What has social media done to our children?

Gone are the exquisite, peaceful and joyous days when we used to sit near the fire place with our grandparents and they would tell us lovely stories. They were intriguing and others were scary; but it brought us together. It was fun and life was simple.

What of these days? Can we compare? There is a huge gap. Technology has taken over, social media has become the heart and soul of men. Young children are becoming friends of gadgets.  They express their feelings, emotions, and  problems.  That is the world we are in today. Social media can be a dangerous huge animal; it has its positive and negative impacts.

  However, we have to deeply understand the generation we are in and where we are headed to. Imagine having a gorgeous, beautiful baby girl, she has just reached her teenage years; she does not have deep thoughts or much awareness on sexuality and sex.  But with the rapid exposures to social media, their eyes are opened, they feel superior.

Social media Influences, peer pressure from friends, and how the world has molded celebrity lifestyle online makes her want to look like the Hollywood movie stars. To dress like them, talk like them, and post photos of half nakedness in social media.   When the like’s hit list reaches 100, 200 plus she feels famous; it’s heavenly and now she is popular.

Social media platforms can affect one’s life. They may get engaged with online sex, pornography, musterbation and the likes. With this they can chat freely with strangers, send nude pictures and do many risky things. Who would even think that there children are doing that? Of course we don't want to imagine!

 I believe it is the parent’s responsibility to understand their children, talk to them freely and teach them the risks they can encounter using so much personalized information in social media.As the bible says, “rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter.” Let us help our children, sisters, brothers and friends.

If we teach our children to understand the world and the dangers that can impact their lives through social media, they will contemplate about it and exercise the goodness. It does not have to be a whole lecture, a forceful communication, no! They won’t like that.  Create a comfortable room where there is no tension but a friendly zone that can lead to openness and understanding.

Most company’s look into social media sites of individuals to really outweigh the options and try to understand you well. They would analyze what you post and if you are fit for that particular job. All I want to put across is, we should be keen and responsible for what we post; more so our siblings and children.

I would not want my daughter, son, brother or sister to be part of this tempting situation. I will put all effort to become a good mother. We are not perfect, sometimes we can be carried away by the situations in our lives. But also we want our children to grow as people of respect, dignity, confidence, successful and who can better their lives and those of other people.

It’s upon us to act in a dint of a second and help our children grow well in this challenging society. Parents create time for your children and talk to them openly, it won’t cause any harm but good.
Remember this, “for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.”

A lifetime experience

One beautiful morning, the sun woke up from its hiding place; it beamed its sharp, hot rays onto the ground. It brightened up the new day making it warmly glow. You jumped out of bed like a cricket, prepared yourself diligently; it was that day you would set your eyes on him for the first time. You met months ago online and you had been chatting for days and weeks.

Your heart was pure happy, your face glowed with delight, you looked shinny and amazingly beautiful. There he came with his bold look, astoundingly handsome, cute smile and most of all he had jovial moods. You had waited for this day for long and now it had finally come; you met the real Mr. you were tense at first but after a while of talking, tension disappeared and things got better. The day went on so well, you clicked, he made you laugh, admired your loveliness and smile and told you how incredibly gorgeous you looked. Your heart did melt with joy and you were happy to have physically met.

The first date went blissfully well, your heart was warmly cheerful; he was the man you had been waiting to meet and yeah you finally did. Things were awesome for some time and dates were remarkable. After days of knowing each other better, you introduced him to your best friend and let him know where you stayed; shockingly he never did the same. For you, you liked him and feelings were developing slowly, but to him maybe he had no clue or had his own agendas; he still weighed options. Due to the uncomfortable feeling within you; you felt deep inside something was not right.

The jovial good guy you enjoyed his company was no more. He was secretive, he did not show you where he stayed, you had no clue about his friends and he decided to pretend to be in love with you. Those were signs of something not right. He did not want anybody to know he had someone else and so he decided to keep you a secret. Questions entangled itself in your mind; you had no clue what to do or how to deal with the situation. 

Relationships are built with friendship first, getting to know him better and deeply, know his friends, where he stays, what he loves doing and build that trust. Remember, if a woman catches a man’s’ eyes, she earns his purse; if he captures his heart she earns his world. Do not underestimate the power of love, it grows slowly, if not careful you will sink in. Before you know it, things will get tense, you will be annoyed every minute you think about him, he will make you sick and you will never want to set your eyes on him again.

A man is like a chameleon today he is blue, tomorrow he is red. As much as he may want something from you he will do whatever he can to get it. They can pretend day and night as long as they accomplish their goal in you. If his goal is to earn your heart he will work hard day in day out to get it, if his goal is to get into your pants he will put all effort and energy to it. Men were given the gift of hunting it is there job to do so. Be very careful!

