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TWSC Series: Footprints of a Survivor - The Motherless Daughter
For me, this has been my life. Like I said before, my mother left me as a baby but would often visit. Although I do not remember much of it, I do remember sitting on her lap, being fed by her, and it was my throne. I also recall a time when she brought me a little purse filled with coins as well as a green petticoat. I was between 5 and 6 years old, so you can understand why I
Author Tatenda Rungisa Talks New Book and Pursuing Her Passion for Writing
The Weight She Carries is proud to present one of its on contributors, Tatenda Rungisa, 28, who nurtured her childhood dream until it became a passion and eventually a reality. Tatenda is the author of the recently published book “HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE.”
The Dream of a Serial Entrepreneur - Dr. Nothando Moyo
Dr. Nothando Moyo, a passionate business enthusiast who started her first business at the age of 19 years, is the founder of the organization Women Inspired, an organization started in Cyprus then set up in Zimbabwe upon her return that focuses on the identification, growth ,development and inspiration of women. The organization reaches out to the world at large, changing lives
TWSC Submission: Grieving the Loss of My Unborn Child and Uterus
My name is Catherine* and I am 42 years old and an animal health assistant by profession. I was born in a family of four siblings and the only girl. In 2010, late December, I was diagnosed as diabetic. I later found out that I was born diabetic but didn't know until I was in my 30's. Shortly after, I got pregnant after hooking up with a guy only to realize later that he had a d
Beauty for Ashes: How Claiming God’s Promises Helped Faith Gor Begin Healing from Sexual Trauma
She was just five years old when her innocence was snatched away one afternoon at the hands of three older boys. By the time she was 12, she had been sexually assaulted twice more – by a stranger and then a spiritual mentor. The trauma took on a life of its own and she became captive to her pain. Then one day, a speaker at a youth conference introduced her to a promise in the B
Regina Chari: Overcoming Addiction and Managing 21 Years of Recovery
Driven by her passion for orphaned children in Zimbabwe, Regina Chari left her home in the USA and relocated to the motherland and now runs Refuge:Zimbabwe with her husband. Regina opened up to The Weight She Carries about her painful childhood and overcoming addiction.
Waiting During Unfruitful Seasons
The term "barrenness" is the state of being unproductive, infertile and even unprofitable, depending on how one wants to utilize the word. It is associated with pain, anger, humiliation as well as mental anguish to say the least.
Relax, God's Got Today Covered
Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. All you really have is today. No matter how many days God gives, He gives us one day at a time.
INSPIRATION: Spoken Word Artist Racheal "Voko" Ncube Talks About Her Love of Poetry
Discovering one’s passion and living it is a success in and of itself. Racheal “Voko” Ncube has discovering that pursuing her calling has led to opportunities knocking at her door instead of her seeking them out. Juggling between an education and pursuing one’s God-given talent is very difficult for a lot of people, but not for this young lady.
Beauty Beyond Skin
Growing up, l would often hear my elders talk of how one was beautiful because of their light skin. l would in turn scrutinize the mentioned person and discover that nope, my elders were wrong. Beauty is beauty, light-skinned or not.
Restored: Philani Kinyabo's Story of Finding Happiness Again After Bipolar and Depression Diagnosis
Philani Ama Kinyabo is a 33-year-old positive lady who was born and raised in Harare. She has two sisters from her mother’s side and seven from her father’s side. She described her childhood as normal.
TWSC Submission: Surviving the Loss of my Baby
My name is Thobekile Moyo. I grew up in Gwanda but later relocated to Harare where l finished my education at Waddilove School. I am 43 and currently have three kids aged 20,12 and 15 months old. Although it is difficult to talk about, l will share my story just to help someone out there.
Recognize and Celebrate Grace
When God promotes you, He increases His grace on your life. With that increased grace, you are able to accomplish much more. Grace gives you greater ability and opens doors for you. But something very important about grace that you must be conscious of is that it needs recognition.
How This Single Mother Found the Strength to Rise Above Heartbreak and Start Over
Her path to motherhood was intentional and well calculated. She was in love and starting a new life with the man she believed would be her forever. But forever had other plans. What wasn’t part of the equation was abandonment, a series of heartbreaks and severe abuse.
Do Good Always
When you do a good thing to someone, they will always remember you, like that woman who poured her expensive perfume on Jesus in Bethany or like Dorcas in Acts 9:36-42. Dorcas was a good woman full of good works.
How I Found My Purpose: My Unplanned Pregnancy, Job Loss and Pursuit of my Passion
Cynthia studied psychology and HR at Monash in South Africa thinking it would land her in a profession that helped people with their emotional issues. That was what she really loved doing. Her parents advised her to do HR as a backup because they didn’t see a real earning future in psychology.
Redefining 'Successful Relationships'
Relationships are no walk in the park and neither are they a bed of roses if both people involved do not put effort to make it work. Imagine two totally different individuals from differing backgrounds vowing to be together for life, for better and for worse.
In-depth Story – Reema Sukumaran: Surviving a Tumultuous Childhood and Being Abused by a Pastor
She wanted more than anything to be daddy’s little girl. But the outgoing father who seemed so loving towards other people, was a different man at home. He had a volatile temper and was extremely violent towards her and her brothers. Over the years, she witnessed her mother endure her father’s wrath as the family grew increasingly terrified of him. Surely life would get better
The Power of Love
God’s word teaches us that true love is not an emotion that can come and go but a decision. We are not just to love those who love us, but also love those who hate us the same way that Christ loves whom we perceive to be unlovable. Love is a very powerful emotion. It motivates much of our lives and we make many important decisions based on love and even get married because we f
TWSC Submission: How Believing in Myself Made my Dreams Come True
I grew up with a passion for modelling. I remember when I was doing my primary school, I would take part in modelling competitions and would model for people at home. They never took me seriously.
Jehovah Jireh
Abraham was asked by God to offer his only son of old age as a sacrifice and he listened. When he was about to slay his son, God called out to him and told him not to lay a hand on Isaac. God then provided an animal which Abraham used for the sacrifice.
Founder of DigitalAgeConversations Shares How a Closed Door Expanded Her Sphere of Influence
A few years ago, I was at the peak of my career in the broadcasting sector as Legal and Corporate Services Director of the Broadcasting Regulator in my country. At the time, I did not realize the power and potential that was in me until I was thrown out of my comfort zone of holding my breath, waiting for someone to give me permission to be the best version of myself. When my c
TWSC Submission: How Discrimination Nearly Derailed My Success
I started work as a copy typist at the University of Zimbabwe and was promoted to the post of secretary in the public law department in 1990. I was then further promoted in 1995 to the post of senior secretary at the University of Zimbabwe Centre for Distance Education, Bulawayo region, which later became Zimbabwe Open University in 1999.
I Survived
Sean Kingston in his song “Beautiful Girls” sang a line, “all these beautiful girls, they only wanna do you dirt; they'll have you suicidal, suicidal when they say it’s over....” Adults and kids sang along, oblivious to what they were singing, myself included. It is only when it hit closer to home than l could ever imagine that l understood what it truly meant to be suicidal.
How a Relationship with God and the Power of a Vision Transformed Sibo Hlabangana's Life
Growing up in a country where most of the people identify as Christians, l was one of them but l did not have a personal relationship with Him. And so in my twenties, l went through my rebellion against God. At the time, l was unhappy because l felt that l had done everything right and yet He was not delivering like He was supposed to. And that is how l lost my way with God and
Embracing My Beautiful: Taida Chikuni's Road to Modelling and Loving Her Body
Taida Lucy Christine Chikuni describes herself as a daring character and a people person. Raised as the only girl with three older brothers, she learned early on how to carve out her own path in the world. In addition to a career in human resources, Taida is a model.
Pray, Plan and Pursue
At the beginning of each year, we have resolutions that we try to accomplish during the year. We have some of last year’s resolutions which were not accomplished, so we need to do things differently to make sure this year turns out differently.
How Sudden Paralysis Turned Into a Blessing - A Story of Passion and Hope
Looking at her pictures, Maria Dube - a 30-year-old woman from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - looks like a beauty queen. Nothing about them reveals the type of work she loves doing. She has come a long way since her teenage years which she says nearly broke her.
TWSC Submission: How the Illness and Death of My Husband Changed My Whole World
Widowhood is a painful and traumatizing experience. The death of a spouse causes mental anguish that only time can heal. Haruchemwi Nhengu narrated to The Weight She Carries how she was abandoned before and after the death of her husband by her in-laws. What follows is her account of what happened:
My Prayer for You This Year - Reaching Heights Unknown
Happy New Year to all our readers! We took a break over the holiday season to regroup and plan for an even greater year of inspiring content for you, and we are excited about our vision for 2020.
From Young Street Vendor to Business Owner and Humanitarian– How Langelihle Sibanda is Using Her Story to Inspire
At 23, Langelihle Sibanda– whose first name means “a good day” – has lived up to her name and brought many good days to the lives of orphaned and underprivileged people in her community. But life hasn’t always been rosy for her. Her life changed drastically when her parents separated.
An African Woman’s Plight in Search of Greener Pastures: Workplace Bullying and Discrimination Away from Home
Workplace bullying has become rampant over the years. Growing up, it was assumed that bullying occurred only in schools, but it is now evident that even the workplace harbours it. Lisa* shared her story of workplace bullying and how she was able to overcome it.
Mental Health Activist Simone Walsh Shares Her Story on Surviving Workplace Bullying and Severe Depression
With tears streaming down her face she approached the busy intersection. In that moment, sitting behind the wheel, she wanted nothing more than to end it all. It was the culmination of years of being bullied at the least likely of places – her job. She had taken every measure she could think of to stop the abuse, but to no avail, it seemed. This was her chance to end the pain.
Take a Chance
Every person has some things that hold them back from being their best. It could be money, fear, health, family, job, education, generational curses and the list is endless. When you take a chance to know God and give your all to Him, everything will change for you.
How This Woman is Designing Clothes Using Plastic and Newspapers
Lydia Lynn Tembo is my name and I am 22 years old. I work as a maid in Cape Town. My father passed away when I was two months old so I was raised by my mother. It was not easy for her to put food on the table for us but she tried her best.
Sleeping Beauty
So here we go again. It’s that time of the year once again and reflection time sets in. How much of what I planned at the start of the year did I accomplish? Where could I have done better? Did I gain anything other than weight? Did I lose anything other than a bit of my sanity? Did I learn any new life skills (e.g. maintaining an interested look right through my child’s very d
Daughters of Zelophehad
The Bible, the greatest book of all time, has a way of touching the heart and mind of the reader and encouraging a response. I am often uplifted and sprung into action each time l read it.
Working in a Male-Dominated Environment
My name is Wendy Sibanda and I am 30 years old. I hold a bachelor’s degree in geography and environment studies which I did at Midlands State University in Gweru, Zimbabwe. I always wanted a white-collar job where I [would] be wearing heels and formal wear; however, I had a passion for the environment.
Popular Quotes I Can't Endorse
I read a thing the other day that said, “The best weight you will ever lose, is the weight of other people’s expectations.” I understand the sentiment but I’m like…nah, I’m really just trying to lose this weight (grabs belly)! Because right now, I’m trying to fit into these jeans, and other people’s expectations are not the ones making that impossible!
Sipho Mazibuko Shares How She Bounced Back From a Nervous Breakdown
Sipho Mazibuko is a bubbly 46-year-old who resides in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is energetic and a typical hustler. Though she has seen dark days, she has survived them all.
How This Single Mom of Two Rewrote Her Story
Child-headed families have become the norm over the years due to various circumstances – mostly very painful ones. Christine* narrated to The Weight She Carries how she experienced such an ordeal first-hand and came out on the other side with her first degree in hand.
Possess the Promises of God
The promises of God are for us. The first step to possessing the promises of God is to find as many Scriptures as you can that have the promises you need and begin reading and meditating on them. Hosea 4:6 says “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
From Teenage Mom to Author, Speaker and Entrepreneur: How Princess Siziba Overcame Obstacles and Found Herself
Princess Noma Siziba is a notable woman of resilience who has risen from the rubble to the eminence of being an author, speaker and entrepreneur. Once broken and an outcast, she uses wisdom amassed from her experiences to help change lives with the understanding that her purpose is to serve others. She has a beautiful daughter and her heart’s desire is to see as many people as
A Word
It’s amazing the impact that this collection of letters put together on a page can have on a person, not just in the moment, but long term. You remember that love letter you got from your crush way back when; you practically had it memorized word for word. That tense phone conversation that you relayed to your girlfriends later as you collectively tried to figure out what hidde
How This Woman Achieved Her Dream of Completing Her Education Despite Enormous Challenges
“I was born in a very disadvantageous family that led [to] me being raised and growing up in diverse places and environments," Nandipha told The Weight She Carries. "My mother couldn’t afford to take all us to school so she had to give us (me and my twin sister) [to] other family members who were willing to help. Sometimes I’d drop [out of] school in the middle of the year beca
Spiritual Elevation
Spiritual elevation happens because of divine setup. Divine means it has been prepared by God in heaven but should happen here on earth. Your promotion does not start here but in the spirit. God will arrange a divine setup that should happen on earth.
