This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates about wellness, leadership, forests and most recently, inclusion.
Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a deeply personal and constantly evolving journey that looks different for each of us. Whether it’s finding solace in the forests, empowering a community, or overcoming personal struggles, the pursuit of wellness is a beautiful and fulfilling adventure.
So, go ahead, explore your interests, cherish your passions, and be unapologetically yourself. After all, as Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
As a recovering people pleaser, I have this to say. Take time away from people to figure out yourself and your life. This includes what you want. Who you have on your table and the contribution you both have towards each other.
I had, in my past set the record for being the most understanding person, daughter, employee, partner, lover and friend. With this came one thing: saying yes to everyone and constant “No’s” to self. The problem with this kind of lifestyle is that everyone takes you for granted and no one takes you serious.
I couldn’t understand as people in my closest circles, both family and friends who were considered the most difficult are the kinds that got things done. For some reason, crowds moved to the ends of the earth to deliver if they just snapped a finger, while I was seated on the sidelines waiting for my turn to come. Which, by the way never comes.
Eleanor Roosevelt put it across with clarity when she said, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you knew that they seldom do.” And that, my friend is just what it is. Don’t sit around waiting for people to get things done for you. Chances are high that they won’t. But in the event that you do ask, you might get a few rejections, a few excuses or a person out of the blue moon that will come through.
Always be reminded that you are on your own. This shouldn’t make you resentful, it should just remind you to treat yourself with more kindness. Hopefully, along the way you’ll be in a good position to extend this same grace to others.
Don’t feel obliged to be “nice”- be yourself, everyone else is already taken. Ask, without holding back. Command the respect, the love, and loyalty you expect from family, friends, spouses. Especially if you give it out in the same fashion. Life is a give or take situation. If you’re walking over eggshells for anyone, they should jump over oceans for you. Walk away from people and spaces that do not uplift you or grow you in the way you expect to be treated.
If non of these give you fulfilment and purpose. Get on an intentional journey to grow and develop yourself. Enhance your skills and expand your network. Familiarity breeds contempt. If it is not serving you now, it won’t serve you tomorrow. Do not try to be understanding. It’s just unnecessary waste of grace and good energy.
This view of my house plant woke me up, it was a clear representation of my current state. “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” Ralph Waldo
“As the saying goes, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ Take care of yourself first.”
I’ve watched with admiration as business leaders step out here to celebrate their wins. Lo and behold, I celebrate with all of you. Having run a sustainability series for the past couple of weeks, everything has been smooth. However, today, I found myself pondering the intricate relationship between humanity and sustainability.
People, like the planet, are flawed. We can’t fully delve into discussions about business, climate change, and sustainability if we can’t authentically share through every season. Today, I want to address an issue that’s less spoken about but critically important: mental well-being, especially among young leaders.
Social media platforms, whether professional like LinkedIn or more casual like TikTok and Instagram, have been linked to rising rates of depression. I believe it is partly because we take in an endless flow of people’s great stories that it constantly reminds us of our own rough reality. So why not use these same platforms to mitigate some of the challenges we’ve inadvertently created? As MLK alluded, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
For context, I’ve hit a rough patch recently. Despite attending one of the best schools on the continent, I found my grades slipping, my social life suffering, and my overall well-being deteriorating. My plants, once the source of my happiness, started wilting—a clear sign that something was off. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” Sometimes, our surroundings reflect our internal states.
At the peak of my despair, I sent a midnight email to a dear confidant, Joan (name changed for privacy). I am usually articulate in my writing, but this time, it was plain and simple: “I need to see you, I am struggling!” After sending it, I blacked out on my couch.
The Grind Doesn’t Stop. The next day wasn’t forgiving. With four significant meetings lined up, I had to mask my emotional turmoil with a calm demeanor. And so, I did what we all often do: I carried on, making it through the day’s commitments.
What do you do when you find yourself under the bus? “Joan” came through at the earliest and surprised me by how much potential she had to get the ship safely back to the harbor. I am grateful to friends and mentors like these.
