So, a friend of mine just got some bad news, She is currently undergoing treatment for a terminal illness, If it doesn't work she will have less than a year to live. She is still very optimistic, after all the pain she has been in, she sees death as a relief but she also loves life and has vowed to live her life exactly how she's wanted. No apologies, no pretense, no excuses. It made me wonder what I would do if I was in her shoes. Why don’t we realize the fragility of life, her terminal illness has given her a foresight of whats to come, most of us won’t be as lucky. I made a list of things that I would do if I was in her shoes, I won’t post the entire list but I found a couple that were easily attainable


Travel-

I have always wanted to see the world, Luckily I have had the privilage of traveling outside of Africa a little bit, but there is always more to see, I would probably see Africa first as a priority: the old temples in Ethiopia, Historical sites in Egypt, Pyramids of Sudan or ancient Kush, morocco, swahili state ruins, Senegal....Ok lets just say I'd make a list of historical and cultural treasures of Africa and make my way to each and every one.

 

2.

My work: Utamaduni Wear is my passion I wouldn’t stop creating and exploring new ways to make it better. I would focus more on what I want on the collections as opposed to “what sells” I would put structures in place to ensure it continued long after I was gone.

3.

Pilgrimage: This is about an honest conversation with my creator. This is an extremely personal experience and most people find that solitude takes them to the most honest depths of their souls. I would probably hike Mount Kirinyaga (A.K.A mount Kenya the historical sight where the God of the Kikuyu rests and visits) and take the time for reflection, penance and thanks giving.

 

After Making my list I realized that these weren't things I wanted to do before I died but how I wanted to live my life. Sometimes pressures from other people imposing their will on us moves us towards living a life that has nothing to do with our dreams, desires and passions. The list made me realize that this is MY LIFE and every decision I make should reflect this. Get rid of the frenemies, achieve your fitness goals, make money doing what your passionate about, Pray to your God and always be honest with your self (if nobody else) and just DO YOU.

What would you do if you found out you had less than a year to live? Make your list and make it a reality in your life.