Second Best
I know, I know…nobody tries for second place. We give our all, we put it all on the line and we go for the win. We often tell our kids that they can do anything that they put their minds to. Until they tell us that when they grow up, they want to be a giraffe. Then we have to backtrack. Now they can do almost anything. But even that isn’t always necessarily all the way accurate
Rev. Sarah Malete Discusses Raising a Child with Autism
Reverend Sarah Malete, an ordained minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was very excited when she discovered she was expecting her fifth child. She narrated to The Weight She Carries, “When l discovered that l was expecting my fifth child, we were all excited. l even wished it would be a girl since l only had one girl. When the scan was performed and we found out it was a bo
Accomplished Entrepreneur Tofara Chokera Shares Tips on How to Become a Successful Businesswoman
Growing up, she wanted to be a bank teller or a teacher. Now, she is a professional IT engineer, internet marketing expert and entrepreneur. "I never had aspecific dream. I admired the ladies who worked in banks because of how theydressed and looked. At the same time, I wanted to be a teacher, gettinginspiration from my mother who was already in the field," she said.
From Doctor to Award-Winning Author: How Maria Phalime Followed Her Dream
Maria Phalime had finally become a doctor but soon realized it didn't give her the fulfillment she hoped it would, and the demands of her job became overwhelming. She chose to walk away and has now found success as a motivational speaker, coach and author.
Sharai Makota Shares How She is Rebuilding Her Life After Tragedy
Going from being an able-bodied teacher to being paralyzed is not easy, especially when your partner who vowed to be with you through thick and thin files for divorce. The following story is about 57-year-old Sharai Makota who was involved in an accident that changed her whole life and how she managed to get back on her feet. This is her story:
Press On With Courage
Hannah was barren, but she remained in prayer until God blessed her with a son. She did not stop praying because of the stressful situation she was in. She did not stop trusting God even when Peninnah ridiculed her.
How This Woman's Big Heart Led to a Special Relationship with a Child in Need
Despite losing two biological children, Sithembile Ncube has had the privilege of being a mother through being a caregiver to a paraplegic child. Sithembile Ncube grew up in Mberengwa where she attended school up to Grade 2. She failed to continue her education due to her parents splitting up. At a young age, she and her brother went to live with extended family members, but in
Affected by HIV
Death, l have always viewed you differently and always will. Dozens of people in my life have become a mere memory because of you. I will not generalise on this death issue but will be specific as to the death l speak of because millions across the world have not only been infected but like me, have been affected by HIV.
Burn Survivor Gertrude Katula Talks Finding Love and Purpose
My name is Gertrude Katula. When I was young, I used to lie next to the fireplace oblivious of the danger I was exposing myself to. However, when I was three years old, the reality of it dawned on me in the most cruel way.
God's Promise for a Broken Heart
A broken heart feels like your heart is separated into tiny pieces, like the walls are closing in on you. You might put on a happy face, but when night comes and you are lying in bed, tears start streaming down your cheeks and the weight of the hurt is heavy on your chest. You wonder if you will ever make it to see the following day. You feel completely alone and think that eve
How Priscilla Schaufelberger Survived Being Sexually Abused by Her Father
Born in 1959 in Ndola, a city in Zambia, Priscilla is the firstborn in a family of eight. She grew up with her grandmother in Twapia Township; however, her grandmother’s house was close to her mother's residence.
How I Started Over as a Widow After Losing Everything to my In-Laws
Esther Wanjiku Kabeni was wife to a corporal in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) until an unfortunate event in 2016. Not only did she lose her husband, his family was intent on stripping her of everything the couple owned, claiming all their household items belonged to their son. This is her story:
Courage
A lot of times in our lives we are scared. Scared of doing something that God already said we can do. We keep praying for answers, for open doors, when we have the keys to unlock all doors. All we are told to do is to be strong and courageous. If we do that, we can face any situation or trial and be sure to conquer.
From the Loss of a Baby to a Life-Threatening Health Condition: How This Woman Survived Against all Odds
Nobubele Ngulube married her best friend in 2017 and the couple discovered they were expecting two months into their marriage."From the first day, it was challenging," Nobubele told The Weight She Carries. "I had severe morning sickness, headaches and fatigue for months on end. Around week 20 of my pregnancy I developed some swelling in my face, hands and feet. But because all
Learning to Love my Scarred Body
It was a normal day for Cynthia Kunze when she and her boss, who was also her friend, went home. They had crossed the first lane of the busy Simon Mazorodze Road in Harare, Zimbabwe, and were waiting to cross the other lane. Everything changed in a split of a second.
SMSKE to Host September Forum to Empower Single Mothers
Single Mum Support Kenya (SMSKE) will be hosting its first forum this Saturday. The event, which aims to empower single mothers and connect them to a network of support, will feature dynamic speakers with powerful points to share with attendees.
It Didn't Work Out
The keys are still where I left them. Everything is quiet here. There is no life, save for nature. The house which was supposed to be filled with laughter is empty. My laughter, our laughter. It reminds me of the past. A past which I wish I could change and relive.
In-depth story: Rising from Rock Bottom – How This Ambassador for Good Governance Found Her Purpose and is Inspiring Change
After many years of success as a planning strategist for local and global organizations like the Africa Centre for Research and Technology, Plan International, UNICEF and United Nations, and helping African governments like South Sudan stabilize, she found herself out of work and robbed of nearly all her possessions – changing the trajectory of her life and forcing her to start
TWSC Submission: Traumatized By My Own Family
My name is Flora Nkatha Mugao. I was born and raised in Tharaka, Kenya. I attended Gekondi Primary School. I was a bubbly kid and had a normal childhood in a closely-knit family. My parents were both teachers. My mum taught in a primary school while my dad taught in a high school. We had neither too much nor too little. One thing that my mother always said whenever we lacked fo
Acid Attack Survivor Reveals How She Learned to Love Herself Again
Flavia Nampiima was headed home from evening lectures at the university she attended in Uganda when a masked man followed her into my father’s compound and threw acid on her face. It was night-time and no in her family was at home that night.
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep.8 - Interview with HIV/AIDS Activist Asha Molock
At 50, Asha Molock was enjoying a successful career as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia and had found love again. Life was flowing the way it should until a medical diagnosis shook her to her core. She was HIV-positive.
How This Teen Mom Found Her Footing as a Single Mother
Becoming pregnant at the age of 14 was never in Tecla’splans, but due to naivety and peer pressure, it happened. Tecla grew up in a small mining town in Zimbabwe calledKadoma. Her parents separated when she was three years old, so her grandparentstook care of her. By the time she was in Grade 5, she was an orphan.
Mud Hut Mansion
She sweeps her dusty yard, and underneath is just more dirt. But she loves it though. It looks prettier this way. Neater. It’s still dirt, but it looks taken care of. Manicured, if you will.
From Street Child to Motivational Speaker and Mentor
Motivational speaker and mentor Sylvia Khasoa Maina has come a long way since her humble beginnings. Through a series of unfortunate events, she found herself roaming the streets in search of food and shelter by the age of six. Now, she runs a program called Simama Na Dada which seeks to provide assistance to children and youth in need.
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep.7: Interview w/ Positive Body Advocate Awande Mabaso
Several years ago, successful pastry chef and chocolatier Awande Mabaso embarked on a mission to love every inch of her body. It was long overdue, and following years of yo-yo dieting, depression and an eating disorder, she finally sought help and began rewriting her story.
The Best Advice I Received on Grieving my Mother
Losing a mother is one of the most terrible things that could ever happen to anyone no matter how old they are. Relatives and friends may try to fill the gap, but it is never the same.
Strong Girl Tears
“You’ve got to pick yourself up and keep moving forward,” I often hear after a catastrophic fail. “Don’t wallow in self-pity! Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Get up and try again. Winners never quit, and quitters never win! It’s not over until you give up!”
Pregnant and Rejected: Lessons Learned Through Disappointment and Heartbreak
Lilian Choruwa is a bubbly mother of two and a grandmother of one. Life is good now, but when she was 20, she found herself pregnant and alone, with no one to turn to.
How This Respectable Banker Found Herself Imprisoned, Fought to Clear Her Name and Now Helps Women Rebuild After Incarceration
After serving one year in prison for a crime she did not commit, the reality of life behind bars for women in Kenya haunted her. Compelled to make a difference, she chose to dedicate her life towards helping women caught up in the judicial system.
Chosen for Royalty
When a woman is chosen for royalty, she will be a princess or a queen.. According to Esther 2:7, Esther was an orphan who was originally from Judah but was now living with her older cousin Mordecai in a foreign land. When grace locates you, it does not matter what your background is or that you are in a foreign land; you will become a queen by God’s grace. Esther was made queen
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep. 6 - Interview with Singer/Songwriter Crystal Asige
Crystal Asige began losing her eyesight as a teenager. She had been drawn to the arts as a child, and her dream was to be a musician and film producer. But it became difficult to read the blackboard in class. Then, the words on the pages of her books began to get fuzzy. Her vision progressively got worse, and one day, she received a diagnosis that would change her life forever:
You're a Great Giver; But Are You a Good Receiver?
Only when we give do we receive. Easier said than done right? All we seem to do – especially as mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and grandmothers –is give. We give of our time, strength and love, but do we ever receive? Do you ever take time to replenish what has been depleted in you?
Founders of Twin Connect Solutions Serve Up Double the Flavour in Tasty Treats and Empowerment
Twins Tafadzwa and Tatenda Rungisa, who are celebrating their 27th birthday today, are climbing the ladder of success one treat at a time and building a name for themselves as multi-talented businesswomen.
Dear Single Woman
Today I'm boiling maize cobs. The smell coming from the pot reminds me of home. I remember the smoke from the cabin where we cooked our sadza (pap). My mother always told me that sadza cooked on the fire tasted better than that from the electric stove. I never tasted the difference, but now I miss her sadza.
“Endometriosis Warrior” Discusses Thriving Despite Living with Excruciating Pain
Tinevimbo T. Matambanadzo, also known as Tine Mataz, spent years searching for answers for her intense periods. Finally, a doctor took a loser look and diagnosed her with endometriosis. Despite debilitating pain, this 28-year-old Zimbabwe native who holds a cum laude graduate degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Community and Health Psychology, is living her be
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep.5 - Interview w/ Kimberly Coleman
More than twenty years after walking away from a successful modeling career, Kimberly Coleman is back on the scene with a powerful story of survival. She lived through various forms of abuse as a child and dealt with rejection as a adult. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Rectal Cancer in July, 2015, and underwent treatment for close to a year. During the course of treatment, Kimb
A Second Chance
Fortunate Moyo claims her first husband abused her emotionally, financially and physically during the course of their 3-year marriage.
From Refugee to Fashion Designer
Tabisha Esperance was born in Goma, DRC in May 1990. When she was a child, Congo was plunged into a devastating civil war which officially ended in 2003, although fighting continued in the eastern part of the country, which led to many of the country's nationals fleeing to other countries. One of them was Esperance.
Keeping Your Faith in Hopeless Situations
There are times we feel so hopeless in life. We try everything in our power, but nothing changes. Hopeless situations tend to take away all our joy and freedom. Whenever you try to enjoy yourself, there will come that disturbing reminder in your mind about that hopeless situation you are facing, and you suddenly start feeling low.
Fighting till the End: How this News Anchor Cared for Her Special Needs Child as a Single Mother
Since 2014, she has been presenting the news in one of the vernacular languages of Kenya, Kikamba. Being a news anchor has been her dream since completing her education. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here. And along the way, she lost the most precious gift of all: her child.
I'm a Warrior And Have the Scars to Prove It
Nobody is born with scars. These are things that happen during our lifetime and are a clear indication of what we have survived. They tell a story. A story that we are stronger than our pain.
To My Single Sisters Living with HIV
Being HIV positive in a world that is full of stigma and discrimination is a burden on its own, but being an HIV positive woman can be even more challenging. There are certain functions you cannot attend or sleepovers you are scared of going to because of the fear that someone might just find out and your secret will be out.