My school has been a pillar of support, from colleagues and faculty to associates, and classmates. This backing has been crucial to me navigating this challenging period.
Have I fully recovered? It’s too early to tell. However, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons:
Teamwork: Life is a team sport; don’t try to go it alone.
Balance: It’s okay to operate at 50% if the other half helps you survive.
Empathy: Sometimes shining the spotlight on others brings you more joy.
Self-Care: Take a moment to pause and smell the flowers; it will rejuvenate your spirit.
Make Mistakes: And learn from them. Even glaring errors can be the catalysts for a much-needed life audit.
Your Environment Reflects You: Sometimes, the signs you’re seeking are right in front of you—like wilting plants.
At the intersection of personal well-being and global impact, what matters is that we show up as our full selves, flaws and all. Be that listening ear for someone; you’ll be surprised how much it can turn around your day. In essence, to quote Maya Angelou, “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
I extend heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported me. If you’re going through tough times, remember: after winter, always comes spring. Take it one day at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek help.
Moving Forward
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday.” – A.A. Milne
“It challenges the very essence of our shared humanity when we relegate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to the realm of charitable acts. As Nelson Mandela wisely articulated, ‘To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.’ We must grasp that the individuals commonly categorized as ‘minorities’ are not mere subjects of charity or symbols to flash across our billboards. They are people with families, dreams, and the right to a dignified existence, just like anyone else.”
The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is often framed as a charitable endeavor—a majority “giving space” to a minority. But this perspective misrepresents the true dynamics at play. Contrary to the popular belief that DEI initiatives merely serve marginalized communities, these policies enrich us all by exposing us to diverse perspectives and skills. More significantly, they challenge the arrogance that often blinds us to our own limitations.
Take the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, for example. The common narrative paints a picture of European powers bringing their superior technology and civilization to “dark” Africa. However, what’s overlooked is that this arrogant viewpoint is its own limitation. African cultures, steeped in wisdom and a rich heritage, were not displaced but rather were expanded upon with new knowledge and techniques. The ‘superior’ colonizers, on the other hand, missed out on an opportunity for their own intellectual and cultural enrichment because of their preconceived notions about African civilizations.
This is where the irony lies: those who consider themselves superior often miss out on the benefits of diversity because they underestimate the collective intellect. In believing they have nothing to learn from a culture they consider ‘lesser,’ they miss out on the wealth of experiences, perspectives, and skills these cultures bring to the table.
As an international student attending one of the most prestigious schools on the continent, I have seen firsthand how the blend of diverse backgrounds adds richness to a common project or goal. By limiting your circle to what you consider ‘the best,’ you are cutting yourself off from a plethora of skills, viewpoints, and innovative solutions that you might never have considered. I must acknowledge Notre dame for its human centred approach to education and learning. I would struggle to find a place closer to home than this amazing home under the Dome.
Even from a practical standpoint, let’s say in global health initiatives: A team made up entirely of individuals from the same geographical background can never understand the intricacies of health concerns in a distant continent. How can one articulate the lived experiences of an Indian or an African without having a representative voice?
The quote by Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” rings especially true here. DEI is not charity; it is an imperative for mutual growth. By fostering a culture that appreciates diversity, we stand to gain richer perspectives, more creative solutions, and a broader, collective intellect. In other words, diversity isn’t just beneficial for the marginalized —it is essential for everyone.
At the official graduate student’s orientation ceremony yesterday, a wave of euphoria washed over me. The mix of excitement, nerves, and the looming unknown painted a vivid picture of the journey ahead.
Notre Dame’s Golden Dome-
As various speakers recounted their experiences, John Lubker’s words, “You are Here!” resonated deeply. It wasn’t just an acknowledgment of location; it was the realisation that I had journeyed 7,639 miles (12,295km) from home to a distant land, travelling for 31 hours, all for the dream we often term as the “American dream.” While the path forward is clouded with uncertainty, I’ve heard of the hardships graduate students face on this journey. Most speakers spoke about their own. While listening to the many experiences and testimonials, I thought: I hope I’ve faced my fair share already. Nonetheless, I am prepared for challenges, and I pray for two things: the wisdom to navigate them and the resilience to endure and grow.
