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The Life & Ramblings Of A Zillennial

Are We Truly Free? Thoughts About Jamhuri Day

Kenya Flag Wave - Jamhuri Day

Yesterday for me and today for some of you, Tuesday the 12th was celebrated as Jamhuri Day in Kenya or you can also call it Independence Day. Jamhuri means “republic” in Swahili. Kenya is officially 60 years old- we became an independent country in 1963. I think it’s important to think of those that fought for our independence. It was not an easy fight, so many died so we could live the lives we have today.

Well, I was thinking about freedom yesterday for obvious reasons during my morning meditation session and that got me thinking about other things. Not just about physical freedom but about mental freedom too. So many of us are not mentally free even if we are physically free. How often do we let people live in our heads rent free and waste our energy on negative emotions? How often do we let those negative emotions take over and control us? I’m historically someone who holds on to grudges. I’ve always done that. I can still remember people who pissed me off when I was an infant. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but it’s not even that much of a stretch lol.

I know it’s a little early to start talking about goals for 2024 but I want to work on letting go of stuff. It’s time to stop holding on to these grudges. There are always going to be people who wrong me. There are always going to be people who don’t like me. And I need to learn to be okay with that and move on from it.

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P. J. Gudka

111 responses to “Are We Truly Free? Thoughts About Jamhuri Day”

  1. satyam rastogi Avatar
    satyam rastogi

    Nice 👌

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much 😊

      Reply
  2. Milena Alien Avatar
    Milena Alien

    What an awesome song! Now I want to wavey flag

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Right? Such a great song!

      Reply
  3. John Avatar
    John

    That’s a cool song, Pooja! I think that TV, radio and internet fill our heads with too much uselessness today. It’s tough to not let some things or people rent space in our heads.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much. I so agree, having constant access to information online and on TV etc can really mess us up. It really is tough not to let it bother you. But it’s something I’m trying really hard to do.

      Reply
  4. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    I was just telling my daughter about my plan to let “shiz” go from now on. Life’s too short to let bad things live in your head!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Exactly, that’s how I feel about it too. Hopefully we can both let go of the bad stuff!

      Reply
  5. Janice Reid Avatar
    Janice Reid

    In the words of Bob Marley, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery…”

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Absolutely, Bob Marley was really incredible.

      Reply
      1. Janice Reid Avatar
        Janice Reid

        He was!

        Reply
  6. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
    DEVANG UPADHYAYA

    Damn what kind of people don’t like you?
    Must be savages 🧌

    Yes, we often let things affect us and let them ruin our day. It’s us who give importance to trivial or insignificant people or things in life. We can do better than that 😀

    Happy jamhuri day to you dear friend. 🤗

    Tell me more about it 😀

    Yes it was yesterday for me. Today is Wednesday the 13th 🙂

    Reply
    1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
      DEVANG UPADHYAYA

      Ahh the song
      It was crazy popular in 2009-10!
      It was the secondary theme song to FIFA (after waka waka).

      Reply
      1. Pooja G Avatar
        Pooja G

        Yeah, this song was everywhere and it was awesome lol!

        Reply
        1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
          DEVANG UPADHYAYA

          Recently, african singers are becoming global sensation. I am glad for them.

          Because people are appreciating the talent.
          Calm down

          Reply
          1. Pooja G Avatar
            Pooja G

            It’s awesome, I love African music and it’s nice to see their talent recognised internationally too.

            Reply
            1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
              DEVANG UPADHYAYA

              YEAH 😄

              Reply
    2. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol, my cousins literally have me blocked on IG because they hate me 😅

      Exactly, why let the negative people control our lives. They shouldn’t matter to us. 😊

      Reply
      1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
        DEVANG UPADHYAYA

        There’s nothing to hate in you from where I see!!

        You whine, you are a bit different, but you are adorable.

        It must be your body spray that makes people block you.
        Instead to chilli and black pepper, try flowers.

        We give the leash of our life to others, and when we get controlled, we endure.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I’m a bit different, that’s the problem. Some people want women to be a certain way and act a certain way. Any move from the norm means you’ll be cut off. And I’m okay with that, I would rather be myself than try to please close-minded people. Anyway my other cousins are weird like me so we get along great, I’m not missing out on anything 😅

          My perfume is Chanel No. 5, I doubt it’s the issue 😆

          Reply
          1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
            DEVANG UPADHYAYA

            Well people always want women to act and behave in certain way. And when women acts the way they want, they are called rebellious.

            I guess if you had followed those rules, you might never become what you are. You are strong, confident, pretty, and different and that’s what makes you special.
            I think one cannot miss to notice you, when you are present.

