Colourful Reminder.

We had our end-of-year party last week Friday for my local coaching chapter. It was a celebration of what we have achieved individually and collectively throughout the year. We had more than fifty coaches and their guests show up which was quite encouraging. I happened to be the MC for the evening and while at the front of the room, I remembered how we had a similar gathering in 2020 but virtually. Nothing can replace physical interactions where you feed off each other’s energies as you catch up, laugh and reflect together. I was thankful that we had made it this far. It was like the WhatsApp group (or part of it) was alive and in person now.

I don’t do well with events that ask for certain dress codes. That’s because I don’t enjoy formal dressing much or those colourful-themed outfits. Smart casual with a checked shirt, khaki pants with Converse sneakers and a ka sweater do well for me. Luckily our chapter organizing secretary said we should show up in what describes us best. I liked that because it accommodated diverse tastes and preferences.

Well, that evening some folks brought out their personality with force. There was this Mzungu guy who became the show-stopper. He entered the room and it was impossible not to notice him. He was dressed in a T-shirt that looked stitched together with many small pieces of cloth each having a different bright colour. On top of that was a denim jacket and trousers that also had some brightly printed patches stitched randomly on them.

He came into the room and walked to where I was catching up with a few other coaches, introduced himself and we got talking. I must admit that I admired his confidence. He was very comfortable in his skin ( and clearly his clothes too) and that’s rare. I often think I am fairly okay as I am. If I was to come back in another life I would choose to come back as Lucas. But I do find myself getting influenced in my mind sometimes by others’ opinions or replacing a view I held with that of another just to please or accommodate them. And I’m not saying this with pride. I don’t like it.

And that’s why I admired this colourful coach at our dinner. I imagined his level of authenticity and self-acceptance must be just as colourful and genuine. Here is a good picture of what Swami Kriyananda said in his book -Living Wisely, Living Well,“ Become a cause in life, not an effect. Self-dependence is independence, and a mark of true heroism”. Would I behave that way if I was also in a foreign country? maybe I would because I may need to work harder to fit in. Whatever his motivation this guy brought bright vibes to our end-of-year party.

Folks as we close the year, let’s reflect and consider if we have been more of a cause or an effect. Whichever the case, may we commit to being the heroes of the movie of our lives come next year by being more comfortable in our skin. That will improve our circumstances because we will be improving ourselves in the process.

Today I just wanted to share those random thoughts hehe. After all, it’s Christmas so we are allowed to slow down yes…