Imposter syndrome was another recurring theme. Its presence in my life has been as constant as a scheduled medication. While my advisor consistently encourages me to be “Loud and Proud”, doubt sometimes whispers, suggesting I might be better off back in Rakai, tending to my farm. Yet, echoing John’s sentiment: “You are here.”
That annoying whisper of doubt: Internet Picture.
Exiting the stadium, I snapped a photo, capturing the essence of the 5,000+ graduate students embarking on this journey in the year 2023. I’m surrounded by brilliance from every corner of the world. Looking out at this crowd, I feel certain that among these are future presidents, congressional heads, entrepreneurs, the next Albert Einstein, and influential leaders of this world we now call home.
Snapping at the next generation of Phenomenal Leaders.
It serves as a poignant reminder: as I find my way in my new home under the Dome, the fundamental tenet remains that every individual is deserving of respect and kindness. Father Jenkins, our university President, continuously urges us to pledge ourselves as forces for good in the world. In time, we will look back on our experiences here and realise that, driven by the heart of Notre Dame, our collective endeavers have truly shaped the world for the better.
Now, I ask you: Where are you, and what mark are you making in your corner of the world?
I have both exciting and uneasy bubbles while I express my thoughts on a subject that stirs various emotions in people’s hearts: trust. The topic of trust is one that brings forth diverse thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and experiences
In my view, this is because the concept of trust is like a stem with many branches, yielding fruits of various colors and tastes. It is nourished by roots that draw from multiple streams. The fruits of trust can be traced back to the source from which they draw sustenance. Therefore, my understanding of trust is based on my experiences, knowledge, interactions, and observations during my 30 years of life on this planet. I believe there is more to learn as time unfolds.
Firstly, as little children, no one tells us to trust them. We instinctively know whom to trust and whom not to. We start by trusting our parents for food, comfort, protection, and provision, siblings for play and childlike songs, and even strangers for simple gestures like a generous smile.
However, as we grow older, the waters of trust sometimes taste different. We may find ourselves saying, “My trust was broken,” and being asked, “Will you trust me?” This leads us on a journey to test different streams to determine which ones are trustworthy.
One significant stream is that of SELF. As we approach ourselves with the mantra “To thy own self, be true” in mind, we realize that we often fall short of being authentic with others and ourselves. We might have seen this message painted on boards right in front of us when we failed to be authentic.
Examining other streams, such as Family, Friendships, Classmates, Workmates, and even Strangers, we might recall moments when they let us down or were not authentic and responsible when we hoped they would be.
It seems to me that there is a thin line between TRUST and AUTHENTICITY. The two concepts are closely related; one feeds into the other. And in the realm of trust, one does not have to be necessarily right, good, or perfect. Even the wrong, imperfect, and remorseful can find mercy at the table of Trust if they serve authenticity.
Yet, in a world where everyone seems to say, “Please trust me,” who will be the first to say, “I trust YOU” and genuinely mean it? It might be hard to believe that one person can embody such a designation—a person who trusts himself, trusts others, and lives in a way that lets others live. However, surprisingly, such individuals do exist.
In my quest for Foundational, Relational, and Functional trust, I have encountered a stream that not only nourishes the TRUST STEM but also places trust in the stem to bring forth branches that yield lasting, good fruit. This stream of trust appeared in my life at a time when I found the waters from self, family, friendships, and strangers unpleasant. I was searching for something more profound, something constant, something that would not change with the seasons or with me. I asked, sought, and knocked, and GRACE responded. This stream revealed itself in a three-letter name: GOD.
