of millet harvesting
and this hand at work is of  someone's grandmother.

Nothing ever comes to play without a woman's touch...After all it is her duty to be a caretaker!

Enjoy with me!

Expel the bad feeling in you now!

Written by Salome Akwi

A lot of things can make you unhappy at least for a while, sometimes it takes a long time depending on what the issue is; if not checked anxiety sets in. It all depends on how you handle it. 

Some people decide to Isolate themselves, others choose to be Obnoxious, others take long Nature walks and look at God’s creation, some people Travel the countryside enjoying the cool breeze and others Pray about it. Whatever method you choose to use to resolve your problem, is up to you. 

Personally, sometimes to clear my head, I travel the countryside away from everything that is congesting my mind and causing me heartache. You will be surprised at what i find along the way! The effect it leaves in me is so exhilarating.   

PHOTO by Salome Akwi A part of Owen falls  Dam at the Jinja Bridge, a once in a lifetime moment. 

A minutes' glimpse of this view, eliminates a junk of ill feeling you are keeping inside of you. This does wonders for me and i always come back relieved of all that is weighing me down!

Enjoy with me!!!

Life Goes On

Written by Salome Akwi

When you observe plants, it is amazing how they coexist; all the stages of plant development intertwined in a space. Every plant seems to know when to shoot up, blossom, ripen and dry up yet seeing this in unison is beautiful. That’s what life is about; everything has a beginning and an end just like seasons, they come and go yet they keep reoccurring.

Ever wondered why babies are born every day? Why People die every day? Different generations are living in one community? With that in mind, there are those who Love you and those who hate you, those who respect you, those who admire you, those who despise you etc. It is because Life Embraces all Circumstances, and when this doesn’t happen then something is definitely wrong. As long as you call yourself human, you have to pass through all the stages of life; the only difference is being able to acknowledge it and making your way through to the finish line.

Now, for you who seem to be stack in a certain phase of your life and refusing to adjust to the surroundings and realities around you, then all you have to do is Accept that Life Goes on. If you are still crying over something you lost like a Job, Marriage, Baby, Friend, Property etc, Stop It!! because a better one awaits you.  Go for it!

PHOTO by Salome Akwi Every where i look i see God's hand, these plants caught my
attention and has set me to another level of understanding.  

Coexistence is vital for life to be because all situations need the other to be, whether good or bad. so embrace Life as it comes and enjoy whatever Phase you reach and try not to get Fixated on one.

Enjoy with me!!!

Take off your Wrath

Written By: Salome Akwi

It is very difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you but it is made simple through the help of the Holy Spirit if you ask. When you call yourself a child of God then “Never be bitter, angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.” Ephesians 4:31

We are surrounded by all these voices of Vengeance and Unforgivingness and it seems okay because we think that person doesn't deserve your forgiveness. But you are hurting yourself instead, you are missing blessings when you hold on to that hurt. You are the one suffering silently and eventually it will show in the physical when you start dodging the person or making a face when you meet them. The other person is living their life and you are not, so who wins?

It all stars from one thing Wrath. When you let it live in you, then you are giving the devil chance to use you. Bitterness prevents you from forgiving so, make it a habit before the end of the day. Let it go!! Sing a Praise or Worship Song if you can or Say ‘Holy Spirit help me!!’

As children of God, “Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same way as God forgave you through Christ,” Ephesians 4:32. Simple, right? Only if you try.  Jesus also teaches that, “…if  you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive yours wrongs. But if you don’t forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do.” Matthew 6:14-15

PHOTO by Salome Akwi A beautiful Sunset in Suula Bukedea

Tell yourself NOW that no anger or bitterness will live in you the whole day. So that you can enjoy your life without stress. Obedience is key. Try it out and you will see how a weight will be lifted off your chest.

Enjoy with me!!!

Find your Focus

Find Your Focus

Written by Salome Akwi

Have you ever had an overflow of ideas that you want to tryout one by one? It is good to experiment on ideas and dreams as it is the only way you will know whether it is a vital business or not. Are you among those that go with “band wagon”  doing things that everybody is doing because it is the “in-thing” and it brings quick riches or because all your friends are doing it?

It is always good to think something through before embarking on it; set a foundation for your idea such that when you have a hiccup you will not crumble and fall flat. Weigh the options and know your target market so that you are a step ahead, anticipate challenges and prepare for them when they hit you, so that you are able to sail through when others are closing shop.