            I have a good relationship with my brothers and sister from my mother’s side. We don’t take daily, but whenever we talk we talk lovingly.
            I’m youngest, there’s a brother after me, so he makes me feel old 😅

            From my father’s side, means my uncle’s kids. They don’t care to interact. They live in USA, but don’t care about us 😅 they are younger than me as well.
            I get more affection from the sister I’ve made, then those I already have( father’s side) 😆

            Change the chanel 😝

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              It’s true but it’s odd for me since it’s not something that’s normal in our family. Female cousins are the majority and I would say we always have our parents support and make our own decisions as we see fit once we are adults. These cousins are the only ones who come from a family which is much more conservative and judgemental.

              I’m very happy to not follow the rules lol, I love who I have become even if I’m not perfect. Yes, I’ve made mistakes but so has everyone.

              Lol, it’s always the cousins from the dad’s side that are like that. I don’t even talk to most of the people on my dads side 😅

              Reply
              1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                Orthodox Indian family types?

                Well, my friend have such family. For her family I was devanshi. She wasn’t allowed to have a male friend and then with time she became like that and started fearing more 😅.
                I wish I can still call her my bestie, but that friendship lost after her marriage 😝.

                I’m happy and proud for you. I know few people who talk about you and they are inspired from you. I told them, although you look unapproachable, you are a sweetheart ( kidding, I never told them you are unapproachable, yes sweetheart thing is honest feedback).

                Do you have people in India? 🙂

                Reply
                1. Pooja G Avatar
                  Pooja G

                  Something like that.

                  She sounds like a lovely person but that happens when people get married sometimes. It’s sad but a reality.

                  Aw thanks haha 😛

                  Yes, I have some relatives from my mum’s side and some of her friends in India. Plus the family of a close friend.

                  Reply
                  1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                    DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                    Yes sad reality.

                    You have strong chances coming to India then in future 🙂

                    We deviated from them topic again, I blame you 🤪

                    Reply
                    1. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      Yeah, I’ll definitely come to India at some point and probably stay for a few months 😊

                      Lol, as usual 😂

                    2. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                      DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                      Sounds interesting 😃

  7. Tangie Avatar
    Tangie

    Pooja, thank you very much for sharing some history of Kenya. It is not too early, .I agree “I want to work on letting go of stuff. It’s time to stop holding on to these grudges. There are always going to be people who wrong me. There are always going to be people who don’t like me. And I need to learn to be okay with that and move on from it.”

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Happy to do so, I love sharing about Kenya and hopefully people enjoy learning more about it. Glad you agree and thank you.

      Reply
  8. whysprs Avatar
    whysprs

    Can tell you, once you let go of the anger some.one has put onto you that caused a grudge, you will have such a burdon lifted that its not even funny

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I’m hoping to get to that place where I can let things go and don’t feel the burden of carrying all that anger on my shoulders.

      Reply
  9. Silent Knight Avatar
    Silent Knight

    http://youtra.art.blog/2023/12/13/navigating-the-murky-waters-of-media-influence-preserving-freedom-of-thought/

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Will check out the blog!

      Reply
  10. clcouch123 Avatar
    clcouch123

    Happy Jamhuri Day! Yesterday (today for two more hours). Thinking about freedom is a good idea, especially dealing on the inside as you are. Mental freedom is important, though often it’s hard-won. Letting go of grudges is good, but bringing in other things to take up room should help. Positive ambitions, daily pleasures, joy in easy company if you have it. I have relationships with certain family and friends that go easily enough, as long as I keep from certain subjects. Have a good day after Jamhuri Day. Santa Lucia Day, I think.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you! Absolutely, I think letting go of the negative stuff and replacing it with more positive things is the best way to live a happier life. Hope you’re well and have a great day too.

      Reply
  11. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    This history piece was interesting, and new to me. Belated Happy Jamhuri Day!

    It’s true that grudges weigh us down, but we cannot let them go until we’ve carried them as far as we need to. You’ll know the time, when it comes.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much, glad you found it interesting.

      I appreciate you saying that and I think you’re right. When it’s time to let go I’ll be able to.

      Reply
      1. Steve Avatar
        Steve

        You’re very welcome; I’m glad my words were of help. That’s how I’ve experienced it, and similar to advice I’ve received, too.

        Great song, by the way. Very uplifting!

        Reply
  12. Poet of the Light Avatar
    Poet of the Light

    As an American, I believe I’m freer than you and in different fashions but in all honesty, I’m presuming that as truth. Only you can speak the truth you live.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Your presumption may actually be true, in some ways you may be freer. But if you think about it, we’ve only been independent for 60 years and that’s after being left in a devastating state after colonisation whereas the US has been an independent nation for over two hundred years. I believe when your country was sixty there were multiple things happening that I would not associate with freedom such as slavery amongst other things. But look how far you’ve come since then. I think every country tries its best to grow and evolve and it’s not really a competition but rather a celebration of how far we have come and the things we have achieved. Hopefully when we have had a few hundred years of independence we’ll have evolved much more.