I observed that before God requires us to trust Him, He trusts us first. The Bible is full of such scenarios. For instance, in the creation story (Genesis 1), He entrusted us with His IMAGE (verse 26). He trusted us to join Him on the co-creation adventure. He set up a beautiful planet and entrusted us with its care. He even trusted us with His Son, which is a concept that amazes me. God trusts us with His Spirit, His love, and so much more. He places His treasure in jars of clay. Even when these jars break, He remolds us and places the treasure within us again and again. This way of trust may seem reckless to anyone but GOD.
This discovery reshaped my understanding of trust. I began to draw from this newfound stream, and it significantly changed the way I perceive and feel about trust. I decided to trust others as God trusts me. If God can trust me so much, why can’t I trust myself? I resolved to trust people even when they haven’t “earned” it, to trust them again even after they’ve disappointed me. I choose to look them in the eye, give them a nod, and offer a smile of reassurance because that’s what God does with us every day. I don’t feel indebted to Him; instead, I feel honored to be trusted in such a way, to be a vessel holding so much treasure. I’m excited to extend that honor to others.
To whoever is reading this, whether we have met or not, I want you to know that I TRUST YOU. Keep striving to become the person you aspire to be. Spread your wings and fly, and if you fall or things don’t work as expected, remember that God still trusts you to get up and try again. I trust you too!
Let’s be a generation that trusts God, ourselves, and others without requiring them to earn it first. We might be surprised by how this trust is reciprocated, but more importantly, we’ll witness tremendous growth in the individuals we choose to trust. Let’s do it together.
Meet our Guest!
Name: Regina Nuwagaba Upstage speaker|Closet Writer|Health Care Nurse(Dip)|Project Manager(Bach) Current job: Partnership Development at NET Ministries Uganda Hobbies Playing music Adventure tourism and checking out new places. Walking/Jogging/Cycling /Swimming
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” —Jim Rohn
In 2020, I embarked on a reading journey. For context, it was not self prescribed. It came a month after I had completed my undergrad in 2019 and I did not know what the next course had in store for me. Scrolling through social media, I chanced upon this leadership course at Worship Harvest that opened heavens for me.
Before the Harvest Institute (referred to as HI in subsequent posts), I considered myself an avid reader. However, the experience of participating in HI in 2020 far surpassed my previous reading endeavors. My goal was set – read three books each month. But then, I was presented with a list that came with stringent rules – a leadership sandbox, so to speak. Despite the nerve-wracking nature of this challenge, it turned out to be a life-changing experience. During this time, I read the following books:
“15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John C Maxwell- Which unleashed my potential through personal development. Btw, if you asked me, I would definitely read this again.
“Courageous Leadership” by Bill Hybels – A testament of leading with conviction and fearlessness
“Focal Point” By Brian Tracy– This was recommended by mentor, Dr. Jjingo. It talks about finding focus and purpose for increased productivity
“Compound Effect” By Darren hardy– Emphasizing the fact, which is also the truth that small actions lead to remarkable results. All actions by the way.
“5 levels of Leadership” by John C Maxwell. – Highlighting ascending to higher levels of leadership and going through the ranks to Pinnacle. What it takes and the kind of leader you need to be to get there.
The list continues, particularly as we find ourselves in the year 2023, and I’m eager to discover something or two about your shelf too. I’ll gladly reciprocate by sharing my other reads throughout the years in due time. Until then, would you care to share with me about what you reading and what you have learnt from it so far?
I started on this blog, under the same heading 3 years ago and left it hanging in my drafts. Coming back today, I realised I need this same thing, today more than ever. A lot has changed since the last time we met.
Chilling at Issa Vibes!
I only wonder if you have a minute to sit and listen. If you do, grab your cup of coffee, tea or a cold with popcorn and lets dive in. Well, because I have been AWOL for a while, there is a big chance I have to explain what I have been up to. I have grown, stressed and stretched myself. 2020 was a pivotal year in my life, I finished HI, (Harvest Institute), Wrote my first book, which has to this day not hit the shelves and enrolled for the prestigious Young African Leader’s Initiative.