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep.4 - Interview w/ Dr. Natasha Williams
Dr. Natasha Williams was well-established in her career as a clinical psychologist, had a thriving private practice and a lovely home. While things were going well for her professionally, she was fighting a private battle at home. One that led to a heartbreaking revelation in 2017.
Surviving Trauma, a Broken Marriage & Widowhood – How I Turned My Pain Into Power
My Name is Samu Fortunate Zungu-Ludaka. I am a 33 years old widow. I am a mother to my two biological children and one step child from my first marriage. I am passionate about women and their upliftment, which has led me to using my gifts which are speaking and writing to not only highlight their issues but also to add hope and to encourage them.
Be Happy About You
Your life is full of beauty and excellence because you are created in the image and likeness of God. Your spirit is so beautiful and your spirit is where God lives. Your spirit has the life and nature of God and that is the real you.
Midlands Business Woman of the Year Silivia Choruwa Discusses Achieving Success After Losing Almost Everything
She recently won a business award, runs a number of successful small businesses ranging from furniture, clothing and hardware, and her fashion trends are top-notch. When you see her today, you will think all has been rosy and colourful. The Weight She Carries spoke to Silivia Choruwa to hear how it all began.
A Mother's Advice to Others Grieving the Loss of a Child
"I was happy just like any normal woman would be, happy to know l was expecting and on the twenty fifth of November l gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and named him Prince. I loved him wholeheartedly,” Bubele told The Weight She Carries.
Learning to Love My Mother-in-law Despite Her Mistreatment
Growing up, my worst fear was not getting along with my mother-in-law when I got married because I had heard a lot of stories about mothers and daughters-in-law not getting along with each other. I didn’t get it though. I thought it was every mothers’ dream to have her son married and wean him off so he can grow and have his own family. I find out different.
While Waiting
Many women dream of getting married one day. Some get married earlier than others. When marriage delays, we ladies tend to feel pressure and sometimes end up marrying the wrong person out of the desire to just be married.
TWSC Podcast: Interview w/ Jasmine Frazier on Healing After Being Sexually Abuse by Her Stepfather
Being the oldest of four children, Jasmine Frazier learned responsibility at a young age. But when her mother became engaged to a man she had an on-again-off-again relationship with, what started out as a seemingly innocent gesture towards Jasmine turned into sexual abuse.
Doreen Moraa Talks About Living with HIV/AIDS Since Birth
On August 8, Doreen Moraa will be 27 years old. This birthday will mean a lot to her because it will mark 27 years of living with HIV/AIDS.
Unveil Partners up With Days For Girls to Supply Reusable Pads to Girls at Bondeni Primary School
On July 5th, Days for Girls ambassadors Christine Khatima and Alice Wambui Mwangi conducted a training and provided reusable pads for 50 girls at Bondeni Primary School.
TWSC Podcast S1 E2: Interview w/ Domestic Violence Survivor Angela Mutie
Over the last 2 years, Angela Mutie has been rebuilding the pieces of her life after surviving a painful marriage filled with physical, financial and emotional abuse. It has been a difficult and emotional journey, but she is reclaiming her life and is now at the forefront of the movement against gender-based violence in her community.
In-depth Story: From Heroin, Cocaine, Meth Addiction to a Fulfilled Life – The Nandi Kegode Story
At the age of 16, her life changed drastically when the lifestyle she had become accustomed to quickly faded away. She was confused and angry because now, instead of flying to university in her father’s airplane, she was headed to the U.S. to join the military.
Her Metamorphosis
Every single time she was terrified of what was to come, she could not comprehend how she would ever survive, but she did. Circumstances, situations and dilemmas surrounded her, sticking out their tentacles and wanting to strangle her. But she fought back – oh, it was the fight of her life.
Community “Elder Sister” Discusses Opening Her Home to the Community
Lorna Wanyama has been a pillar in her community for over 20 years. What started out a preparing a simple meal for orphaned children in her community turned into a large extended family she always wanted.
TWSC Interview with Peperusha Binti Founder Sharon Jesscah
During the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference that took place on June 28th, we took a moment for a sit-down interview with Sharon Jesscah Awuor, founder of Peperusha Binti - and organization that donates sanitary towels to girls in rural parts of Kenya who would otherwise miss school due to menstruation.
Recap: The Shero Runway Empowerment Conference
On June 21st, I travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, to put the final touches on the the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference.
TWSC Podcast: Interview with Barbara Kamba-Nyathi
Check out my interview with Barbara Kamba-Nyathi. She is a psychologist, author, inspirational speaker, TedEx Speaker and life coach. Barabara tells me about surviving cancer and an abusive marriage.
More Than Just a Hair Journey
It was about 3 years ago that I sat down in front of my mirror, getting ready to relax the new growth on my struggling, breaking, thinning, lifeless hair. I stared at my reflection, looked at the box of hair relaxer, and then back at my reflection. My reflection and I both agreed in that moment. I remember my exact words were, “Nah!” and I threw the box out. And thus began my n
Time
Where does it go? Where does it come from? Where does it live? Who does it belong to? You can’t borrow more. You can’t recall the minutes wasted and use them now. You can’t put it away to use sometime later when you’re more prepared for it. It never laps over itself.
God Turns Things Around
There are painful things that happen to us and we feel it is the end, but God who created us in His image turns things around. In the Bible in 1 Samuel 1, Hannah had no child and Penninah laughed at her until she got to a point where she prayed and Eli thought she was drunk. God blessed her with a son, Samuel.
TWSC Diaries: Learning to Love My Body – How My Emotional Weight Affected My Physical Weight
I have been a victim of violations so many times over. At 7 or 8 years old, I was molested by my uncles. And as an adult I was getting raped three times. It's had a very bad effect on me. I grew up thinking that I wasn't beautiful. I had this big body and the people I stayed with were not helping because they used to make remarks about my body. It was hard, it was painful, and
If it Requires my Kid to Sit Still and Keep Quiet...
I read this on a Facebook post the other day, and I thought that truer words had never been spoken.
Get Your Ticket!
Hey TWSC Fam! The countdown in on! Just 25 more days until the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference and WE. ARE. ECSTATIC! Come ready to receive tools that will help you get to the next level. If you live in Nairobi, Kenya, come and connect with our speakers and panelists.
The Kink in My Hair
As l got older, l was actually disappointed that my hair did not grow to the length that the towel had given me as a little girl. Years rolled by and l trudged on with my regimen of straighteners and stuff. Along the way, l made an enemy named moisture!
TWSC Submission: Battle After Battle
I am 34 years old and was born into a polygamist family of 24 children from five mothers. Due to our Tugen in Kalenjin culture, our parents refused to take us girls to school, and we had to look after goats and cows while our father looked for old men to marry us.
How This Woman’s Faith Helped Her Fight Stigma and a Serious Health Condition
Tatenda Tanyanyiwa is a 40-year-old mother of an 18-year-old son. She grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and is a gifted human resources practitioner who has gained a lot of experience in the hotel industry.
The Perils of a Novice Gardener
I recently started a few gardening projects. I had been toying with the idea of getting into gardening for about a year and got a bunch of videos to help get me started. Before then, I had never really grown anything beyond herbs in a pot.
TWSC Submission: How Depression Almost Killed me
Depression has left my kids traumatized, my relationships with my colleagues ruined and my health in a fragile state. It could never had been this serious had I admitted I had a problem and sought help when I had the chance. Prevention is much better than cure; it’s unfortunate I am only realizing it now.
How I Learned to Embrace My Changing Skin
LaTonia Tillman was a teenage when she first noticed some white spots on her skin. Following a series of tests, she was diagnosed with vitiligo. The news was crushing.
Mother of Girls
I’m a mother of girls. My makeup doesn’t belong to me. It is communal property. Ditto my shoes and handbags. Custody of the contents of my wardrobe is shared between us all.
How HIV/AIDS Activist Asha Molock Found Freedom in Disclosing Her HIV Status
At 50, Asha Molock was enjoying a successful career as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia and had found love again. Life was flowing the way it should until a medical diagnosis shook her to her core. She was HIV-positive.
Failure vs. Success
So another plan of yours has crashed and burned. Things didn’t go the way you expected they would. You’re not an idiot so of course you had a back-up plan, just in case, but even that didn’t account for just how badly things would turn out.
TWSC Diaries: Forgiveness is the Best Decision I Made for Myself
This column documents Celine Njoki’s healing journey. If you haven’t read her story, we encourage you read it here. Her story is remarkable. You can also read the previous entries she has made to this column.
Finding Purpose After Becoming a Widow
Consolate Muga’s life changed drastically when she became a widow at the age of 38. She had relied on her husband to provide for her and their two teenage children over the years, and now she felt lost and alone.
Defying the Odds: How This Mother and Son Have Survived 40+ Surgeries
What Tia Wilson and her son Gavin have been through is unimaginable and a true testament of faith and strength.
Starting Over: How This Woman Revived Her Childhood Dream After a Failed Marriage
When Annie Liz separated from her ex-husband of ten years, life became very difficult for her. She had three children and no income.
No More
There are no butterflies in my stomach when I see you. I no longer crave your presence. I never thought that the person responsible for making me feel so happy and loved would be the same person who would inflict so much pain into my heart and make me feel so alone and miserable.
My Experience Working in a Male-Dominated Industry
Jane Njeri is a peer educator and raises awareness of HIV/AIDS. She goes to various schools and educates students about safe sex and abstinence.
9 Things a Grown Woman Doesn't Care About
We are grown women and we are done playing by everyone else’s rules. This is our life and we’re going to live it exactly how we want to. Life is too short for people-pleasing, staying quiet, or caring about all the things that don’t really matter. We are powerful ladies who don’t need to stick to your standards.
TWSC Submission: Finding True Love After Vowing to Stay Single
I was born into a polygamist family. We were 16 children born to two mothers and my parents struggled to provide for us because we were so many.
In-depth Story: Learning to Heal After Years of Abuse by my Stepfather
Jasmine Frazier had an enjoyable childhood. Her mother, a single mother of four, made sure holidays were special and created family traditions Frazier remembers fondly.
Finding Peace After a Series of Tragic Losses
Her life had been characterized by heart-rending loss and deep pain that drove her to a mental breakdown.
Kandice Benford Discusses Loving Herself Completely Despite Vitiligo
I am 33 years old. I’m a wife, a sister and I’m a hair stylist. What drives me is being able to spread vitiligo awareness and helping others with self-love and embracing who they are.
I Know Your Pain
I know your pain. I know how much your soul hurts. Heartbreaks are not easy to overcome. They are terrible and dreadful losses. And sometimes they put us in an emotional abyss so deep that we no longer know how to tell the difference between reality and our fears.
God's Permissive Will vs. His Perfect Will
One thing I understand about life as a Christian woman is that you need to have a relationship with God and everything you want will fall into place. You will discover that at churches when there is deliverance most people who manifest are women.
TWSC Submission: My Life as a Co-wife
I was raised in a polygamist family. When I was two years old, my mother remarried a man who was a polygamist. The reason why my mother remarried was because her former husband’s relatives wanted to kill her. They were mad because the dowry which my father used to pay for my mother was not his. It was supposed to be used for another woman. So, in the new home, I got mistreated
Dr. Natasha Williams Opens up About Painful Divorce & Masterclass ‘Reclaiming your Superwoman’
he was well-established in her career as a clinical psychologist, had a thriving private practice and a lovely home. While things were going well for her professionally, she was fighting a private battle at home. One that led to a heartbreaking revelation in 2017.
DIY Vase
I was recently toying with the idea of making a flower vase and making cute little bouquets to put in the house. I wanted to use us materials I already had and just have a bit of a fun afternoon to myself. I came up with an idea, which would be easy enough and fun to do with kids.
Beautiful Inside and Out: Felistas Edwards Speaks on Her Marriage and Life After Divorce
Felistas Edwards has a lot going for her. In 2018, the well-known Zimbabwean comedian, gospel artist, entrepreneur and MC received the Top Female Entertainment and Social Media Enterprise Business Leader of the Year Award from the Women’s Heritage Society World Organisation.
Homeless at 13: The Drive Behind This Woman’s Desire to Help Young Girls Living on the Street
Christine Khatima is an ambassador for Days for Girls Nairobi, Kenya. In her role as team leader, she conducts training sessions and travels across the region to educate and assess the need for sanitary pads for girls and young women. Then, she makes the pads using her own materials to meet the need.
TWSC Diaries: How Stigma and Discrimination Scarred Me
Stigma has been the worst thing that I've had to fight with all of my life. It is the worst place for human being to be. Stigma is broad, and I know what it can do to a person.