      Reply
      1. Poet of the Light Avatar
        Poet of the Light

        I totally agree with you. I fully believe every country can achieve a free and democratic society. A dad you stated,we’ve had a head start. We’re still working at ours.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          You’re right, it’s difficult but not impossible.

          Reply
  13. Michele Lee Avatar
    Michele Lee

    Seems a suitable time to consider goals for 2024. You’ve posed some reflective and thoughtful questions, Pooja. Best wishes and happy independence celebrations! 🎉

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I just have a hard time accepting that 2023 is already almost over 😅 Thanks so much! 😊

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee Avatar
        Michele Lee

        I am with you! How did that happen? 🫨 You’re very welcome, Pooja. 🌻

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I know, how do the years go by so quickly? 😳

          Reply
          1. Michele Lee Avatar
            Michele Lee

            You seem to be doing a good job making the most of them!

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              You too, you seem to really be living life to the fullest!

              Reply
              1. Michele Lee Avatar
                Michele Lee

                Thank you, I am giving it a go!

                Reply
  14. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    A good resolve Pooja. Let the bygones be bygones. Hold a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping that person dies ( a famous quote)

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much. That is such a great quote and accurate too. It really is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. My therapist told me something similar, she when someone hurts us it’s like they set us on fire but if we hold on to that hurt we’re the ones pouring gas on the fire and keeping ourselves alight.

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        A great analogy. It’s best to leave the matter in the hands of fate. What goes around DOES comes around, sooner or later. All the best my friend

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I fully agree, it always comes around. Thanks so much.

          Reply
          1. Sadje Avatar
            Sadje

            🙏🏼🫶🏼🙏🏼

            Reply
  15. Chiru Avatar
    Chiru

    This is new and Jamhuri day and its history is really fascinating.. Thanks for sharing this part.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much, yes I thought I would share some Kenyan history with my readers.

      Reply
  16. judeitakali Avatar
    judeitakali

    Yeah, keeping grudges really sucks. Is it too early for 2024 goals🫣oops.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yup, grudges help no one. Lol, it is for me I refuse to accept that 2023 is already coming to an end 😅

      Reply
      1. judeitakali Avatar
        judeitakali

        Well while you take your time accepting, you should try out this miniseries:

        https://youtu.be/yvuAWVzP6wI?si=X78XFPzqXix-nZLy

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          You’re like the fifth person to recommend it to me lol, now I absolutely have to watch it.

          Reply
          1. judeitakali Avatar
            judeitakali

            🔥👌🏾let me/us know what you think when you do.

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              Will do 😃

              Reply
              1. judeitakali Avatar
                judeitakali

                Yay🎉

                Reply
  17. muktaverma Avatar
    muktaverma

    Thank you for sharing this important post , it raises conversations about mental well-being and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, both within and outside ourselves.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
  18. keniatotheworld Avatar
    keniatotheworld

    Nice read. I haven’t come across a lot of people who confess to holding grudges. The fact that you acknowledge that and are willing to do something about it is truly beautiful. Wishing you all the best 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Haha yes, I am pretty open about my chronic grudge holding problems. To be honest, I’ve come to a place in life where I know I have to accept the negative stuff I do because that’s the only way to change it. Thanks so much 🙂

      Reply
      1. keniatotheworld Avatar
        keniatotheworld

        Welcome 🙂 cheers to becoming a better you 🙂

        Reply
  19. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    It is interesting looking at Britain and its colonial past and realising that it wasn’t Britain at all who was running those colonies; it was a small elite of extremely wealthy ruling class. They ran the colonies for their own profit. They used the army and navy to exploit, ransack and extract wealth for their own good. The British people were as much exploited as anybody abroad. The working people lived in slums on meagre wages while that elite swanned around in coaches and lived in mansion. The Public Schools, like Eton and Harrow, turned out a constant stream of wealthy rulers to keep everyone in place.
    I’m woke.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      You’re right, it was the elite that benefited from colonisation. And nothing seems to have changed, the elite continue to enjoy themselves and exploit the British people to this day.

      Reply
  20. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    Happy jamhuri day Pooja!!!
    Cheers to no more people taking up residence rent free in our minds and bodies!!! 💕

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and yes I’ll drink to that! 🥂

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        Meeeee too.. but I’ll drink to well.. about everything lol ❣️

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Lol same 😅

          Reply
          1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
            Cindy Georgakas

            😹

            Reply
  21. utahan15 Avatar
    utahan15

    this is not kip keyno
    nor even diwali

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      A whole different ballpark…

      Reply
      1. utahan15 Avatar
        utahan15

        enchilada for xmos gudka!

        Reply
      2. utahan15 Avatar
        utahan15

        she is private . the site is private. put on the boss and sing along to both philadelphia and secret garden. i never liked francis!