It has been a series of trying out new things, failing and sometimes learning to fail. Rising and trying to not fail again, only to realise that failure is unavoidable on the path to success. We have been through Covid, and just like you. It gave me my equal share of beatings. I have gone from living in the most dilapidated remote villages in KOOKI, to the biggest and most adventurous forest resorts at the Great Outdoors. I have worked with the most impoverished communities in Rakai, and the most Outstanding firms in the middle of the city, at REGENERATE AFRICA. In the same time, I got the rare opportunity of being selected for the HUDUMA Fellowship. A space, whose impact on my leadership and growth journey, I can’t adequately express.
I have shaken hands with heads of Department at KCCA and sat in spaces where the most sought after influential leaders have sat at the University of Notre dame, Indiana. If you may, Condoleezza Rice has stepped on this land, Theodore Roosevelt and some significant leaders globally. An honour I can’t under rate.
What is our lesson for today? I have several, but one: Success leaves clues. Don’t do it alone. You may have a degree of success flying solo but you will go so far, and have more fun on the road taking some company with you. Growth is uncomfortable, but even more saddening is the fact that when you choose to stay where you are today, you will get the same results you got yesterday. Find a small tribe of people that will believe with you and challenge you to get better. Together, you will triumph over challenges.
Finally, as you keep rising. It is going to increase demands on your time, your capabilities and capacity to execute. It is so easy to catch yourself fighting fires you would otherwise not wish to stop. BREATHE, please remember. Takers will always keep taking, and while you struggle to turn the next stone in history. Avoid complacency, continuous improvement is the key to enduring success. Unfortunately, it is not something you will find trying to burn yourself out. Take off a minute to REST BEFORE YOU ARE READY. It shall be well.
I have been thinking deeply about these insights by Mother Theresa;
These are a few ways we can practice humility:
To speak as little as possible of one’s self.
To mind one’s own business.
Not to want to manage other people’s affairs.
Accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.
To pass over the mistakes of others.
To accept insults and injuries.
To accept being slighted, forgotten, and disliked.
To be kind and gentle even under provocation.
Never to stand on one’s dignity: How does this play in the direction of your choices on where you are, where you are going and the relationship you have with everyone you choose? At a given point in time.
Let’s just rhyme with that old adage; “You are the average of the five people you hang around.” If they’re love, You will be “LOvE.” Exercise humility, and so will you be. But; Is the company you’re keeping, keeping you too?
A beautiful escape with Barbie
This may probably not pop up on your immediate list of what it takes to be employable. So, it’s clearly not a skill that will feature on your resume. But believe me you! It will save you an ounce of undesirable pressure and tension. And once you let it sink in, it could be your go-towable-hack to treat anxiety and mental depression
Many times we watch, with excitement, as friends post pictures of activities and events they have been part of. Away from the indescribable desire to fit in. The FOMO may propel you to want to belong and so push you to want to be included, even when you don’t fit in just fine. Sad, right?. A close friend, “bless him;” recently shared with me about how bad this was for him, it got him paying some people money to hang out with him. It took him until earlier this year to realize that the company he was vehemently struggling to impress wasn’t as excited about having him around. He woke up. Is it a lack of clarity of purpose, or maybe not? It happens to the best of us.
There are situations where you’ll end up in a “space” because of that random, “oliwa?” (“Where are you?”) Call that comes through in the wee hours of the evening. Unplanned, unexpected. Only to find out that, they invited you; not because you’re valuable to them but because you’re always available for them.
A lonely soul, stuck in a crowd
Is this an experience you could find familiar? Brace yourself. Take a clear inventory of situations and help yourself evaluate the people and things that drain most of your time, and energy. Not all invitations should be accorded positive affirmation. It’s okay, to feign busy, run errands and stay back in your bed and sleep in. It’s okay to turn down that last-minute program to focus on yourself. Once this is well in, you’ll be able to focus with more clarity and align your priorities and time with the people that love and adore you.