Best of all, believe that you can do it; that you can run this business without fear even if everybody around you thinks you will not make it. What they don’t know is that you have found your focus and let it shine through!

PHOTO by Salome Akwi Every flower is unique in its own way and all radiate a different feeling inside of us.

Just like this image, all that catches attention is the bright flower because it is what matters at that moment. So let you idea shine its way out of the obscurity it is surrounded with and make a firm foundation. Remember also, that God is the Author of Ideas; take a minute and ask him to guide you!

Enjoy with me!!

I see a bright day ahead of me

I see a bright day ahead of me

Written by Salome Akwi

Many times in this adult life of mine, I have woken up not sure of how the day will be because a gloom was present in my midst. Everywhere I looked, nothing seemed to work out; it was as if the minute hand of the clock had stopped ticking. It seemed I was locked up in this tower, so high that no one could reach me nor would I reach them. With no aid in perception I trained my inner self that I had to crash these walls and break free of all that was holding me hostage. 

I am FREE now, because I understood that I have a destiny to fulfill and that God designed every Single day to be enjoyed with Jesus Christ to remind me that he Loves me and the Holy Spirit to guide me. So whatever is clouding your morning, be it Sickness, Joblessness, Heartbreak, Divorce, Neglect etc just make sure that the fire inside of you burns through it all.

PHOTO by Salome Akwi I woke up to this beautiful misty morning in Suula Bukedea

This picture inspires me to appreciate each day as it comes; misty as the morning is, the Sun has penetrated the horizon and in a short while the mist fades away. So be resilient like the Sun and don’t drown in your worries, but walk through them with a smile because your mist will fade away without you even noticing it.  

Enjoy with me!!

The Lone Voice

The Lone voice

Written by Salome Akwi

When you remain silent as injustice is exercised, you are as guilty as the perpetrator. When someone is wrongly accused and you know the facts, speak out no matter the consequences because if you don’t, then your conscience will never let you rest. 

Maybe in your neighborhood, things keep getting lost and everyone starts complaining and pointing fingers to the wrong person, yet you know that your own son/daughter is the guilty party. Find a way to expose them so that the innocent person is relieved and your child may get redemption through the shame. 

You may witness a step child being mistreated in the absence of the father, speak out let the truth be known so that the child is liberated. You hear a deadly plot against someone you know is completely innocent, please warn that person secretly because you will have saved a life. Acts of bravery are difficult to perform but very possible only if you choose to be that Lone voice.

These injustices are various and happen right in-front of us; they may seem minor but it affects the society in which we live. 

PHOTO by Salome Akwi: I was watching the Sunset in (Suula, Bukedea) my village
and could resist to capture this memory.  

So, even when the world is falling apart around us, there is always something special in the vicinity just waiting to be noticed and appreciated. I have this saying that i tell myself "Call Me Bad for the Right Thing" This, helps me speak out even if all the voices around me are silenced by fear. So Rescue someone Today and Don't be Afraid to be that Lone Voice.

Enjoy with me!!

You just have to work

You Just Have to Work

Written by Salome Akwi

Sometimes, I wonder why people waste so much time plotting to take away what belongs to someone else. A person toils day and night trying to make an honest living and be a man in front of his wife and children BUT someone is watching and waiting to rob, con, grab and kill for that which he has managed to accumulate. Do you know that you can get your own if you work? God clearly says he will bless the works of your hands. To me, it means only one thing; you have to actually physically work and put those beautiful ideas in action then you will be blessed. Quick money goes as fast as it came. Planning to do evil takes a lot of time, if you could just put that time in strategizing your business Idea, then you will not live the rest of your life looking over your shoulder or envying what others have earned.

PHOTO by Salome Akwi A view of lake Victoria 

When i capture such a moment, it always amazes me how God created all these Beauty; all we have to do is just put a little effort and make something out of our lives by working hard just like our Father in heaven.

Enjoy with me!!

Put a smile on someone's face today

Put a Smile on someone’s face today

Written By Salome Akwi

How it feels good, to wake up to a face smiling down at you and spreads throughout your household, neighborhood, your workplace and wherever you may be. It doesn’t matter whether you are acquaintances or strangers, you are the instant beneficiary.

Whatever your action will be is up to you, whether you choose to give them a buck, pay their transport fare, share your lunch, give a clothe/shoe/tie, engage in a simple conversation and ask how they are, visit a sick person and hold their hand and tell them a comforting word, or join some kid in his/her game. It is up to you, but your life will not be the same again once you see the reaction in that individual’s face, that smile is satisfactory enough to make it a habit for you to make someone happy even if it is just for a second.   

