NEW BEGINNINGS. AGAIN.
My mom said something interesting about me a few months ago. She said that I am good at starting over. I chuckled at the irony. Truth be told, I've often felt stuck, navigating the treacherous waters of procrastination and comparison. Even as I made progress towards my goals, these currents led to decisions and actions that I've had to face. I am grateful for the moments I conquered them and ended up in impactful and sustainable spaces.
The part of me that yearned to wait for the perfect moment or the right words to share was in constant conflict with the desire to just do so. It took a while. Here I am now. Ready(?) and willing to talk about my work/life, like I mentioned in my first blog post. Sooner or later, you have to push to start.
If you're a new reader, hello. Thanks for joining us. If you've read my musings before, it's nice to see you again. Let me tell you what I've been up to the last three years.
The pictures are captured moments of a lot of life. In 2022, I exhibited at my first solo art show in three cities in Malawi. Here is coverage from the Blantyre leg of the tour (18:05-22:05). I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree. I moved back home. Cut my hair. Gave a TEDxBwaila talk. Graduated. I worked in different projects. Registered a company. Sang at karaoke. Hosted and managed events. Yet, the nagging existential questions persisted: "What now?" or "What next?" A self-awareness chat made me realise I am restless and reactive.
This year, my mission was growth—to learn and develop as much as possible. I did research on music, books, shows, anime, samples, soundtracks, and academia. I plugged into my church community. I freelanced, joined two group exhibitions, conducted research, job searched, and learned. I even got a bicycle and taught myself how to ride.
Writing and creating art are more than activities to me; they are therapeutic endeavours that provide moments of respite. They embody my values, allowing me to express myself through colours, stories, or even silence. They are part of my work too, so I try to balance action, pastimes and rest. This little corner of the internet is one place I'll document this journey. I aim to have fun while balancing the tasks of my daily life.
From 20-24 November 2023, I will be in Nairobi for the KreAfrika training program targeting existing and future creative professionals. The program is a consortium between Senghor University and the TRACE media group in partnership with Heva Fund and the support of French Development Agency (AFD). I am among 27 participants from 15 African countries who will be trained in Entrepreneurship and Financing in Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI). I'm so excited! The training program promises to be interactive and intensive. Professionally and personally, I'll be hitting the reset button with a fresh mindset and skill set. Looking forward, my aim is to evolve as a creator and collaborator. I want to be a source of encouragement and education. A reminder that our dreams are valid and achievable while sharing my knowledge and experiences to support others pursuing work in the same industry.
So, here's to starting over. Again and again. To growth, to the messiness of the creative journey, and to the belief that the best is yet to come.
Cheers,
SHARON, the MVP
P.S. Here's a cool photo of me by Content by London just because.
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