Hi there! Here I am...finally in your inbox :)
Authenticity, Social Media and Content Stuff
Hey Curious Lot!
First of all, thank you so much again for subscribing to this newsletter. I hope this will be an interesting journey for us as I share my thoughts and musings. As I mentioned in my social media exist announcement, I don't have a particular format or schedule in mind (this clearly took so long already lol). I am however open to experimenting and just doubling down on what works.
For context though, I often engage with content (books, videos, articles, podcasts) and conversations when I have two or three big questions at the back of my mind. I hope to use this space to also articulate some of my "ahaaa" moments as I go through my discovery process.
This is however not a one-sided conversation. I'd love to know what resonates with you and also get challenged when you think I am missing something. Please feel free to send through your thoughts by leaving a comment or replying to this email at any point. My initial intention with this newsletter was to build a community and I hope we will get to do this going forward.
Before I dive into the content of this first issue, I would like to give a big shout out to Faith Pienaar, who inspired the initial format and idea of this newsletter. She featured me in her newsletter you can check it out here:
Faith Pienaar - Things I'm thinking about.
Please do subscribe to her newsletter! I am sure if you enjoy my content, you'd enjoy hers too.
What I am thinking about
As I get closer to the big 30, one thing that has been at the top of my mind of late has been finding the delicate balance between being fully authentic while also managing that part of self that cares about what others think because...
An emerging theme when exploring this question has been the importance of deliberately choosing whose opinions I'd want to care about. At least that's what kept being mentioned in a lot of content and conversations.
My opinion? Being truly authentic will always be something most of us struggle with and only age and experience can help quell that tension. Having a strong internal compass and finding the right people to care about can tremendously help with finding our true selves but I also think this is just one of those life things. The internal struggle to overcome societal expectations is part of life's journey.
On my social hiatus
I can't say getting off social media has necessarily helped me be more authentic but it has given me the space to have less noise in my head on whose opinions I care about. This is mostly because I am feeling more deliberate about the content I engage with and who I connect with. I also have less cognitive dissonance when it comes to having an online version of myself vs my authentic self.
It's not been all bliss though. I am a bit underwhelmed by the transition actually. I still procrastinate like crazy. Netflix and Youtube algorithms still have a one up on me. Whatsapp can get distracting and I still feel like I have so much to do with so little time- even with a 2-hour 30-minute daily phone screen time (I am SOOO proud of these stats though! It's been a lot of hard work and intention).
Have you had social media breaks? Have they been life-changing or is this whole social dilemma narrative a bit exaggerated?
What I am listening to
Some 🔥🔥🔥 Ghanaian drill
A very cliche but entertaining audiobook. I finished this a while back- I remember thinking it was so good that I bookmarked it to share.
I honestly find the author's voice a tiny little bit annoying but the book’s message resonates with me so much that I have found a way to make it my sleeping book. I am such a sucker for open, direct and honest communication and I was sometimes worried that this was the opposite of empathy. This book articulates how a lack of honest communication can actually be the cruel thing to do. I feel like there is a whole rant on this coming up...!
What I am reading
Such a beautiful easy read with a delicate touch to complex societal issues in a Nigerian context. Sefi Atta is an amazing writer and I was stoked to find out that Netflix doing a movie on the book.
This book is WILD!! I couldn't stop turning the pages. Wild, I tell you. I appreciated the satire on the tech industry and fundraising space, the romance, bromance, queer representation, triumphant immigrant storyline, mysticism, strong feminist vibes....all that good stuff!
What I am watching
I will limit my commentary on this one because it will become yet another rant. It's very informative though!
This was so endearing 🙂
Till next time,
Stay curious!!
Wanjiku
Ps: I’ll also be doing a Newsletter for Heels & Green- a networking platform for young women in the early stages of their careers. Please do subscribe if you are keen to get updates on that too!
Really enjoyed this! Looking forward to the next 🤞🏽
What a way to start my Thursday morning. I loved every bit . I'm always here for it❤❤❤❤