The older I grow, the more I appreciate the dignity that comes with deliberate shots at solitude. A date with myself, a walk in the woods. Speaking, Last year I discovered a sweet and heartwarming practice of “Shinrin_yoku.” Discovered by the Japanese in the early 1980s. It is said to have unmatchable benefits; relieving depression, lowering blood pressure, and weight loss; among others, we went on to embrace it as part of our wellness packages at the Great Outdoors, I can’t explain the incredible feedback we have had from clients who have been through this experience. From weight loss to reporting low bouts of depression, managing cancer, and improved eyesight; “I have been a soul beneficiary of this one. ” Up until this day, I will still choose a walk in the wild (Forest bathing) to clear the fog, any day.
So to speak! The festive holidays are here, and rather than find yourself turning up everywhere you’re called, only to find yourself alone and lonely in a crowd. Make time to listen to yourself. Take that walk in nature, work on self-improvement, and read a book you have left on the shelf for a while. Check on an old relative, mentor, or friend. Place a high value on yourself, and if you can. Say a little more “NOs” to everyone else. Only then will you say “Yes” to yourself.
Happy holidays, I hope you remember to go where you’re loved and cared for.
Taken on my birthday in November, after running 30Km in the rain, a challenge like no other.
Oh my, it’s been a minute. So much has been happening, I’m kinda shy, or ashamed to be coming back here at this moment in time. Haha.
I feel like a husband who deserted his household for months, and creeps back in stealthily to find out if the people he left back are not dead, starving to death, or sick from rejection. Anyway, the amazing truth is I’m back. And what have I been up to? Uh, you got time?????
Me trying to return after being away for months, haha
Anyway, I did a 100-day running challenge, a whole spot. Today happens to be day 100. Oooppps, my words fail me. I haven’t yet done the last mile, so I’ll probably not be celebrating yet. So the actual reason I returned is that I thought about a plan to pursue the “waistline” this December. I started sharing ideas on different tips to go about it on my socials, and I thought. Why don’t I check in here too. !
Strava reading at day 99/100. Yesterday
Someone might be out there wondering about my endless fuss about wellness, or asking, why the struggle? My fascination with wellness is partly because of the time when I was struggling with being overweight/obese. There was not enough information, for me to figure out what could help. And if it was, it seemed out of reach. (At least financially). A lot of times I came across the “what-not-to-dos” and little or no assistance focusing on what to do. If it was there, I was probably looking in the wrong places, because; safe to say, I missed it.
When before meets after
So I moved back and forth trying out “fad diets”, but couldn’t pull them successfully off because they needed a certain level of #ability. You know like if you tried keto when broke, it would mean your food choices are between cabbage, Pumpkin, mukene (silverfish), and eggs, by the end of the week, the neighbors just want to chase you away for constantly smoking the #kisakaate with mukene scents, but even yourself can’t handle the second smell of eggs.
You do not have to break the bank to eat healthy
In my time, I ate eggs in every way until I almost got sick from the smell of them. Diets like #paleo were out of reach, and intermittent fasting was another rough sport. I remember joking with Elizabeth Kisaakye Omumbejja in 2017 about how expensive it was to be on a diet. The reminder came back and I laughed at those struggles.
Anyway, fast forward, it’s 2022. I am almost aware of how and what it takes to live healthily, drop the unhealthy fascination to kilos and choose a comfortable life. I have been coached and, coached people, along with my soul sister AnneRuth Nakatumba and the team at EONS Wellness, and seen them make progress in their wellness choices without breaking the bank.
A photo showing a well-prepared breakfast for a wellness client at the Great Outdoors
But most importantly, I have come to appreciate the power of small, little leaps made every day that finally result in the person you desire to become.
Have I got this all together? hell no! But what I’m sure of is the fact that with a kind spirit, a determined soul. Every little failure on this journey is a springboard that propels you to rise and try again one more time. That’s partly why I am sharing tips this December.
After my run last week
May you find the grace to challenge yourself in any area you choose. And while at it, may you find the kindness to rise again after what might appear as an unredeemable fall.
Maria_ On Wellness: 