TRASH is GOLD

 

From a heap of old jewelry, old clothes and accessories, this is what I see.  Am I satisfied with it? Sure, I am!

Many times, what one person sees as trash is Gold to another. I learned that everything in my hand is valuable. It doesn’t matter what people see; it matters only what I see.  With this gift to create, anything is possible.

What do you see in yourself? What I see is what I am!

FINDING MYSELF

 

            The Resident Playwrights 2024: Left to right; Norman Ssentumbwe Kabuuza,

 Salome Akwi and Brenda Ibarah  

There I was, choked by negative voices whispering and imposing their opinions on me as if I had none of my own. The more I tried to echo my dreams and ambitions, the weirder they sounded to their ears yet to me, they were as real as myself.

I asked myself over and over again at what point I reached this scenario. Where did I lose it?  I was caught up in a web of disappointment, heartbreak, lose, mistrust; a past that never made me see what I had envision myself to be and too afraid to set myself free from it. Was it that I was afraid or that the negative words had eaten into my inner being and done serious damage on my mental abilities?

Subconsciously, they robbed me off my beautiful ideas and creative moments of my youth oblivious of the damage they were creating. How could I believe that I wasn’t good enough, that my dreams were too big for me, that I didn’t deserve the best?  Yes, it is possible especially when the ones telling me these things are the people I LOVE and TRUST.

WHO AM I? Where did the Artist in me go? What happened to the creative “Sally” who inspired her peers with her self-designed hairstyles, earrings, apparels and confidence? It has been a long period of rediscovering me and switching back to reality. I shut my mind and refused to let in any foreign ideas unless they added value to mine. I unearthed the unfinished projects I had hidden away and resumed pursuing them and see, where it has brought me.

My smile is slowing returning; after seeing the small strides I have so far taken since the mindset change. It was a choice I made not to be defined by other people’s opinions and stick to my goals no matter what. It comes with a cost, sometimes I feel alone in this journey, but I remind myself that the end of it is what is important, and that GOD is my ever-present help. Many left me and, I am glad they did. I know what my PURPOSE is, and nothing will stop me from pursuing it.

The results of my quest to “FINDING MYSELF” are glaring and one of them is being among the 3 Playwrights selected by TEBERE ARTS FOUNDATION in this year’s “MID-CAREER AND ESTABLISHED PLAYWRIGHTS' RESIDENCY” Programme.

What does this mean? That my Play will be among those read during the KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (KITF) in November.

Honestly, I never saw myself here. The writer in me never vanished, it was always there. I give the Glory and Honour back to GOD!

My Way by Salome Akwi

 

In a world where my decisions are constantly questioned by those around me, where everything that I do somehow isn’t right. Many times, I ask myself whether they know that what drives me is a constant fire that burns inside and can only be extinguished when I executive what is within.

I wonder whether they realize that many times, I have made decisions with a weeping heart just to please them even knowing that the repercussions are only felt by me. Yes, I will acknowledge their role in my journey of pursuit for success and desire to stand tall again.  It doesn’t mean that my dreams are worthless.

I came to the realization that this is my life, my dreams and I call the shots, Period!! I decided to block my mind off what I don’t want to hear even when it seems like I sound ungrateful. The voices screaming in my head to stop pursing relationships which add no value to me in anyway, to stop worrying about what I cannot fix and to embrace the failures in my life and use them as steppingstones in my journey.

Now, I am unapologetically happy with myself. My LORD My God is my guiding light without whom I am invisible. A constant reminder that I can do all thing through him who strengthens me. Yes, the ARTIST is me is re-born! Nothing will hold me back again! I know now and acknowledge where my help comes from. What is meant to be, will BE!

No quitting

Sometimes it seems like, I take two steps infront then ten steps back. It's like I am taking forever to reach the finish line.

Well, I tell myself to keep moving as every step back is a lesson learned. Quiting is never a solution for me. How will it help me?