Things Your Kid Will Probably Never Say
I wish mom would do more dishes, mop more floors and fold more laundry rather than spend time with me. It’s really important to me that everything in this house is absolutely perfectly polished and manicured at all times.
Dig Deep
I look around me and see different kinds of people, but I take special notice of the women, whom l call ladies. When l see these ladies, I am often intrigued because I can relate to some of their struggles.
Limited Edition
Suppose you inherited a piece of jewelry that had been in your family for centuries. Suppose it is the only one of its kind. Suppose your family lost it at one time and went to great lengths to finally get it back to its rightful owners, and it has now been passed down from generation to generation.
The Unbreakable Cycle
There are moments when it just seems easier to detach our past from our present and future lives. At some point the cycle seems broken and the idea of learning something positive from that past for the sake of a brighter future seems impossible.
Learning to Smile Again After Burying My Husband of Less Than a Year
On an ordinary day in 2015, Danai Motsi, met a well-dressed man while she was working at a local medical centre. The man walked in with a friend who was ill.
Singer/Songwriter Crystal Asige's Story: Losing My Vision
She was drawn to the arts as a child, and her dream was to be a musician and film producer. But in her teenage years, it became difficult to read the blackboard in class. Then, the words on the pages of her books began to get fuzzy. Her vision progressively got worse, and one day, she received a diagnosis that would change her life forever.
TWSC Diaries: What Betrayal Taught me About Friendship
Friendship is a subject that is close to my heart because I have been betrayed and stabbed many times by “friends,” “best friends” or people I looked up to.
Author of ‘Weight Loss Wars’ Shares How She Took Control of Her Life and Lost Over 40 kgs
Certified Weight loss Coach Gertrude Nyirenda spent most of her life struggling with her weight. After years of yo-yo dieting, she decided she needed a different approach.
Seven Days
I know they say you have to plan like you’re going to live forever, right? This is basically just to encourage that sense of responsibility. I get it. It’s just that sometimes I feel like we get so caught up in preparing for the future that we forget how to live in the present.
In-depth Story: Addiction Expert Caroline Kagia Shares Her Candid Story of Overcoming Alcoholism
When a schoolmate approached her wanting to be her friend, Caroline couldn’t believe her good fortune. She was cool, pretty and popular – everything Caroline felt she wasn’t. Little did Caroline know that this encounter would lead her down a path to addiction that would take her nearly 18 years to recover from.
TWSC Submission: Getting Back on my Feet After Losing Almost All my Relatives
I was born and raised upcountry. Growing up as a normal child, I found myself living with my maternal grandparents. I grew up with my younger brother whom we were so close in terms of age. I grew knowing my name as Grace, but once in a while, I would go out to the market and people would call me a different name. I was young and didn't understand until I was much older.
Celine’s Journey: How I Stopped Feeding the Monster
https://theweightshecarries.com/in-depth-story-surviving-a-life-filled-with-tragedy/
Dear Past Versions of Me
It’s a little awkward meeting you like this. We’ve been together literally all of life, but yet we are like a bunch of strangers thrown together at a dinner party none of us wanted to attend.
My Pieces
These are my pieces, but they are not my whole. I am more than this flesh and blood. My skin does not portray who or what lies inside of me. My expressions don’t necessarily show how I really feel, and my eyes don’t allow you to see how hurt my soul is.
Woman who Contracted HIV as a Child Bride Now Spreads Hope to Others
Rebecca Auma spends her days mentoring girls and young mothers living with HIV in Migori County, Kenya. She knows all too well the devastation that comes along with such a diagnosis. Even more heartbreaking is how the young women she mentors contracted the virus – child marriage.
TWSC Series: The Day My Village Was Burned Down – The Survival of an Internally Displaced Person - Part 2
While in that house, there was still shooting going on outside, so we were all on the floor. We were there for over 30 minutes.
DIY Avocado & Petroleum Jelly Hair Mask
So a couple months ago, I was watching a YouTube video by QueenyKaay in which she used petroleum jelly as a moisturizer to define her curls.
A Father’s Sacrifice Inspires Daughter to Fight Fearlessly to End FGM
Christine Alfons has been a fierce activist against gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) for the past seven years. She is so passionate about these issues she founded an organization called the Safe Engage Foundation, which aims to engage youth in child protection issues and ending FGM.
From Domestic Violence Victim to Mrs Universe Kenya 2018 Contestant and County Winner
Over the last year-and-a-half, Angela Mutie has been rebuilding the pieces of her life after surviving a painful marriage filled with physical, financial and emotional abuse. It has been a difficult and emotional journey, but she is reclaiming her life and is now at the forefront of the movement against gender-based violence in her community.
Finding Me
As I gaze out the window, I am reflecting on what has transpired in my short life so far and realize that it has been a mixed bag of all kinds of emotions, situations and circumstances.
To-Do List: Annual Edition
It’s gone pretty much the same way in the past x number of years, right? After the over indulgence of the festive season, reality kicks in and the air is alive with possibility, filled with the newness of the coming year! “New year, new me,” we often hear around this time.
When Things Don’t go as Planned
Growing up you had your whole life planned – that after finishing high school, you would go to university, find a job and get married at 24. One thing many forget is that destiny is in God’s hands.
In-depth Story: Surviving a Life Filled with Tragedy
It is impossible to wrap one’s mind around the horrors Celine Njoki has experienced throughout her life. Though her life has been filled with valley experiences and abuse, she has found the strength and courage to keep pushing forward. For her, pain began very early on.
FGM Survivor and Founder of Murua Girls Shares How She Found the Courage to Tell Her Story and Help Others
Three years ago, Seleyian Agnes decided she could no longer be silent while girls as young as 8 were being mutilated in the Masai community she grew up in rural Kenya. It was time to share her story of surviving of female genital mutilation (FGM) and educate her community.
Demystifying Societal Expectations
Depression, anxiety, misery, hate, jealousy are common feelings amongst us as women. Despite the stresses of this world bringing about these feelings, society has contributed to a lot of us feeling this way as we spend a lot of time trying to live up to societal expectations
No Longer a Prisoner of my Past
I was a prisoner. Yes, a prisoner to my past. I was scared to break out, so I was waiting for someone to bail me out.
In-depth Story: Woman Forced into Marriage at 16 Now Helps Rescue Others
Thirty-year-old Josephine Miduma has made it her life’s mission to rescue girls who have been forced into child marriages and flee due to abuse or mistreatment. While her training as a social worker gives her enormous insight into societal ill and remedies, her own story has allowed her to be even more effective because she can relate to the girls she saves. At just 16, she was
TWSC Submission: Making It Out Of The Dark Tunnel
I waited almost 28 years to have my first child. I was not in a rush, in fact, I wanted to get married first. I told myself I wanted my relationship to be like my parents. They are my role models. They don't hold grudges against each other and taught us, their children, the principles of life. I wanted my marriage to work just like theirs, but it was not to be.
Words Hurt
School was a no-go area, enemy territory in fact. Just the thought of going to school made her flinch and break out in a sweat. This is a story of friends becoming enemies, of trust betrayed. Yeah, that sort of thing.
TWSC Submission: Finding the Courage to Leave and Start Over
I was born and raised in western part of Kenya. I lost my dad when I was only 6. Being the first born in a family of four meant working extra hard both at home and in school. It was tough, but I did all I could to make sure I helped my mother who was just a peasant farmer.
Tis the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The onslaught of beautifully corny high-sugar, low nutrient holiday movies has begun. We know Susan ends up with the charming small town guy after the high powered attorney she’s been dating turns out to be a complete jerk. We’re still going to watch it all unfold though.
15 Fun Facts about Women Making History
We bring this to you with pride. Simply put: we ROCK! ?Did you know that two of the highest IQ scores in recorded history belong to women?
Which is Which?
Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the gravest mistakes. The longer you live the more you realize that not everyone or everything that presents itself before you means you well.
From Scorn to Bliss: Finding Real Love as a Single Mother
Gospel Artist Ashelly Manzunzu is living her dream. Not only does she have the opportunity to perform for tourists who visit the Disney World Animal Kingdom, she released her first album in 2013 (Zvakazarurwa) and is enjoying the success of two recent singles – Vanogona and Ndiye Mwari.
Cut From a Different Cloth
You’ve heard it before, right? If you’ve been around long enough, it’s been said about you or someone you know. “She’s not ‘wife material.’” Or maybe you’ve heard its favourable opposite: “Now that’s ‘wife material.’”
Before you Come...
Before you come into my life you need to understand that I am damaged and broken. I’m lost. I can’t find myself; I get triggered easily.
TWSC Submission: Learning to Forgive my Parents
I am a 26-year-old teacher and first born raised by a single mother. Well, I didn’t really grow up with my mother. I pretty much have been a nomad all my life, moving from one place/relative/friend to another.
Author & Entrepreneur Christine Mapondera-Talley Discusses ‘Makanaka’s World’ Entrepreneurship
ial entrepreneur Christine Mapondera-Talley has yet to meet a challenge she backed down from. From venture to venture, her creativity has guided her and catapulted her into a dimension where dreams become reality. If she couldn’t find the tools she needed along the way, she created them.
Things They Didn't Tell You About Motherhood
I know what you’re thinking. How hard could it possibly be? (Insert eye roll). Bajillions of women do this thing every single day, including teenagers! Books upon books have been written about motherhood. Is there anything new to be told?
Raised by an Abuser – How I Survived Extreme Abuse at the Hands of My Stepmother
I grew up with a stepmother, my dad and siblings both older and younger. The house was never short of people, which was really great. My older sisters would bake cakes and cupcakes as well as sew. Being in a house full of people was wonderful for me.
The Invisible Scar
There’s no make-up to hide the bruises he left on your self-esteem. You’re not even sure if they are real bruises or if maybe you’re just over sensitive? I mean, everybody fights, right? Sometimes even the kindest people say the most hurtful things to the ones they love, don’t they?
Closed Doors
One of the toughest things to experience is rejection. It is painful and humiliating, but there is a blessing in it. Whatever rejects you only leads you to your destiny.
Someone Has Your Back
There is something about pain that easily clouds one’s judgment. And in that moment, nothing else matters.I have been here before. I was trying to get over a heartbreak and it was not easy. I was convinced that no one would understand.
Founder of ‘Butterfly Girls Project’ Shares Her story of Being Drugged and Raped
Gladwell Wachira was 15 years old when she left her family to live with her uncle and his children. She had just started high school and her parents thought it best since her uncle, who was divorced, lived closer to Wachira’s school.
Fighting For My Sunrise
I stood in the dark, feeling like that’s where I belonged. My mind was covered in the dark apparel of my own thoughts. I had a war to fight, yes, a war. They were dark wars because I was fighting with my own demons. The war seemed unending.
The Reality of Pursuing Your Dream
We often have this idea that pursuing a dream takes hard work and consistency, but don't realize that it is a strenuous and painful process that pushes you to the brink of quitting many times. This is the part no one tells you about.
Beautiful Hearts
Some of the greatest lessons on beauty can be taken from nature. Find out the inspirational thought behind this captivating picture!
The Thoughts of a 19-year-old Millennial: I Have no Limits
My age, skin colour and height place no restrictions on my achievements. But people, even my so-called friends and family members often pose them as limitations.
Post-Me: What Will it Take?
Find out the inspiration behind this captivating image!
12 Fun Facts About Engagement Rings
Did you know that 20 percent of brides pay for their own engagement rings?
Woman With No Limbs Shares Journey to Self-Love
Self-Development Life Coach and Speaker Sinikiwe Kademaunga is a confident woman who is passionate about impacting people’s lives through empowerment, motivation and mentoring.
TWSC Series: The Day My Village Was Burned Down – The Survival of an Internally Displaced Person
One fateful day, the inhabitants of Kwa-Kwa village were under a serious attack as the military forces attacked the village and were destroying and burning people's houses.
Chronicles of a DIYer: Foot Masks
I tend to have really dry feet. Although my heels are not cracked, they have really thick calluses. I looked at foot masks in the store and the price was enough to convince me to try and make a foot mask at home.
How Bestselling Author & Speaker Monica Kunzekweguta Escaped Becoming a Victim of Child Marriage
Bestselling Author, Certified Life Coach and Speaker Monica Kunzekweguta was born in Zimbabwe and raised by both parents till the age of three when her parents divorced.
16 Fun Facts About Dating and Relationships
Did you know that a woman’s happiness in a relationship is a key indicator of how successful the relationship is?
Dear Green Salad...
There’s no point in pretending that we have anything in common. I don’t particularly like you. Never have. Honestly, I barely tolerate you. I mean, look at you. You’re so perfect and colourful and healthy! You’re nothing like me. I’m brown and warm and soft. Like cake.
