Dear Dali
Here are some random things to consider in 2025
During the holidays, I learned the importance of cleaning the driveway clean or clear. It makes it easy to navigate around the traffic. The same goes for your emotional well-being. Don't choke yourself with bad experiences of the past. Forgive, move on, and keep your soul clean. Learn to embrace each day and, in this instance, the year as a new slate. You may not have done so well in the past year. Forgive yourself and move.
Let me start this one with a quote from Kenneth Boulding.
There is a great deal of historical evidence to suggest that a society which loses its identity with posterity, and which loses its positive image of the future also loses its capacity to deal with present problems, and soon falls apart…"
We have become a country of pessimism, we see bad things at every turn, and we confess doom and gloom. My fellow countrymen and women may disagree with me on this one. Still, I am yet to be amongst any group of Zimbabweans here and outside that will finish a conversation without raising a complaint or making the now all too familiar statement 'zvakaoma' or 'kunzima'. We are definitely going through a difficult patch especially when one looks at the performance or the non-performance of the economy. But we can't give up. We have to dig deep and do something. It is evident that no one is coming to save us- maybe now is the time to reconsider our assumptions about a grand recovery to return us to a certain previous status quo. We face a real risk of collapse as a generation. We have become so negative. And our anger (at times justified) is directed at officeholders. What if we developed a new utopia that we can create? I said to someone I would rather die trying than give up.
For if we look a little bit closer, you will see some bright spots. I have been to some of the farming stores, and there are a lot of positive vibes. I have also seen and engaged with entrepreneurs/innovators of our time providing what would be considered usual services but this time disrupting the old order. Online-based retail and services have grown, for instance.
Learn to accept that not all your problems are because of what others have done to you. We have developed a good excuse of blaming everything on the state of the economy/government/corruption etc. We take no responsibility whatsoever. If that be true, then we have ceased to have any form of agency over our lives. Could that be true? We are still responsible for a lot. Take responsibility for your health, mental well-being, finances (live within your means), and the company you keep.
I know you faced some challenges in 2024. Maybe it's time to try something new. You probably know already what needs to change in your routines. I also know what needs to change. I will spend more time in my happy space- playing tennis. I am not that good at tennis, but I love it. So am committing to put in more hours.
I am not about resolutions or even declarations. The year is too long to remain consistent (smile). So instead, I learnt to develop 30-day challenges. I have given myself the challenge of writing an essay once every month. How's that for some audacious moves? Try it. Come up with your list of fun things to do each month. Theme every month. It could be learning something new every month. I contemplated learning to bake- but I am surrounded by experts, and I am trying to cut down on sugar.
Nothing is guaranteed. Even today is not guaranteed. There is someone somewhere who wished to see this day, but they didn’t. Be grateful always for the gift of life and experience the joys of each moment. I make a habit of getting wet when it rains- just to feel alive. Gaze at the stars. Enjoy a good book.
I have been using this statement for years-borrowed from a friend (as usual). In all things give it your best and offer your most excellent service. No compromise on quality.
Develop a productivity system that works for you to always be on top of the situation. Avoid procrastination. Remember not to say yes to everything. Rather commit to doing less with excellence.
Make it a year to remember.