I don’t do things the usual way, I like to defy the norm and do stuff differently. It’s not because everyone is towing a particular line of thought that I choose to tow mine. It’s not because everyone is speaking about a particular issue, that I do too. Yes, I understand that the year is basically winding down but please don’t expect me to start blogging in the usual manner because in my case, I’d like to change and veer off completely. 

I stumbled on a post online, last year during the pandemic. It was a brief comment that seemed to resonate rather unknowingly, despite the fact that it had been posted with the aim to make one laugh. It went this way… I don’t intend to celebrate my birthday this year, Why? because I didn’t use it. Sounds funny but very thought provoking. 

We all sat at home due to lockdowns last year. Everywhere people were grappling with different scenarios. For some, it was boredom, for others, it was the unhealthy environment they lived in for the entire duration of the lockdown – imagine a home of 6 people, being all day, in a tiny shackle due to an imposed lockdown.  For others, it was the finance issue, as their means of livelihood had been stalled for three straight months, without any assistance from the government, yet they had mouths to feed. Some individuals were grappling with being stuck in a house with temperamental spouses, parents or siblings. For some, it was living in a yard with nosy / temperamental neighbors constantly in their faces, (enduring their taunts, sneers or attitude) simply because they had only one access to basic amenities such as borehole water. For others, it was the epileptic power situation and cost of fueling a generator frequently, just so that they could work remotely OR have their children log on to school portals.  Not forgetting those who seemed to be all alone with no form of assistance from anywhere. I could go on and on about the various scenarios that we found ourselves.

In fact 2020 / 21 have been years full of complaints, laments and a lot of wailings. Will you term it now as being over? Doesn’t seem so, because of the uncertainties lurking in the shadows… a new variant they say. Governments imposing vaccines on citizens, private institutions and organizations all towing the same line. Take it OR no work, no mobility, imposed fines, imposed curfews, isolation centers, the list goes on.  Not forgetting the so called individuals who have been termed as conspiracy theorists, who seem to be making waves everywhere, warning others of the dangers of following the majority. 

…and you say I should blog according to the norm? I don’t think so. Why? because it becomes a total bore. Let me ask you a question? if you choose to host a party the same way, year in, year out, will it be a total bore or not? In fact your visitors would seek out better places. A time would come when you as the host would be the only one left at the party.

Where am I heading with all these you ask? I’m trying to set the stage for an unusual way of doing things. An unusual way of thinking, acting, speaking. Why do we all have to be the same? What’s wrong with being different? In making your own waves?

I’ve chosen to make mine nonetheless, so go out there and make yours. Your ideas remain yours, that’s what sets you apart from others. It’s inborn they say, all on the inside you know. It’s ok to be different. Sadly many don’t dare to trod the paths carved solely for them. 

If only they do, if only…..