Founder of Save Girl Child Empowerment Opens Up About Being Publicly Shamed For Not Undergoing FGM
“Lucy, you are abnormal between your legs,” are the words of a man that stung and reminded Lucy Weisiko of the shaming she experienced as a girl for not undergoing “the cut.”
Dear Secret Admirer...
When you look at my life through your eyes, all you probably see is perfection and it humbles me in so many ways. It is generally easier to build a perception of someone based on the idea that the one moment they made an impression will recur throughout their life.
Chronicles of a DIYer: Ocra Painting
I was recently looking through different art projects I could do. I took a water colouring class in college and have not really practiced much since the class. The last time I painted anything was in December and that was after several years. So I thought I’d try something fun and simple to kind of get back into it. I found a few suggestions, including one about using okra to p
Protecting Your BFF
First question. Have you ever eavesdropped on a conversation between two people, where one is going off on the other? I mean, straight disrespect, cruelty even, venom dripping off every word. When this happens, often times, we get the urge to rush to the other party’s defense, even if we don’t know the whole story.
TWSC Submission: The Story of a Traumatized Woman
When I look back, I cannot say I should have known better. I knew better but I was too blinded by love to face reality. I am now left with a limping leg and scars all over my once beautiful body.
Africa’s Youngest Woman PhD Holder Musawenkosi Saurombe Discusses Achievements, Challenges and Inspiration
In 2017, Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe made history by becoming the youngest woman with a PhD in Africa, graduating with a doctorate in industrial psychology.
12 Fun Facts About Relationships and Breakups
Did you know that there are approximately 3 million first dates every day around the world?
Chronicles of a DIYer: Avocado & Honey Face Mask
After a couple of late nights, I thought it would be a good idea to help my skin out a bit with a mask.
In-depth Story: How This Successful Pastry Chef Learned to Love Herself While Battling Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Mild Clinical Depression
“I am BRAVE. I am STRONG. I am WORTHY” are the three affirmations South African beauty Awande Mabaso pronounces each morning when she looks in the mirror.
Expectations vs. Reality - One Size Doesn't Fit All
There is nothing more difficult than walking in someone else’s shoes. There is a lot that is usually overlooked and yet every detail matters. We barely have the same footing even when we are wearing the same shoe and are headed in the same direction. Hence, the same pair of shoes will never feel the same way to everyone.
In-depth Story: Brigitte Sossou Perenyi Discusses Captivity and Rescue from Religious Shrine
She was just seven years old when she was taken away from her family and left at a religious shrine dedicated to worshiping deities. This was the sacrifice needed to please the gods and atone for her uncle’s infidelity. She worked from dawn to dusk and lived a difficult life away from her family. Fortunately, she was rescued and now shares her story of hope and survival.
20 Fun Facts About Your Nails and Nail Polish
Did you know that the first artificial nail was invented by a dentist by the name of Fred Slack? He created it as a temporary replacement when he accidentally broke his fingernail at work in 1957.
How Apostle Lillian Bwanya Pushed Past Personal Rejection and Founded a Church
Apostle Lillian Bwanya was born in 1968 in an area known as Rutanga, which is in Eastern Zimbabwe.
3 Things Not to Say to a Stay At Home Mom
I don’t know, maybe I am. I certainly don’t always feel lucky. Which is not to say I feel unlucky. I just feel…tired, really.
In-depth Story: Kimberly Coleman’s Inspiring Story of Surviving Sexual Abuse as a Child and Colon Cancer
Twenty years after walking away from a successful modeling career, Kimberly Coleman is back on the scene with a powerful story of survival.
15 Fun Facts About Women and Shopping
So much goes into creating the perfect spending atmosphere to encourage spending. And since women are responsible for 85% of consumer purchases, retailers have to figure out how to cater to us.
The Thoughts of an Insecure, Troubled Soul
They say everyone is beautiful in their own way, everyone is unique, everyone is important, everyone is valuable, everyone should be comfortable in their own skin, and so on. They say a lot of things suggesting I am beautiful and somehow that is supposed to make me feel good about myself.
Wonderfully Wild...
Humans often go to great lengths to tame nature. This bush started out as a tiny plant that was easy to trim and manage. However, as it grew, this became slightly more difficult. If it had been sensitive to – or even conscious of – the gardener’s intent it might have felt hurt. Why doesn’t the gardener accept me as I am? Am I not good enough? It might have even decided to stop
TWSC Woman to Watch: Olive Nwaigbo – How this Fatherless Daughter Found Her Voice and is Inspiring Others to do the Same
Nineteen-year-old Olive Nwaigbo is not the average teenager. The young biochemistry student at the University of Science and Technology in Nigeria, is on a mission to inspire young women to value themselves, believe in themselves, and to own and be in control of their sexuality.
15 Fun Annoying Facts About Aunt Flo
Alright, so we all have that one visitor who comes and terrorizes us each month. No one likes her but that never deters her. Sometimes she’s early, sometimes she’s late, but one thing is certain: she always shows up one way or another (unless something’s baking). As a courtesy, she usually announces her intended visit shortly before she arrives, but that is of little consolatio
Liza Ngenye’s Remarkable Story of Fighting Cancer at the Age of 21
This is part of the message I sent to my dear friend Liza Ngenye in early 2012 when I found out about her cancer diagnosis. Liza and I had been friends since our mid-teens. We attended the same high school in Kenya, and college in the US.
TWSC Submission: My Boss' Wife
"I was working for a private publishing company as a graphic designer and this made me to work closely with my boss, who was too nice to me. He allowed me to work through my pregnancy till the baby was born, and he called me back after the baby was born to work and I resumed.
Diary of a Make-Up Addict
In-depth Story: Founder of SMSKE Uses Experience as a Single Mother to Inspire and Support Other Women
Two years ago, Shiko Kamiri found herself in a situation she had never envisioned for herself. Her 11-year marriage came to an end and she was left to raise her two children on her own.
11 Fun Facts About Corsets
Women have always gone to great lengths to conform to what is socially celebrated as beautiful (I have a different theory on this but I’ll leave that for another day). Corsets are a perfect example.
Green Eyes
Evict her from your head space, she’s no friend of yours. What good has she ever done you? All she does is magnify what you don’t have and take for granted what you do. She shifts your focus from yourself onto others and never appreciates your accomplishments, your intelligence, your beauty, your strength.
Dear Insecure Dreamer...
Each time I listen to a success story being told, there seems to be a subtle element of competition in almost every one of these stories.
In-depth Story: Precious Miriam’s Story of Pain, Resilience and Faith
Twenty-seven-year-old Precious Miriam was born into a blended family in Cameroon. Although she had five siblings, she was the only child from her mother and father’s union. She was 9 years old when her father died.
9 Fun Facts About Your Armpits
Ladies, have you ever wondered why one armpit seems to have more hair than the other one a couple of days after you shave?
Progress is Progress
There are times when things are not as straightforward as we think they should be. When expected results aren’t achieved, an explanation doesn’t seem good enough. Don’t blame yourself. If you can see some progress then it is worth celebrating. And there is no need for you to be apologetic about it. There is always someone tracking your progress whether you have asked for their
Inspirational Speaker Barbara Kamba-Nyathi Discusses Overcoming Cancer and an Abusive Marriage
Barbara Kamba-Nyathi was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Namibia where she resided for 10 years with her ex-husband.
Founder of Waiting Wombs Trust Shares Personal Experience with Infertility
Eleven years ago, she married her husband and didn’t expect to have any trouble having children. But as the years went by, it became clear that she was having trouble conceiving. Though she had the full support of her husband and family, she felt stigmatized by her community. After years of physical and emotional pain, she decided to use her pain to help others.
16 Fun Facts about Fragrances and Your Sense of Smell
Ever wondered why your mood suddenly shifted when you caught a whiff of something? Maybe someone just walked past you and now you’re irritable and suddenly remember an unpleasant memory? Well, that’s because fragrances and emotions are closely linked, and a particular scent can trigger a flood of memories and emotions. Find out more fun facts below!
Dear Younger Me...
Hi. I wonder if you’ll recognize me. I’m you, in about 20 years. I think you’ll be proud of who I’ve turned out to be. At least, I hope you will. The thing is, for the first time, your opinion is the only one that really matters.
Dear Dreamer...
You have probably envisioned your “happily ever after” based on your dream. You have a clear picture of where you are headed, but the question is what is the next step? How will you get there? Without a plan or strategy, your dream will always be just a dream.
TWSC Submission: 25 Years Later...
Twenty-five years later I have been blessed with a family – three kids and a loving husband, but I still can’t get the grave mistake I made out of my head.
In-depth Story: Cola Bennett Shares Inspiring Story of Surviving Multiple Rapes and Losing Her Son
In the midst of insurmountable pain, a ray of sunshine appeared. His name was Kayshaun. Finally, she had a reason to live. If no one else on earth loved her, he did. Life was now bearable because he made sense when life didn’t. Until his birth, love had been a convoluted concept to her, and efforts to find said love had left her a victim of rape four times over.
20 Fun Facts About Stockings and Pantyhose
Did you know that women once stood in line for hours just to get their hands on a pair of stockings in the 1940s? And when the supply ran out, the women became angry and a full-fledged riot almost ensued!!
Zimbabwean-Canadian Doctor and International Speaker Spreads Message of Hope and Faith
Dr. Nothabo Ncube is a bubbly, down to earth woman who is a go-getter. As a doctor of medicine, international speaker and consciousness coach, Ncube’s list of accomplishments include being named Canada 100 Black Women to Watch 2017, participating in Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass, being a TEDx speaker, and being featured in Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
Fitness and Wellness Coach Discusses Keys to Positive Body Image and Why Size Isn’t a Factor
Body image is something many women struggle with in a world where “beauty” – defined by mainstream media – is unattainable for many.
Testing the Unknown
Two liquids. Both clear, colourless and odourless. One is vital to the health of human tissue; the other corrodes human tissue. One is water, the other, hydrochloric acid.
In-depth Story: How Francisca Awah Mbuli Escaped Modern Slavery and is Helping Other Women do the Same
When Francisca Awah Mbuli returned to her native of Cameroon from graduate school in Norway six years ago, she had a difficult time finding work. Several years went by, and in 2015, she was approached by someone in her community whom she had grown up with. The man told Francisca about an opportunity to teach English in Kuwait and encouraged her to take the job because she is we
10 Fun Facts About Lipstick
Did you know that red lipstick is a symbol of female emancipation?In 1912, Elizabeth Arden handed out red lipstick to women’s suffragette leaders and other women marching in New York for the right to vote. The women wore bright red lipstick as a sign of solidarity, and it became part of their standard rally uniform.
Living a Purposeful Life - Inspiration by Yvonne Mtengwa
Communications strategist Yvonne Mtengwa wears many hats. In addition to her vast knowledge and experience in marketing and public relations, she is the author of a book that encourages women to address conflict within themselves and in their relationships called Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to live authentically through faith, a real estate developer, and the co-founder
In-depth Story: Human Trafficking Victim Advocate Jomel A. Sheds Light on Trafficking Epidemic, Prevention and Myths About the Crime
For six-and-a-half years, Jomel A. worked in the Office of the State Attorney in South Florida advocating for victims of domestic violence and other offenses, and loved what she did.
Potholes and Uneven Roads
Several years ago, I went on a long road trip to Lincoln, Nebraska to attend my sister’s graduation. It was a 16-hour drive with two toddles to keep me company. All sorts of fun things happened along the way including the car breaking down, but hey, such moments make great stories!
We Are Way Better Together
I have always been a particular kind of girl. For the greater part of my life, my preference was the only beauty I knew. Everyone else’s taste failed to impress me. I guess we have all felt this way at one point or another.
14 Fun Facts About Chocolate
We love serving you inspiration during the week, but on Fridays, we like to switch things up a little. Today We're talking about good ole chocolate.
Cindel Hollancid discusses Winning 1st Runner Up Title in N.I.G.M.A. Christian Pageant
Source: Facebook On June 20th, the 2nd Annual Ms. National & Independent Gospel Music Association (N.I.G.M.A.) Christian Pageant took place in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. It was a big day for Cindel Hollancid. Back in March, The Weight She Carries had the privilege of interviewing Hollancid, who candidly shared her journey to self-acceptance by choosing to see herself the
The Journey is as Important as the Destination
There are times when it seems easier to just fit in and live according to others’ opinion, even when it’s far from what you want. I still don’t understand how one gets to this point of desperacy where being true to one’s self is suddenly not satisfactory, and the rest of the world has to determine your every step. It’s not that difficult to just go with the flow, but it is diff
In-depth Story: Restaurateur Zweli Moyo Williams Opens up About Surviving Hunger, Civil War and Abuse
Her days were spent longing for something to eat. On some days, a sip of water was a luxury. A civil war had gripped her native of Zimbabwe and separated her from her mother at the tender age of two. For five years, she was abused repeatedly in every way imaginable. But deep within her was a spirit of resilience so strong nothing could extinguish it.