Young lady, young man, do not rush into falling in love with someone; do not rush into starting a relationship with someone you have not taken time to know better. If something was meant to be, it will be. Take your sweet time, invest in building the friendship, which would bring in trust and finally glows love in you. If a man is serious with you, he would not be afraid to tell the whole world how much you mean to him, he has chose you and he is ready to be with you through thick and thin.

Bob Marley once said, “The truth is everyone is going to hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for.” God tells us in his word, guard your heart with all your strength because that is the spring of life. Never allow anybody to break your heart as you watch a friend once told me that.

Painful love!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” [1 Corinthians 13]

But sometimes in life we fall in love without being loved back. It's a disturbing feeling that makes you feel like crying, melting, or never waking up to the torture and pain your heart is going through. You just wish and hope you can be loved back. As much as love is a beautiful thing it comes out naturally; it cannot be forced.

 Not being loved back is like a blunt knife used to cut a tomato; making it slippery and it needs much effort that ends up damaging its pleasing shape. Well, that's the struggle we get when we want to be loved back; we struggle and strain, putting a lot of effort thus damaging our pure heart. If it were possible to unplug the feeling from the heart, that would be a solution without encountering much pain. However, that is not the case; getting over such a situation is very tough.

 I once had an experience not worth remembering. Met with this guy; I saw him and had a crush; I liked him and wanted to know him better. Well we clicked, we met most times talked and laughed. The feelings grew strong and stronger day by day. I fell in love and he could assert that he had the same feelings towards me which made me happier.  But that was not the case; he didn't love me. The pain was real, cutting my heart and mind in half stinging with every breath I took.

I have never understood why some people give one a hope of love when for sure they are not ready to commit or be in a relationship with them. It sucks! If you are the one, be honest with yourself and tell the truth; it pains but it sets one free. 

Sometimes it is not our wish or fault to fall in love for someone and they have no same feelings towards us. It is hard to accept the truth and move on but that is the only option we have. It is all in the mind, you can get over it; if I did, why not you? Take your own time, convince your mind and heart that it is not worth dying for and be strong enough to let go. It is not the end of love you will one day find someone who loves you back. Patience my dear is what you need to exercise, furthermore it is a virtue.

Dusty Athi turns out to be a relaxing venue

When I joined Daystar University, Athi River Campus, in the year 2010, the environment wasn’t pleasing to my eyes, my ears nor my skin.  It was just hard for me to adjust- or so that’s how I felt. A cloud of dust seemed to hover over everything around. The many rocks and the thorny Savanna thickets spreading generously around the compound; made a decent home for scary species of crickets, lizards, bush babies, and even snakes. At times, these humble creatures would come closer to the campus buildings and onto the pavements. It would be creepy!

But maybe that mood was a defense mechanism created in my body to resist moving into a new environment. Of course, I was going to live there for a while. I say this because in reality, this is the exquisite place you can visit.

If you have never set foot on Daystar University Athi River campus, then you should make time to pay it a visit. It is an hour ride from the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on your way to Mombasa, but before you reach Mombasa town. When travelling by public transport, you board a public service vehicle at the bus stage next to the train station (Railways). Confirmed with the driver that it is actually destined for Machakos town. Ensure that the driver knows you will be alighting at Daystar. However, that will be only the junction off the main road. You will then have to jump onto a motorbike [or cab if you’re lucky to get one]. 

  The area is surrounded by mountain-like rocks giving its staring scenery boundless power to take your breath away. Refreshing views of wild animals roaming the wild definitely, would sooth your humane soul. It is certainly a good location for calming down on a drive-off the weekend; and a place where you can successfully get away from the noise and chaos of the city.

The sun can nevertheless be a furnace and make you melt. However, be wise and carry snacks, lots of water and dress lightly. You’d find it extremely fascinating to watch the beautiful zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and giraffes; and it’s all for free! While there, you can swim at the famous Lukenya Gateway or Motocross which is about 4 kilometers from the main road. You can as well order drinks and just take it easy.

As days went by however, I gradually adapted to this environment. I engaged myself with various activities alongside my studies, including letting the rocks outside the buildings become a site-seeing venue. This happened during some of the weekends and especially on Sunday afternoons - with my friends - It was sheer fun and relaxing.

Back to you. When the evening falls, you can take photos of the sunset as it is very beautiful. It is simply a place to visit - peaceful and discreet. Go visit soon, and tell the world your experience.