I dive deeper into the heart of my project and remind myself that the tended beneficiaries are more important than my iniquities.

These ideas don't drop in my mind for me to sit on them right? They are for me to hatch them out like a hen patiently waits 21 whole days and nights on her eggs just for them to  hatch little chicks. 

If a hen can do it, why can't I?

Written by Salome Akwi

Show LOVE to someone today

Written by : Salome Akwi

The Power of LOVE can never be compared to anything in existence. God is Love and he demonstrates it by sending his only begotten son so we can have everlasting life (JOHN 3:16). Until you have been shown unconditional LOVE, you can never truly understand the meaning of Love. Until you repay evil with good (ROMANS 12:21, 1PETER 3:9), until you forgive your adversaries (MARK 11:25), until you pray for those who persecute you (MATTHEW 5:44), you can never feel the Joy of being Loved.

Many times we think we deserve to be Loved by those close to us but sometimes we forget that what we give is what will be given back to us; if you show Love, you will undoubtedly be shown abundant love in return.

As parents, our children sometimes do unforgivable things that ordinary punishments can do nothing to change them but we Love them no matter what and their only redemption is to be shown Love, Pray for them, bless them and surely that child turns around to be the best.

God loves us all the same! Who do you Love?

 

....Enjoy with me!!

Do you consider yourself Wise?

Written by: Salome Akwi

True WISDOM comes from GOD, you can only access it in one way! Many times we are let down by our own intelligence and we get stuck, we make terrible mistakes/poor decisions/ plans and  we end up lugging behind just because we did not seek GOD in the first place. Ask yourself this question “From where do I get wisdom?”

....Enjoy with me

What is Love?

What is LOVE?

...Enjoy with me!

Where is your Trust?

Written by: Salome Akwi

It is foolish to put your trust in a Man/Job/Employer/Government

systems or any individual because it is NOT GUARANTEED!

 People get disappointed and give up on life when their hopes

have been crashed by those they put their TRUST in.

There is only one way that you can never be Disappointed or

Disillusioned or Hopeless! Put your TRUST in the LORD!

He knows your every NEED, every FEAR, every THOUGHT

and he alone can take you to HEIGHTS that no one ever will!  

...Enjoy with me!

Explore Your Potential

Written by 
Salome Akwi

Many of us don't realize how resourceful we are and this keeps us from reaching and achieving our purpose in life.  Everything you may need is within you and it won't be activated until you identify and pursue it. The beauty of nature around you is a true reflection of  God's intended purpose for you. Reach inside yourself and draw out that which interests you most and take action immediately. Start with the little that you have!  Be blessed!

...Enjoy with me

Be blessed this Morning!

Be blessed this Morning!

....Enjoy with me!

Thank you

I know not, why you came into my life

I know not, why you took notice of me

I know not, why you want to see me happy

I know not, why you go the extra mile for me

All I know is, your presence is divine

Like the taste of red wine

All I know is, your smile takes my breath away

Like the cool breeze in the heat of midday

All I know is, I’m glad that you are in my life

Thank you!

Written by Salome Akwi

....enjoy with me!!

Keep walking

Written by Salome Akwi

Keep Walking

Life is a Journey...they say! 

It is indeed. As I Journey through 2019, 

finding my way through the hurdles, 

expectations and failures,

 what is clear is that Hope drives me 

to keep walking without looking back. 

The pressure around me produces 

heat enough to push me forward

 to achieve my dreams...

that only God knows how and when

 they will be accomplished. 

In all this I keep Smiling...

I keep Walking...

I keep thanking God for walking with me!! 

...........Enjoy with me!

Fight the good fight!

Written by 

Salome Akwi

I walked into a salon and as I waited for my turn, one client was busy on Facebook having what seemed like a fight with another person. She was reading loud the responses of the other person and kept asking the Hair dresser what she should reply. I couldn’t help realizing that the other person was a lady who seemed to be going out with someone’s Husband. The response of the other lady was confident and aware that she was the second and that she knew all about the first wife. Hmmmmm???