10 Fun Facts About Bras and Heels
Here at The Weight She Carries, we define “weight” as anything that constitutes a struggle that we have to live with and fight to overcome. Well, we think bras and high heels fall into that category. Yes, we really do.
Be Your Own Fan
Sometimes your life will take an unexpected turn and everything and everyone around you will seem new. Your story suddenly changes and not everyone will understand or believe you. Your transformation is questioned all the time and your testimony is based on other people’s success or failure stories. The truth is, some stories are hard to share and can only be explained after an
Motivational Speaker and Mental Health Advocate Survives Domestic Violence, Flees Kenya to Start Over
Mary with friend and mentor Raphael Obonyo, policy specialist and youth advocate In 2017, Mary Wanjiku Gichuhi was completing her PhD at the University of Nairobi, was a well-known mental health advocate, and founder of Depression and Stress Society, an organization that was actively creating awareness on mental health. She worked with youth at different universities, leaders f
In-depth Story – Fighting Lupus: Olivia Clarke's Battle to Save the Life of Her Unborn Child
After months of not knowing what was happening to her body, she got onto a plane and flew thousands of miles, hoping to finally get a diagnosis. What had started out as some skin discolouration had turned into painful and burning skin that left scars all over her body. Over the months, the pain had seeped through to her joints and affected her ability to walk some days. This wa
The Beauty of a Scar
Eight years ago I was in a car accident. When I was pulled out of the mangled vehicle, I didn’t realize I had an open cut until I saw blood running down my leg. It’s funny how something doesn’t hurt as bad until you see blood and an open wound. Then all of a sudden, the pain is unbearable. I remember arriving at the hospital and hearing the doctor telling me that I needed stitc
Erica Elita Edwards Dishes on New Talk Show, Overcoming Challenges and Living with Sarcoidosis
In 2016, Erica Edwards packed up all her belongings and embarked on the 5-hour drive to Toronto, Canada, with two of her children.
Her Pain is my Testimony
I vividly remember my mother’s words each time I would infuriate her. I had no idea what she meant at the time, but I got so used to hearing her words that I would imitate her. After all, I had been hearing them all my life.
Exposed to the Same Sun
Inasmuch as we are all different, it is common for people to expect the same results from different people simply based on the fact that their situations are seemingly the same. Ironically, so many have been disappointed because their results differed.
Lessons From the Death of a Loved One
Three months ago, my aunt passed away unexpectedly. It has been a difficult time for me and it is still hard for me to accept or understand why she was taken from us. Over the past three months, I have learnt several things which I thought would be worth sharing with you.
Dear Leah
You weren’t the one he wanted, and everyone knew it. In fact, you were constantly haunted by the fact that the only reason he married you is because he was tricked into it.
The Gift of a Struggle
There seems to be a resounding theme in nature – many elements goes through some struggle during the growth process. A tender shoot must push its way through the earth in order to grow into a tree. Carbon must endure extremely high temperatures and immense pressure before it can transform into a diamond. People are no different.
Beauty Has Nothing To Do With Size
Did you know that according to DoSomething.Org roughly 91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies and turn to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape? What’s also interesting is that a mere 5 percent of women naturally have the body type often portrayed in the media.
Dear Intuition, I Believe You
For the longest time I believed the best decisions in life were based on experience, facts, reasoning and sound advice…everything but you.
Disability is Not Inability - Prudence Mabhena's Journey to the Stage
Source: Prudence Mabhena Prudence Mabhena was born in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 1989. She was born with arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by joint contractures. In Mabhena’s case, her arms and legs were severely twisted and stunted. "When I was born, it brought shock to my family, especially my paternal family,” Mabhena told The Weight She Carries.
A Closed Mouth Doesn't Get Fed
I think I am one of the few people who are intrigued by things that least fascinate others. I am reminded of that frequently and often end up thinking that I am weird. Weird or not, I am who I am today because of that – the woman who draws lessons from everything and everyone around her. In fact, some of my greatest life’s lessons have been drawn from toddlers while they were c
HR Expert Dishes on How to 'Employ Your Gift' and Operate in Your Purpose
Having hired and trained over 800 people over the course of her career, she knows exactly what it takes to successfully connect people with opportunities and equip them with the tools they need to excel professionally. But she does more than simply foster successful employment; she helps people walk into their purpose. Vonciel M. English, founder and owner of Perfect English De
Brenda Mudzimu's Journey From Being Labelled ‘A Curse’ to Creating a Platform to Celebrate Women with Albinism
June 13th marks International Albinism Awareness Day. To some it was just an ordinary day, but The Weight She Carries took this opportunity to interview a successful woman living with Albinism, Brenda Mudzimu.
Compromise Isn't Always the Answer
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand compromise, and how it can derail you from your goals. Boundaries are constantly being shifted every now and then to temporarily suit whoever deems it necessary. We are generally easily swayed to the extent that it is difficult to stand for what we believe in without giving in to some form of pressure. We claim we all have our standards bu
To a Sister Struggling With Identity...
I know you struggle with your identity. You are trying to know and understand yourself. To strip out the layers which have protected you over the years. For how can you know yourself if you have not stared at your emotional nakedness or your mental vulnerability?
TWSC Discussion: Male vs. Female Bosses
I came across some statistics on male and female bosses that I thought were interesting, to say the least... A 2013 Gallup Poll asked Americans, "If you were taking a new job and had your choice of a boss, would you prefer to work for a man or a woman?"
TWSC Discussion: Women and Suicide
This week, two high-profile people reportedly committed suicide – American fashion designer Kate Spade, and American celebrity chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain. It’s sad to imagine what these two individuals – and countless others around the world – must have gone through in the weeks and days leading up to their untimely deaths.
Bold and Beautiful: A Woman's Triumph in Carrying Her Scars
She grew up with dreams like any other girl: to study abroad and have her prince charming sweep her off her feet. She didn’t know her life would take a drastic turn a few years down the line.
Learning to Appreciate Detours
Anytime a road is in need of repair or is otherwise deemed unfit for use, a detour sign is used to redirect traffic. The cause for a detour isn’t always apparent. Sometimes a road is closed due to construction. Other times the reason is an accident or natural disaster. Whether the cause is known or not, having to diverge from your preferred route when you least expect it is fru
In-depth story: Chandi Rae Bozeman – How This Two-time Survivor Found Freedom in Turning Her Pain into Purpose, and Can Help You Do the Same
She was 14 and returning to her home country after living abroad for years. Life in Germany as an Army Brat had been filled with adventure as she mingled with people from diverse cultures. Moving every few years was normal for her family. But her normal was interrupted when she returned to her home city. Nothing could have prepared her for what would take place over the course
Wisdom From the "Inexperienced" Might Just be the Advice You Need
Sometimes I wonder about the old adage, “there is wisdom in grey hair.” It seems the implication is that sound advice only comes from the elderly, and the young should wait until they are “of age” to be considered wise. Some then choose to live their lives guided by the mantra, “experience is the best teacher” to the extent that the only advice that matters to them is the one c
In-depth Story: Tonier Cain – How Treating Her Trauma Ended a 19-year Addiction and Transformed Her Life
Fourteen years ago, she lay on the cold floor of a prison cell at the end of her rope. Her surroundings were familiar to her because for 19 years, home had either been underneath a bridge or in a prison cell. In fact, this marked the 83rd time she had been arrested. Her situation was so grave she would never live a normal life, they said, not after nearly 20 years of addiction.
Don’t Pity Me Because I’m Childless
Being unable to have a child is hard. It’s exhausting.
The Scent of Beauty
“Personality is to a what perfume is to a flower.” – Charles M. Schwab
From Dust to Success: A Village Girl’s Story from Devastation to Triumph
She was a happy teenager with big dreams. One fateful day, the trajectory of her life changed when she received devastating news about her father. With no source of income, her family struggled to make ends meet, and the future seemed bleak. But she refused to let her dream die.
The Danger of Comparison
If two people were given the task of getting from Point A to Point B and the first person got there in an hour and the second person took over three hours, what would you conclude about the second person? Is that person slow, unfocused, unfit, or just plain lazy?
My Moment of Shame, and My Commitment to My Fellow Women
The other day, I was having lunch with some of my friends when a shabbily dressed woman passed by. The woman, who appeared to have been in her twenties, had a baby on her back and a sack on her head. One of the girls I was with made a crude joke about the woman’s dressing, and we all laughed. I didn’t think much of the incident, only to be reminded of it when I read an article
Rigid, They Say? I Disagree
People say there is a thin line between being principled and being rigid. The line is so fine that the two are often carelessly equated. I am constantly reminded of this when I see women being judged harshly for their decisions and for standing up for what they believe. Imagine a life where one spends their whole life explaining being true to themself? There was a time I actual
Made in Africa: How This Woman is Taking Pride in Her Heritage and Celebrating African Artistry
When she decided to pursue her dream of starting a business, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She wanted to honour her heritage and tap into a market teeming with natural resources and raw talent – Africa. But she needed to figure out how to connect the dots. For the past six months, she has done just that and has a successful line of African products that celebrate her
Blooming Alone
I wonder what it’s like to bloom when others around you are nowhere near that point. Is it lonely and does it leave you wondering whether you missed some memo? Is it hard to relate to your peers? Or does it perhaps begin to fill you with pride? Do you begin to believe that your earlier arrival is a mark of your superiority?
A Fighter’s Story: Feeling Whole Again After a Life Filled With Abuse
Memory Thandiwe Ndebele is a 32-year-old humble and bubbly woman. Just meeting her, you can tell she is a warm and big-hearted person. Nothing about her personality shows the dreadful situations she has had to face. Her second name, Thandiwe, meaning “Beloved” in Ndebele – one of Zimbabwe’s native languages – is very ironic to me after all she has been through. She is definitel
My Weight loss Journey: Negative Feedback is Not Your Enemy
There are moments when we unintentionally put ourselves in the spotlight not because we want to, but because we are genuinely trying to better ourselves. Somehow in these moments, your achievement suddenly becomes the center of attention and so does the rest of your life. For the greater part of this journey, I have had more than enough company to help me pull through, but I wa
Born with a Fight: How This Remarkable Woman Refused to Allow Her Disability to Get the Best of Her
Born three months early and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, doctors didn’t expect much for her. She would have a difficult life and achieve very little, they concluded. They were wrong. She has surpassed all the expectations placed upon her. Having achieved academic and professional success, she is now using her experience and expertise to encourage and empower other people livi
Between the Sixth and Seventh Dip
So here I am, standing on the banks and staring down into "My Jordan."
Combating Modern Slavery
I recently watched the Al Jazeera documentary “Nepal’s Slave Girls” which looked at the culture surrounding domestic slavery. Slavery is officially abolished in Nepal, but the practice still continues. Young girls are forced to work in the homes of people to whom their parents, often poor farmers, owe debts. Many of these kamlaris are from the Tharu tribe, which is indigenous t
Chamicka Pollock Discusses Keys to Professional and Financial Success
Nearly 20 years ago, she walked into a local Wells Fargo branch for an interview, dressed in one of her mother’s suits, and hoping to be hired as a personal banker. This was a big deal for a teenager, especially one who had been judged and discounted. But she believed in herself. Now, 19 years later, she is the bank’s Vice President – Regional Bank District Manager for Orange C
Knocking on the Wrong Door
The door cracks opens... You’re surprised. You have knocked on so many doors you’ve lost count. You became used to doors that never opened, even though you knew there was always something on the other side. Sometimes, you'd heard promising footsteps on the inside of the door, or you'd heard voices quieten down as the sound of your knock interrupted the flow of conversation. “Th
Clouds and Rainbows
Sometimes, when you are going through a hard time in life, it is hard to see anything positive. It becomes easy to doubt yourself and mistrust God. You feel abandoned and decide to make it on your own. But look closer. God is there. He has not disappeared and He certainly isn't powerless to help you. Your fear, doubt, anger, disillusionment, hurt, etc. have just clouded your vi
Defying the Odds: A Woman’s Story of Enormous Grief and Learning How to Speak Again
Following a series of deaths of significant people in her life over a span of seven years, the pain became unbearable and led her down a path that would cause doctors to declare that she would never be able to speak again. But she fought to prove them wrong. And now, she is on a path to becoming an inspirational speaker.