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Her loss!

          Reply
  22. Eugi Avatar
    Eugi

    Wonderful post, Pooja! “Control your own destiny or someone else will” – Jack Welch

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you! Love that quote and absolutely true.

      Reply
      1. Eugi Avatar
        Eugi

        You’re welcome, Pooja.

        Reply
  23. Brian, Snarebox Avatar
    Brian, Snarebox

    It’s never too early to think about goals for the next year! (Ok maybe 6 months is too early lol)
    Happy belated Jamhuri. Kenya is certainly one of the most stable African countries, and an example to the rest of the world that independence is worth fighting for.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I’ll think of more goals while I cry about how time has flown by 😅

      Yes, Kenya has been through so much but we have also come such a long way. And the Kenyan people have worked extremely hard to make this country stable, modern and constantly evolving.

      Reply
  24. WellsFiction Avatar
    WellsFiction

    Being able to see ones own flaws, realizing them and desiring change is a really good thing. So many of us just live within denial and that doesn’t help anyone. You’re on the right track, Pooja. And happy independence day to Kenya. I noticed the celebrations last night on France 24 and thought of you 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I completely agree, denial just keeps you stagnant but accepting our flaws and working on them helps you grow. Oh that’s so nice 🙂

      Reply
  25. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View Avatar
    Mr. Ohh’s Sideways View

    Nice post. Remember “We are as Free as we let ourselves be” 🤣😎🙃

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Exactly, a lot of times we’re the ones keeping ourselves stuck in a negative mindset 😣

      Reply
  26. Destiny Avatar
    Destiny

    First…
    ” I can still remember people who pissed me off when I was an infant..” 😂
    too cute lol…

    to “you” to the new year, Pooja.
    wonderful share… all said so well ✨ 🤍

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol, the crazy thing is that’s not far from the truth. I still have a grudge against an aunt who irritated me when I was like one or so 😅

      Thank you and here’s to you as well, hope we have a great 2024 😊

      Reply
      1. Destiny Avatar
        Destiny

        lol, as they say… Let is go…
        however you interpret that.. 😉😬😂

        to a great 2024✨🎉

        most welcome, Pooja 🤗

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          🤗😊

          Reply
  27. donnajburkholder Avatar
    donnajburkholder

    Thank you for the history. I didn’t know your country was so young! I also appreciate your insight regarding holding onto grudges. Letting go is an ongoing mantra of mine. Difficult to do but important and healthier in the long run, I believe.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, we’re a very young nation! I don’t know why but I always think of colonisation as something that happened so long ago but it was fairly recent.
      That’s so great, letting go is definitely very difficult but definitely worth it too. It really frees up our mind to let more positive things in. I hope you’re feeling okay now by the way.

      Reply
  28. Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle Avatar
    Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

    Happy Independence Day! 60 is quite a milestone. Jamaica’s 60th was last year 🙂 you’re right about letting go of grudges. As Marcus Garvey (and later Bob Marley) said, Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much! Wow, Jamaica and Kenya got our independence after one another. I also recently found out that that Kenyans don’t need a visa when visiting Jamaica and can stay for up to six months without a visa which is so cool 😊
      I love that quote (and Bob Marley) because it’s so true.

      Reply
  29. A & J PEI Treasures/E Jean Simpson, BEd, BA, MA Avatar
    A & J PEI Treasures/E Jean Simpson, BEd, BA, MA

    Happy Independence day! Great post!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you!

      Reply
  30. kiki | soyvirgo.com Avatar
    kiki | soyvirgo.com

    That’s a great thing to do! It used to be difficult for me to get over people but luckily with my job i deal with people less! also if i have someone that bothers me it usually will last like 3 minutes tops to get over them in my head. if theyre someone close to me, then 3 hours lol!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks! That’s good, same here I don’t deal with too many people freelancing and no one in person which I think is best for me lol. I need your secret for getting over grudges so quickly 😅

      Reply
  31. J M Negi Avatar
    J M Negi

    Happy Jamhuri Day

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much.

      Reply
  32. Manoj Mehra Avatar
    Manoj Mehra

    The same is with me. It bothers me a lot when someone behaves badly with me. I want to forget it, but I can’t.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, sometimes these bad experiences just stay in our head.

      Reply
  33. TCKlaire Avatar
    TCKlaire

    Happy belated Jamhuri Day! I can certainly relate to wondering if we ever are really free, but I believe identifying the ways in which we are not free can help create meaningful change

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks! That’s true, I think it helps create change but also helps us understand exactly where and what we need to work on.

      Reply
      1. TCKlaire Avatar
        TCKlaire

        Definitely. Nuance is important too

        Reply
  34. justinawamae Avatar
    justinawamae

    our country

    Reply
  35. Azamfarooq Avatar
    Azamfarooq

    Nice info

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you.

      Reply

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