One response caught me “Stop fighting me, my husband told me everything…Find what to do!”

This lady responded “I’m not fighting, just wondering how you called him your husband…I don’t remember a marriage ceremony after all it seems I am your sister in-law.’

Ooh! So she isn’t the first wife? Then who is she and why is she…? I wondered to myself. Then another lady walked in and she was briefed quickly of what transpired. It so happened that this was the “First wife” and these seemed to be sisters/friends helping her fight. “First Wife” talks about how she was praying and saw a vision of her husband coming back home kneeling before her. In my head am thinking “Alas some sense is now at play” I am wondering how about the husband, is he “Innocent”?

After a short while a car pulls over and an elderly woman steps out and walks into the salon. They called her “Mummy” and they knelt and greeted her with respect. “First Wife” and “Mummy” share a private conversation in low tones for about 5 minutes. “Mummy” too has come to be styled up. “Sister in-law” leaves the chair for “Mummy”. Hair dresser asks “Mummy” if “First Wife” has told her what is happening. “Mummy” says ‘yes a little’ but she seems not keen to indulge and concentrates on her face. It threatens to rain and I get an excuse to run home to remove my clothes from the wire.

When I returned after about one hour or so, these ladies where still at it even in the absence of “Sister in-law" and “Mummy” It has taken another turn “Second Wife” has blocked all of them and has deleted all the Facebook posts shared. WHOAH! The fight is on. Now “Hair dresser” advises “First wife” to call another lady who seems not to have entered the brawl yet to post on "Second Wife's" wall. It seems like they are rounding up sisters and friends to take part in bringing down “Second Wife” they know all about her even the foundation she owns or heads??

To my amazement “First Wife” obeys every suggestion “Hair Dresser” gives. In my mind I am wondering I thought she is already down on her knees! “Hair dresser further suggests “Let’s post on Husband’s Facebook wall…let’s post a picture of the two of them together. Let him know that we know!  In fact we shall even send it to Beat FM and show her that she can’t stop us”

OMG??? How far are these ladies ready to go… “First Wife” is in agreement of everything. My head is screaming Lady Stop it! Stop It! When my hair gets down I take courage and tell her.

“Lady I don’t know the whole story BUT stop fighting that fight! Women like us fight on our knees, we cry out to God and he fights for us! You said you are Praying to God…Leave it to God he knows best! You are listening to voices around you but by the end of the day it is you and your Husband not others! What you are doing is not right… Just continue praying, God will see you through!” I blurted out without hesitation.

“Yes you are right…see my knees are now black, I am praying Mary will see me through!” she responds to me.

“I am talking from experience, fighting like that will not solve anything…JUST LEAVE IT TO GOD!!” and I walked out of the salon.

I felt an abnormal relief in my heart. I didn’t care what would be said behind my back once I left. Is this how so called “Christian women” fight? Is this how Hannah fought? Is this how Esther became Queen? Is this how Ruth landed on Boaz? Is this how Leah stayed in a Loveless Marriage yet from her came a linage of Jesus?

It is very painful, I understand firsthand how much; but GOD knows Best. Everywhere I turn women are crying over the same thing, women are killing each other over men, indulging in Witchcraft over men, mistreating innocent children over men etc. REALLY? As Believing Christian women have we not been taught that God is the giver of everything, that we should cast our burden onto Jesus?

God can turn any situation around, and he assures us that the battle is his…all you have to do is give your battles to him Period! Be Blessed You all!

Enjoy with me!!!

Hate Not!

Written by 

Salome Akwi

Many times I wonder why people hate others so much even without a reason; the more you keep a meaningless grudge in your heart the less productive you become. Some hate others because their friends or associates hate the person; how embarrassing it can be if you are asked the reason and you have no answer. Along the way, I have learned to let go and let not external factors affect my day just because there is nothing I can do about it but I choose to be happy in whatever way I deem worthwhile, even if it means shutting out that person. Life has a way of reconnecting people, so make peace when you still can, because Life is Short!