To a Sister Finding it Hard to Forgive...
“…forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” “To err is human, but to forgive is divine.” Dear Sis, I know it’s hard to forgive. I know it’s even harder to forget. It’s easier to hold on to grudges. It’s easier to stand in self-righteousness and count all the wrongs done unto us. But is that what you want for your life? …Those things they said about you were m
Dear Spectator...
I have discovered that the common feuds that exist between a spectator and a player have lived on for as long as I can remember, and solving them won’t be easy without cooperation from the parties involved. In all genuineness, both perspectives are valid and based on where each one stands. But I guess what matters at the end of the day is how each view can be useful and for wha
Thrive...Even Where You're Unwanted
I really like these succulents. They kind of look like grapes. They also look like they are ready to burst.
Dear Seeker...
You feel down today because only 60 people liked your post. You were hoping for at least 100. You check your feed every few minutes, wondering when the masses are going to swoop in and marvel at the selfie you just posted. Then you look to see which “friends” are online and wonder why they haven’t liked your picture yet. You take that personally.
Note to Self: I Am a Role Model
There are so many things I wish I had known earlier in my life. So many decisions I wish I could remake if time and chance permitted. I probably long for that now because I am burdened by the weight of knowing that I will forever be someone’s role model. To be honest, I was a role model before I even realized it, and I guess I underestimated the impact I had on others. That cha
TWSC Submission: Turning to Prostitution Was Not the Answer
The following story was narrated to The Weight She Carries' contributor Ivy Chibanda.
Fear Tells a Lot of Lies
There are some things in life that are simple. We just complicate them because we’re afraid to explore our capabilities. So many things we proclaim we're unable to deliver are just a result of our limited imagination. We don’t fail because we cannot do something. We fail because we have destined ourselves to fail. This reminds me of my final year in high school. The whole schoo
How Learning to Love Herself Unlocked a World of Opportunity for This Successful Millennial
Owens started off with three classes a week and then progressed to four. Now she has started training instructors and only teaches one day a week in a session called “Mondays with Morgan”.
Wounds Aren’t Meant to Bleed Forever
Whenever a sharp object cuts through the skin and punctures a vein or artery, blood oozes out. The amount of blood oozing out is determined by the depth and location of the cut. If the cut is superficial, the bleeding will be minimal. If a major blood vessel is cut, the bleeding will be substantial.
The Day I Decided to Stop Trying for a Baby
Like most girls, I dreamt of a big wedding and a house full of little feet and laughter. My dream came true, in part, and in 2013, I married my best friend. Since then, my husband and I have struggled to have a baby. The doctor said I had a partially blocked tube and my eggs were weak. After five years of trying conventional and unconventional fertility treatments, I have reach
Turning Away From Conventional Sanitary Napkins Changed This Woman’s Life
After years of enduring a heavy and intense menstrual cycle, toxic shock syndrome and endometriosis, she decided to take a closer look at the sanitary products she was using and discovered that the chemicals used in those products were wreaking havoc on her body. Janelda Cowan started her menstrual cycle shortly after she turned 10. From its onset, her period took over her life
Dear Future Me...
To date, I’ve lived up to the expectations of the woman I envisioned myself to be almost three decades ago. I certainly had no idea that I would stick to that dream, but I did anyway. What I did was remember the woman I had set out to become. It’s funny how I had it all figured out, from the stages I was going to grace, the style of fashion I would gravitate to, to the kind of
Strange, Me Thinks...
How This Young Woman Living With Sickle Cell Disease Is Helping Countless Others
Not only has she dealt with debilitating pain all her life, she has lost numerous friends along the way. Now, she’s using her voice to speak up for many who are still trying to find their own voice. Her pain is unbearable on most days, but she is determined to continue touching the lives of those living with sickle cell disease. Jesscah Sharon Odhiambo was diagnosed with sickle
Fighting Limitations
The world has a tendency of placing limitations on us before we have the chance to prove our capabilities. Sadly, we often give in and accept these limitations and sometimes even participate in gender discrimination by placing those same limitations on the next woman. In the end, many women never realize their full potential.
Life is All About Perspective
What I Wish the Younger Me Knew About Acceptance
Over the years, I’ve struggled with acceptance. I’ve always waited for someone...anyone to say to me, “I accept you with all your flaws and shortcomings; I accept you as you are.” I’ve wanted to hear those words ever since I was a little girl. I wish I could have told you that as a grown woman, I no longer crave those words, but that would be a lie. My heart still yearns for to
How to Support a Loved One Battling Depression from Someone Who Has Lived Through it
Following a series of traumatic events, she struggled to understand what was going on with her. Sure, she had experienced low moments in the past, but this time was different. This time she couldn’t shake the feeling of despair. And each day she plunged further and further into a hole so dark and deep she couldn’t find her way out.
“No” Isn’t a Dirty Word
Today I was reminded of an important lesson I learnt a few years ago when my kids were younger. I probably shouldn’t say learnt because I’m still learning to apply this lesson accordingly, which makes me concerned about my ability to learn… Anyway, the lesson was on learning to say “no”. When my kids were toddlers they had no trouble expressing their disapproval. I was often am
Upskirting Should be Illegal Everywhere
It seems like there are countless ways that women are sexually harassed, with perpetrators coming up with sneakier ways of achieving their ends. For example, the disturbing trend known as upskirting. It's a pretty self-explanatory term. It involves taking a picture up a woman’s skirt or dress using a phone or hidden camera. Even girls as young as 10 have experienced this based
In-depth Story: Cindel Hollancid – Going for the Crown
Every time she saw a modelling ad in the paper or on a billboard, her heart skipped a beat. The excitement, however, was always short-lived. After years of disappointment, an opportunity with her name written all over it fell into her lap one Saturday evening. This was more than just a pageant…it was an invitation to begin peeling away layers of insecurities that had left her b
TWSC Submission: The Day I Decided to Stop Protecting my Abuser
The following account was narrated to The Weight She Carries' contributor Ivy Chibanda. Shame, guilt and hatred is what I felt. It had been three years since he had started abusing me, but I never spoke out. I kept it inside. Given the circumstances, I felt I had more to lose if I reported my boss. I would lose my job, and my relationship with my relatives would be strained. I
My Weight Loss Journey - Challenge On Repeat
I don’t quite understand why we sometimes think one accomplishment is enough to cover us for a lifetime. For some reason, it’s easy to think that achieving a certain goal makes us masters, and that we’ll never be faced with such a milestone again. Then, the moment one challenge seems to recur, it’s easier to conclude that it’s one’s fate and destiny. I really wish life could be
Dear Motherless Daughter...
Written by guest contributor Tatenda Rungisa She’s gone and your heart is broken. All that’s left is a cold, shattered life. It’s sad; it’s lonely, and it leaves a huge, gaping hole in your heart. It messes with your mind. It brings anger into your heart - anger that you never knew existed. "Why me?" you continuously ask yourself. “Why did it have to be MY mother?” Your friends
Dear Bud,
One thing I always try to tell every woman I meet is that the magnificence of every flower is only seen when it blossoms. Before a bud blooms, it has no footprint of any significance no matter how many people know of its potential beauty. I’ve heard many talented people say they’re waiting for the right opportunity to start making a living out of their gifts, and how they’re wa
Dear Wannabe It Girl,
Everything Is Just The Way It Should Be
Dressed in well-worn denim overalls and a white T-shirt, the carpenter walked into the shed and inspected the work of his hands. Scattered around in the old dusty shed were various pieces of furniture derived from different kinds of wood. Unlike the majority who were made out of prestigious pine or mahogany, I was cut from cedar. For weeks we had shared the same space and patie
In-depth story: Dr. Praise Matemavi - From Teen Mom to Transplant Surgeon
An unplanned pregnancy at the age of 18 threatened to derail her dream of one day becoming a surgeon, but she wouldn’t let it. Though she had every reason to give up, failure was not an option. As a single mother of two, she put herself through medical school and was the only woman in her residency class. She fought her way to the top in a male-dominated field despite hearing d
TWSC Submission: Why I Chose to Forgive
As we were walking back home after church service, my friends and I discussed the sermon on forgiveness. We agreed that forgiveness seems easy when someone tells you to forgive, but forgetting is the hardest part. The thought of how you were wronged keeps recurring in your mind and you become angry again. Walking with us was an elderly woman, a widow with four grown children. S
My Weight Loss Journey - Trust The Process
Each time someone posted a picture of their weight loss transformation, I was curious how long it took them to see results. I was really getting impatient. Four weeks into my weight loss journey, no one was saying anything or even acknowledging that I was making progress. I was almost sure that my plan wasn’t working. This was far from the truth. I was comparing myself to other
No, Thanks...I Don't Wear Labels
Society has created certain standards for us that dictate the way we live, dress, who we are and what we believe in. These standards have led many women to stay in situations they weren’t meant to be in, and remain silent when abused. In the society we live in, a woman is supposed to get an education, get married, have children and take care of her family. This is how you earn
Tackling Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
Over the last few months, several allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct have come forward regarding people like Harvey Weinstein, Ben Affleck, President George H. W. Bush, Louis C. K., James Franco, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, and others. In response, the #MeToo movement was born that united women around the world in stating that this abuse of power is not just present
How I Stumbled Into Writing And Found My Footing
Seeing doctors going about their duties intrigued me as a young girl. I avidly recall dreaming about owning a medical facility of my own and being a medical practitioner. The idea of writing was out of the question. The only other two things I loved were public speaking and music. Clutching my ordinary level result slip in my hands, a smile broadened on my face as I realized th
I Am My Sister's Keeper
As much as I'd like to believe that my life is mine to live, I can't deny the power of my influence. I'm not a queen or first lady; I don't hold a scepter in my hand. I'm not the head of a Fortune 500 company, neither do I sit on the board of directors of your favourite charity. No one is banging down my door to get my autograph or running me off the road to take my picture. An
You Are Not Your Mistakes
A trial never affects two people the same way. Some come out on the other side with visible scars, others are barely scratched and only they know what they have been through, and some have no story to tell at all. The same can be said of a woman’s life. There are situations where they simply can’t hide their mistakes - while men seem to walk away scott free - no matter how hard
TWSC Submission: My Ruined Past
The following personal story was narrated to The Weight She Carries contributor Ivy Chibanda: I am not proud of my past, but when I look at young girls today, my wish for them is that they don’t repeat the same mistakes I made. If I could change my past, I would, but I can’t. All I can do is work on my future. During my teenage years, I became aware of my beauty. I grew into a
Dear Expectant Dreamer...
The struggles that women go through are no secret. The journey to success for a woman is not a stroll in the park. Tears will be shed, accusations will be carelessly thrown towards them, discouragement will become the norm of the day…the list is endless. Be that as it may, the assumption that women understand each other’s hustle better than men do and will, therefore, be more s
It's Not Personal, I Just Can't Save You From Yourself
One of the most important lessons that has had an enormous impact on my life is learning that I cannot change people.
My Weight Loss Journey: Stick To The Plan, They'll Get Used To It
With time, people started noticing some changes. I didn’t have to say anything about my weight loss plan because the results were noticeable. Each time I ran into old friends, there were 3 statements I became accustomed to hearing them say:
How This Successful Entrepreneur Is Letting Her Passion Lead The Way
What started out as selling snacks as a child has evolved into a knack for managing multiple brands and making major boss moves. With two successful companies under her belt, her formula for success is simple yet effective: Turn your passion into money. In the 11 years since completing high school, Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse has made a name for herself as a successful businesswo
Piles Of Odd Pieces
An old man was sitting at his dining room table putting together a jigsaw puzzle. He had been working on it for quite some time. Off to his right, was the top of the puzzle box which bore the picture he was trying to piece together. In front of him were the few puzzle pieces he had managed to fit together correctly. There were other pieces scattered around off to his left, and
Dear Fearless Dreamer...
Have you ever wondered why people will sometimes push you into doing something you strongly feel is far from what you’ve ever envisioned for yourself? Many people have nervously explored uncharted territory and discovered that this new venture is what they were looking for all along.
In-depth Story - Berlange Presilus: How This Fashion Model Learned to Embrace Her Rare Syndrome And is Now Putting Her Best Foot Forward
No one knew what was wrong. For years, doctor after doctor had thrown their hands up in defeat. They had never encountered such a mysterious condition in all their years of experience. Finally, after years of suffering a private battle that had left her physically and emotionally scarred, she found one doctor who said the words she had longed to hear her entire life: “I can hel
The Thing About Value
The 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S has a base value of $420,000. Many factors were taken into account when the price was considered — like speed, design, power, the brand, and the amount of work put into creating the model. The manufacturer determined the value of the car. It would be completely ludicrous for Lamborghini, after designing and assembling the Aventador S, to ask Toy
My Weight Loss Journey - Know Yourself
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and I knew I had to be consistent. I also knew I had a friend to help me through, but I didn’t know that I would feel like giving up during the first week of my journey! I was committed to my plan but started experiencing unbearable chest pain and shortness of breath each time I exercised. I remembered my doctor’s words to my parents the last
To the “They” Club...