Everyday A Stranger puts a Smile on my face too! And that brightens up my day. Nature does it for me as well and I choose to share it with you, who is reading this piece. God gave us gifts so that other people benefit, as you too benefit from other people’s Gifts; so let sharing be part your daily bread.

PHOTO Salome Akwi (Kachumbala Rocks, Bukedea, Uganda 

These rocks captivate me every time i travel home to my village; it is always a sight i look forward to seeing! Let's share my happy moments, because God has availed it to me Freely!

Enjoy with me!!!

Make the best out your life

Life

Written by Salome Akwi

Life is like a flower placed in your hand; it is up to you to do whatever you like with it. You can display it the way it is, without value added or choose to manipulate it and make it a head turner. You can choose to immerse it in a water jar and look at it all day till it dies or pluck it and give it to someone special. You can make a painting out of it and earn a buck or throw it away; whatever you do with it describes how you live your life. How do you use what is in your disposal?

PHOTO Salome Akwi I took this shot from a thicket but Manipulated it into my own creation.

I look at everything presented to me, as an opportunity to better myself whether negative or positive, i try to turn it round to benefit me or those around me. God does everything for a purpose, so don't take life for granted, it is too short to lay to waste.

Enjoy with me!!

Words have Power

The Power of Words

Written by Salome Akwi

                               

Words are very powerful and the way we use then can build or destroy you. When you utter negative words about yourself, then you are condemning yourself to a miserable life. It does not matter what people say about you, what matters is what you think of yourself; if you believe you are an entrepreneur then say you are and do it no matter how many times you fail, keep at it as long as you believe you can do it. When an idea hatches in  your mind, write it down and look for ways to make it come alive. Whatever you aspire to be, tell yourself that you are that and take action. Always remember that words go with action because it is the only way you will prove yourself, first before the outside sees credit in you.  GOD gave GIFTS to each one of us for a purpose, find out what yours is and then sow.

This wild plant like any other, has a purpose even if the appearance stops you from touching it; but when you pick it up and look closely, the inner beauty and hidden treasure in it overrides the outside.

So bring out what's in you with positive words first.

Enjoy with me!!!

Therapy 3 Anger

Therapy 3 Anger

By Salome Akwi

Anger is blinding and it can lead you to do something you would never do in your normal senses. Let go off that pain in a different way. Silence is the best way, it is difficult but possible. Wake up to this view and focus your anger there and see if you will hurt this beauty, learn to control your anger in the best way that can soothe you...

Photo Salome Akwi. This is one of my collections that i used to calm myself every morning.

Enjoy with me!!

Learn to extinguish hate

Learn to extinguish hate
By Salome Akwi

At times we feel an intense dislike about Something/Somebody because of the bad things they have done to us; but you cannot live your life carrying this hatred in your heart forever. It is not healthy physically and emotionally and it retards your progress. Why would you carry a hateful spirit, when you are surrounded by all this beauty given for free? All you have to do is find it and let your thoughts wander away. Pick anything; Insect, flower, stone, leaf, animal whatever Nature avails to you at that moment.

I spotted this butterfly one afternoon on my wall, pretty isn’t it? I saw a work of art to satisfy my visual senses as well as tickle my creative side. I saw myself dressed in a “Kitenge” of this exact print, I also saw a framed picture on the wall in my living room and I could also write a poem about it. Wow! So many ideas of just one little butterfly, how about 10 different butterfly species at the same time? What reaction would you get?  

PHOTO By Salome Akwi A rare species of butterfly that caught my eye

You are the only one who can answer those questions and you can only get the answers when you take a step… NATURE is all around you!

Enjoy with me!!

Therapy 2 Colors

Therapy 2 

Written by Salome Akwi

The colors in flowers are so striking that they resonate hidden feelings that have been locked away in the back of your mind, making them sprout like grass that has been tucked away under dry ground and resurrected by the first rains. It is something that goes beyond human understanding, as it impacts each individual in different ways, yet producing the same desired effect. It seems for a while that all your worries are forgotten instantly and filled with a longing to stay in the presence of this unknown rejuvenating feeling.

PHOTO by Salome Akwi. This flower brightens your day unconsciously  

Whoever you are, you have your own experience, But what is clear is that you will not be the same again as you continue to search for what takes your worries away. What you don’t know is that, it is a NATURAL and FREE GIFT right in front of you. Look around you!!

Enjoy with me!!