Ida Mwangi

We often think we know ourselves, or at least we like to convince ourselves that that is the case. This lie can only hold for so long. The animal within us almost constantly seeks to be uncaged. Our inner selves yearn for that freedom we yap about for days on end. Days, weeks, months, years go by without our wilful acceptance of who we really are. The ones we love keep thinking how well they know us, until one day. One day they wake up to a realisation of the strangers we are. To what end though? Is it worth it to pretend to be so generous when you know how much of a mean bitch you are? Does it help to act all mean and bad-ass yet deep inside you hold a massive capacity to care and love? Why not just be real? The world itself is a lie. Hey! I didn’t say that, but hell yeah! Someone will excuse themselves with that. Everyone is lying, so why shouldn’t I? will it really benefit me to be real when nothing, no one, around me is? Well, the world may be ugly; but we’ve got to start giving a shit about things if we are to make it prettier. In the words of a dear friend… “I like this someone, a whole lot. Though too soon to say this, I must admit I feel like I love him. For what is love? Patience. Not keeping an account of wrongs. Hope. Friendship. Love is this and all those little things we hardly ever treasure. From the very onset, I was afraid. Afraid that being myself would push him away. His first encounter with my lousy other side was unbearably crushing. But guess what? Our bond only grew stronger. When you like someone a lot, you learn to accept their flaws. As for me, it was a lesson enough that hurting those you care about hurts you too in the end. In the months that have followed, the ride has only gotten bumpier. But I’m learning, and in it growing. And nothing could be more important than this. That each experience moulds me; strengthens me for that unknown tomorrow. Don’t be fooled. I still don’t fancy opening up to people. That was evident enough even today. However, I try to be myself with those I really care about.” Like her, we can learn more than we ever imagined when we are true to who we are. We’ll be happier anyway when we stop the pretend game. So be you. For what better gift can you give your family and friends than this? It’ll do you a lot of good too. Trust me.