I usually address my letters with some endearing salutation but I feel some type of way about you all and I prefer to be blunt rather than fake. All my life I’ve been cautioned about you - "What will 'they' think?" or, "What will 'they' say?" "They" Club, pardon me for being so brusque, but who are you people who seem to invisibly control what I and others do? I have often been
What The Audience Never Knows
The show is about to begin and the audience is silent. Though they're from different walks of life they all gather under one roof to see the same performance.
Spoiler Alert: The 'Right Time' You've Been Waiting For Isn't Coming
I never understood why some people are so concerned with pushing others to seize certain opportunities when they can see how much you’re struggling in your current situation. Quite often they say, “If you keep waiting for the right time, it may never come.” I didn’t understand it until the day I was in a situation where the right time just wasn’t presenting itself. Having dropp
TWSC Submission: How I Became 'The Other Woman'
Growing up, I always envisioned my wedding day. How beautiful I would look in white, and how I would live happily ever after with my imaginary man. We would have four children, I always thought - two boys and two girls, and live a good life in a nice suburb.
You Have The Right To Be Different
People talk about flowers and their seasons in relation to a woman’s life. Every decision a young woman makes is too often accompanied by the following reminder: “Remember you are a girl and you will soon wither. You can forgo these other things for now…” “This is not the time for you to be furthering your education. Why don’t you settle down first then you can talk about educa
Grey Clouds
A good indication that it’s about to rain is the presence of thick, dark, grey clouds. Clouds are made up of tiny droplets of water. They become dark and grey before it rains because when saturated with water droplets, clouds become so thick and dense that they prevent sunlight from penetrating through. Then, when a cloud cannot contain the moisture any longer, it releases the
How Scammers May Be Targeting Your Loved One
According to the American Journal of Public Health, about 5.4 percent of elderly people are scammed each year, though the crime is likely underreported. It's sad that there are people who take advantage of the vulnerability of elderly people who are at the point in their lives where financial recovery is difficult, if not impossible. Part of the vulnerability results from lonel
These Eyes
They're brown and ordinary, but if you pay close attention you'll see much more. Behind every gaze is a story. Deep in my soul is a dominant emotion. An emotion that can only be revealed through my eyes. Look into these eyes and they will inform you. They reflect my soul. They will tell you so much about me in this moment - more than I had hoped to reveal. Though my lips deceiv
Womanhood Is Not A Curse
The other day I was a guest on Zimbabwe’s National Broadcasting Channel to talk about my book that I recently published. I asked to receive the interview questions in advance so I could prepare, but for some reason the host of the show was not forthcoming and I decided to just let it go. Little did I know I was walking into what I call "an ambush of the feminine pride". The fir
So, You're Awkward? Perfect!
Many centuries ago, all the animals lived in harmony in the animal kingdom. It was a perfect world where lions and zebras trotted along side by side. This world knew neither predator nor prey because all the animals grazed on grass provided for by their caretaker. The agreement was that the animals would be well taken care of as long as they lived peacefully amongst themselves;
My Weight loss Journey - The Gift of Friendship
By Dec. 31, 2016, I was just a few hours away from starting my plan but felt something was missing. A part of me was excited, but another part of me was skeptical. Could I really do this? I started wondering whether this would be a waste of time - maybe I’d fail again.
The Best Goodbyes
We often view trees with no leaves as bare and ugly. Indeed, leaves dancing in the breeze with grace are picturesque, and much of a tree’s identity is in its leaves.
Dear Trouble, I'm Ready...
I am not amused. For years I've kept my composure and refrained from addressing you directly. In fact, I've been afraid of you most of my life.
My Tears Don’t Mean I’m Not Strong
We keep hearing the same message phrased differently over and over again: Big girls don’t cry. I came across three different women all going through the same pain, the same experience and the same stigma. They were all trying to deal with the pain of being sexually abused, but of course, those around them felt they were doing it the wrong way. Grace had been told more than once
Financial Abuse: Key Red Flags You Should be Concerned About
Dana* was married to Eric* and had a daughter with him. Eric and his mother would scrutinize Dana’s finances to the extent of examining her food purchases and trying to figure out whether or not she had gotten the most affordable options. As a result, she would visit several supermarkets to find the cheapest prices for everything she needed to buy. Eric made all the financial d
Second Chances - Grab that Opportunity
It’s quite sad how we are sometimes so quick to conclude that we have failed in life when we still have a whole life ahead of us. There is a general misconception that if we don’t get our way the first time, we have failed. As a result, many dreams remain unfulfilled. I’ve refused to subscribe to this line of thinking and believe that as long as I'm alive, I still have a second
Dear Tomorrow...
You and I have spent a lot of quality time trying to get to know each other. I’ve spent numerous hours thinking about you. In my dreams, I've imagined what you look like and what you have to offer me. I’ve always pictured you and I riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after. Ah, but thoughts of you have also caused me great distress - tossing and turning during th
The Day I Earned My First Few Dollars
Many people ask me how I made it at a very tender age, how I got to know I was talented and how my work commanded so much respect despite my age. I always tell them that this was no miracle. My childhood was mainly dominated by an inferiority complex. I was obsessed with proving I was good enough, so I made sure that a day didn’t go by without acquiring a new skill and perfecti
Caregiver Abuse - How to Deal With Mistreatment When Caring for a Loved One
In previous column posts, I discussed elder abuse as well as the burnout that caregivers may experience that might lead them to be neglectful or abusive. In this post, I want to discuss the abuse that caregivers can experience by those who depend on them for care. Caregiving can be a rewarding yet complex relationship filled with a wide range of emotions. Because of its demandi
In Her Shoes: It Wasn’t Worth It
Ten years later, she looks back and thinks again…was it worth it? She retraces her steps and realizes that she was more in love with her boyfriend than he was with her, but she didn’t know that then. He seemed earnest when he told her she would be the best mother for his future children. She was 20 then. Deep down, she didn’t want to get married so young, but he was older and a
My Weight Loss Journey - Getting Started
By October 2016, I had made the decision that I was going to work on my weight but getting started was a different story altogether. It took me two good months to get the plan in motion, so my weight loss journey didn’t officially begin until January. I promised myself I wasn’t going to rush into anything that I did not fully understand, so I needed time to get to that stage. I
Elder Abuse
This year the World Health Organization estimated that by 2050, the global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double to 2 billion from 2015’s 900 million. The elderly are seen as sources of wisdom. Although they are often treated with care and respect, this is not always the case. As vulnerable members of our society, they can unfortunately be targets o
TWSC Post-Me: Making The Picture
What a beautiful picture. It speaks to me because the reason the photographer stopped to capture this image was most likely because of the green flower. It’s what makes the picture so captivating. What if the green flower spent its days wallowing in shame and distress because it didn’t look like the other flowers? What if it spent its days and nights in tears, asking its creato
Dear "I'm-Not-Good-Enough"...
It’s sad how suddenly all your confidence was stripped from you and you were left naked in shame and insecurities. Before you met him, you were your own fan and nothing was strong enough to pull you down, which is why this turnaround is so puzzling. The day you met him, you lost yourself and everything became all about him. Is that what love is truly about?
Sometimes the Simplest Question is the Hardest to Answer
Stop Chasing the Wrong Dream
From the tender age of four, the spirit of competitiveness was instilled in me. I remember spelling contests and memory tests were held each time we had family gatherings. At times it would go as far as comparing end of term school reports, and the one who scored the best in all subjects would be rewarded. The first time I lost, I cried myself to sleep and felt humiliated. Bein
Caregiver Burnout - Signs You May Be Missing
Linda Maureen Raye was a woman who had been struggling to make ends meet and was homeless. Her mother, Yolanda Lorretta Farrell, had been living in a nursing home as she was unable to feed or clothe herself. Linda convinced Yolanda and the home that she could take on the sole responsibility of caring for her mother. Soon, she bought a one-bedroom apartment with her mother’s Soc
Self - The Common Denominator
Source: American Association of University Women
To Me, With Love
As I stand here and stare at the reflection in the mirror, I realize my victim is no stranger - we share the same heartbeat. Though I’ve known you since birth, I confess that I haven’t always been good to you. I've neglected my responsibility to always treasure you, and now it’s time to make amends. Often times, I’ve put you down and judged you harshly. On many occasions, I tho
My Weight Loss Journey – My Turning Point
On January 1st, when everyone else was customarily defining their resolutions and goals for the new year, I decided to take action and change my life, too. I was tired of being labeled ignorant and being described by nothing more than my physical appearance. I wasn’t bothered when strangers would refer to me as “the fat girl,” but I didn’t know how to feel when friends and fami
Dear Mirror,
A complicated relationship you and I have had over the years. As a baby, I marveled at you because you loved to play games with me. What a tease you were. You showed me someone who looked and acted just like me - she did everything I did! When I laughed she laughed, too. But I could never touch her. Your little games were cute back then but I’m not laughing any more. You like t
Dear Depressed Woman...
You are in a dark place that feels overwhelming. You hope that tomorrow might be different, but nothing seems to change. Every day that passes by has the same monotony as the day before. Every so often, you see glimmers of light through a sunny day, a laughing child, a great concert, an adoring pet, the smell of flowers, and all other little life pleasures. And these moments ma
From Around the World: When a Girl Goes From Child to Mother in One Day
What happens when a child loses both parents and has to suddenly become a parent to their younger siblings? Who steps in when tragedy interrupts the dreams of a young child? Sadly, oftentimes the answer is no one. A child-headed family is one where a minor becomes the head of the household. The high mortality rate in Zimbabwe has led to many child-headed families. The eldest gi
Pain Serves One Purpose: To Grab Your Attention
When I walked into the hospital, I wasn’t expecting anything more than simply easing my pain. Besides, the decision to visit the doctor was by no means voluntary. Pain gave me no choice. I had envisioned a friendly session with the doctor. In my mind, all the doctor had to do was give me a chance to explain my situation then prescribe the right medication. Imagine my disappoint
Online Romance Scams
Anna* was an Austrian woman who had recently divorced her husband and was encouraged by friends to give online dating a try. Within minutes of setting up her profile, she met Benjamin* who suggested they correspond via email instead of through the dating website. Benjamin told Anna he was an American soldier in Iraq, and after a series of emails, revealed that he had a teenage
Dear Broken Flower...
You've heard them share how their dignity was robbed from them as if that is nothing. They share their stories as if they have no shame and as if that story will not affect people’s perception of them. They talk of how they were raped and how they moved on as if they are telling a bedtime story. They recite their stories as if they are describing a movie and as if they are at p
Past, I'm Moving On!
Since a new month has rolled around, I find it necessary to address the status of our relationship. I have tried over and over to break free from you, Past, but you keep contacting me. The moment I gathered up the strength to leave you, I packed up my 10 suitcases filled with memories we shared and escaped; running for dear life away from you. The first days without you were li
Once is one time too many - If it sometimes hurts, it can never be love
I have seen women with scars they have been left with by the men they loved. I have seen women lose their self esteem because they have been through hell with the men they fell in love with. Some have lost hope when it comes to love, because they have been told they don’t deserve love. It’s sad that women have, at many times, taken the blame for the violence they face. What I k
My Beauty
What is this "thing" we strive for but cannot describe? Beauty, what does it mean to me? I’m glad you asked. I’ll tell you about my beauty. My beauty is how I was created, Not what my money can fix. My beauty is not the way that I sway, But the path I choose to walk. My beauty is not in the length of my hair, But in my boldness to wear it however I please, Regardless of what so
My Pain is my Powerhouse
I constantly seem questionable each time I talk of pain as my source of inspiration. Some feel I have no idea what I am talking about, while others feel I am still young and I lack enough life experience. Hence, I get this question a lot: “What do you know about pain? Aren’t you too young?” I am not a stranger to pain. I have felt it, experienced it, seen it and I choose not to
Digital Abuse
When abuse is discussed, people tend to overlook digital abuse. This is form of abuse that is becoming even more prevalent in this technological age. Digital abuse involves using the Internet and/or social media to threaten or monitor a significant other in order to maintain control within the relationship. Digital abuse can be perpetrated on its own or in combination with othe