Enjoy With Me!!

Never Look Back

Written by 

Salome Akwi

It is good to be Back! I needed a break to refocus. Challenges come and go; through them we grow in mind and they teach us to appreciate the journey that life takes us. One of them i have learned is NEVER TO LOOK BACK! Be blessed as you read this.

Enjoy with me!!!

Know your Limits as an employee

Written by Salome Akwi

When you are employed by someone, it means that you have to obey them no matter what. When you are employed by a friend, sometimes it is very easy to cross the line without realizing it. When it comes to personal issues, sometimes you may assume that you are talking to your friend but what you don’t realize it that, at that moment friendship does not apply; business is priority. It may seem like you are undermining them because, to you they understand your issue and you think they will always do. Wrong! No one will totally understand you and never expect them to cross the stormy seas for you all the time. At that moment they too care about making a profit, it is personal to them too, so who wins?

Sometimes you may assume that the extra effort you put in the company with developmental ideas and excellent performance is a gateway to a favor when that crucial personal issue emerges. It will not count because your emergency is irrelevant as it adds no value to the company. When you are caught between making that decision, choose wisely where your commitments lie; only that sometimes that personal issue cannot be postponed.

The penalty falls on you and you take it gladly. All is all a BOSS is always right! No matter how tight your friendship is, separate them so you can keep both relationships working. Remember as long as you are their employee trade carefully what personal things to share, for it might be taken like they are doing you a favor to employ you not knowing that your skills have kept you there in the first place.

Find it

Happy September!

Freedom is not free

Mood Swings

Written by Salome Akwi

Continued...

We walked along the street from church, she saw a toy that she had been describing to me for some time and wanted it.

‘Mummy! Buy for me that toy which has a girl seated on a “Pikii-Pikii”’ she pointed.

‘Not now, Little Blue! I will buy it next time,’ I responded as I led her away.

She continued asking and pointing as we made our way to the Park. She pinched and scratched my hands; she struggled to set herself free from me and wanted to walk on her own through the park. Of course I could not let her, until we entered the taxi where, she burst out crying uncontrollably. 

Some passengers asked what was wrong, and wondered if she feared the taxi or that she might be hungry, she clung to my chest and buried her head still crying loudly.

‘Ehh! does she still suckle?’ One man asked in surprise.

‘No!’ I answered in amusement.

‘Stop it Little blue! Stop it!’ I told her as I tried to make her sit upright, all in vain; she held me even tighter. I couldn’t take it anymore and with anger, I spanked her even when I knew that I shouldn’t.

‘No! leave her, don’t beat her!’ some passengers spoke out in unison. They continued murmuring as others still insisted that she was hungry; I alone knew why she acted that way. I leave the imagination to you.

‘You think she is young, she is a big girl, she deserves it!’ a lady passenger next to me with a child too, lashed out in defense of my action.

‘Little Blue, keep quiet! Here, eat your popcorn!’ her brother tried to soothe her too.

‘Let her just cry, let her cry! she will keep quiet on her own,’ a gentleman behind me advised.

So I did that. She later kept quiet and asked for popcorn which I gave her. She even accepted to sit upright when I told her to. After a short distance, the lady passenger reached her destination and I got out so she could get out with ease, of course with Little Blue. When some curious passengers realized that she was a ‘girl’ and a ‘big girl’ for that matter, one guy shook his head in amusement and smiled at her. She smiled back like nothing had happened. We just burst out in laughter because that is all it was ‘Amusing’, she took her juice and acted like a normal child again. OMG!! 

Confucius puts it in simple words.

Amidst all this drama, all that is running in my mind is how i can help my daughter out grow this phase of her life. I am doing the best i can and i have vowed that no embarrassing situation  is going to deter me from walking thing journey with my kids. With God, Nothing is Impossible!!!

Enjoy with me!!!