Hi! Compliments of the new year!💃🙌 The beginning of a new year normally means stepping into a new season of our lives. This specific blog is for anyone who's starting a new semester, new chapter, new university or just moving to a different location. A friend of mine is going to take you through the highs and lows, maybe even the disparaging experiences of having to adapt to a whole new way of living as a student in a foreign country. Have fun reading. -Rachel🌻
Dear 14-Year-Old Me,
Hi! Firstly, allow me to introduce myself; I am now 22 years old - a health student, business owner, blogger, and motivational speaker. Did you see any of these titles coming? I have absolutely no idea what I am doing but trust me, God has a greater plan for your life. Far from what you’ve planned for yourself.
You know how you tend to think of the moments you’re having and wonder if your future self will be able to remember that specific moment – in detail? News flash, she only remembers the painful and exuberant moments. The rest are a blur. So with that said, no moment is important enough for you to remember and ponder on unless it deals big with your emotions.
I think it’s very important that you focus on yourself and doing what makes you happy but still glorifying God at the same time. Your spiritual journey in your teenage years is the most remarkable thing because you’ve normalized praying for every single thing in your life and building your relationship with God. However, you have developed an unhealthy habit of testing God’s love for you by being a literal compass for whatever takes place. Wherever the wind blows, there you are. In most cases, you’re just pretending to be like those around you to “fit in” but it’s only taking you 10 steps backward because those aren’t true companionships.
06/2013 (At the time, I felt like a diva... laugh with me😂)
Oh, by the way, you’ve stopped using the name “Kim”. You were always so envious of other people having middle names, so your loving neighbor decided that you could share her name ‘Kimberly.’ You loved the name so much that for the better part of your middle teen years those who weren’t close to you, didn’t know it wasn’t even your real name. Years later, you bumped into the ‘real’ Kim at a clothing store and tried to call her out but she ignored you even though she was two feet away from you. Tough fate.
I am so sorry for all your past trauma but babe, stop holding onto the past. It’ll only make you stop growing. So remove those unwanted weeds around you and cultivate your ground then let God do the watering because you deserve to see what kind of beautiful sunflower you’re going to grow into. Regardless of all of this, I am so proud of how you’ve ALWAYS grabbed an opportunity when it arises and how you focused on your grades and passion.
Your future self is so brilliant. You’ve built such a strong repertoire for yourself. So motivated. So beautiful. Such a rib cracker. You’re the girl of your dreams. Oh and companionships? After you decided to stay true to who you are. You did gain the most supportive, intellectually motivating, loving, and true friends. You’re surrounded by such an amazing group of family and friends who you love so much!
With love,
Hey’a! Let’s pretend this is my very first blog post and the cringy previous posts are non-existent. Yeah? Cool. If you haven’t already gone through my blog, I wrote a mini "About Me" section so that it connects you to who I am and why I started this blog.
Anyway, before I forget to use my thrilling pickup line. “Hi, I’m Rachel.” Thank you for being here. I am beyond grateful that you decided to come over and see what this little page of mine is about. It’s a rollercoaster so I hope you’re buckled up and ready to look at the world through my eyes errrr- words.
Before we get anywhere, I’d like to share a little background on why I decided to continue with this journey after pausing for almost 3 years!
I tend to start something and shy away from it after a thorough and complete criticism from myself that I am not good enough and that nobody will be interested in whatever I’ve invested my time in. But, towards the end of last year - 2020, I decided to start being very selfish and start putting myself first.
I had been telling myself I am on a journey of self-love for so long but that wasn’t enough because why did I still want validation from people or value their opinions more than mine? Also, Matthew 22:39 says "... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." How could I possibly live that out when I didn't love myself?
When 2021 started I had no New Year’s Resolution except to quit my job at the time, go back to school and live life. Did you arch your eyebrow at the last thing I stated? Well, it is true. If I wanted to know who I really was outside of what I was taught and conditioned then I genuinely couldn’t love myself because I didn’t know myself. So a month into the year, I quit my job because of how toxic the work environment was and went back to school.
So yes, I started my business with my savings. I literally had NO IDEA how to go about this business
(God Bless YouTube!) but I just went for it and here I am. A proud Owner (and everything in between) of Ray’s Sunflour Treats - a confectionery business. I took a huge leap of faith and switched from being an On-campus student to being an online student. I had no idea what I was doing but I did it anyway. Started being more of a physically present friend, than a phone friend. I could go on and on but you get the gist.
I no longer body shamed myself for my weight, looks, et cetera. No longer thought certain parts of myself or routines were ugly/boring just because social media and people set a standard for what defines those terms. I can now answer questions about who I am, what I like, believe in and all sorts without cowering or shying away.
So we’re finally here, re-enacting my blogger dream. Another leap of faith, but I am fully ready for what the future holds. Totally excited that you get to experience this with me as I head spear into anything that makes me happy and doesn’t hurt me or those around me.
Anyway, here’s a bunch of random questions I got from some of you on my Instagram polls and some I got from my old blog:
Likes?
Myself (extremely hyperbolic about this), My Family, My friends, learning more about God's word, Gospel music, memes, painting, poetry and taking risks.
Affirming people. Sign me up for the cheerleading squad because I will definitely clap and cheer for you! I’ll also be thrown out of a building for exaggerated cheers.
Dislikes?
Reptiles, Bullies, Open cabinets, Being compared to someone, Having a conversation(electronic) with someone who doesn’t write in full words etc pet peeves.
Good at?
I don’t wanna brag haha but I am really really good at annoying people.
Terrible at?
Singing(I love it though)
I cannot dance to save my life.
Favorite physical activities to do?
Breathing? Jumping to conclusions? Lol…
In your opinion, what’s the worst way to die?
Knowing God is real and yet choosing to die without acknowledging that.
Dying in pain.
What is the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
PROBABLY GOING TO BE MY FUTURE HUSBAND’S MEALS >>>
Are you spontaneous or more of a planner?
I am a certified spontaneous planner.
Some of your favorite colors?
Black. Maroon. Purple. White.
Smartest thing you’ve ever done?
Gave my life to Jesus.
Accepting myself and all my flaws. I’m kidding, WHAT FLAWS!? I’m perfect! Self-love 101.
List of things that you think are overpriced?
Hair products (Natural haired girl crying out here)
Skincare products
Sanitary products
Modest clothes
Books
Basically, I’m a broke girl. SEND TIPS ON HOW TO BE RICH IN 24HOURS!
Who is the most positively influential person in your life right now?
Myself. I amaze myself at how I handle life.
Also, my parents. They’re an inspiration. Can someone please offer to write their(my parents) life stories because yerrr! What an awe-stricken journey!
What’s the worst grade you’ve gotten on a test?
Can’t remember.
What would your parents have named you if you were a boy?
I’m pretty sure I would have been a Jacob, geddit? Rachel, Jacob? haha. Go read your Bible - Genesis 29:9.
Jokes aside – Jacob.
Do you eat breakfast every morning?
No. In fact, I used to skip breakfast more than any other meal before the pandemic. But now, I try to eat it more frequently.
Have you ever cried over a text?
One too many times.
Does your bedroom have a door?
No. I get in through the window. Sometimes I tear the roof apart to get in lol, of course my bedroom has a door.(stolen)
How is your hair?
4 AB(addie) like that? Pretty natural. (See what I did there? 😂) It's got a mind of its own nowadays, it does what it wants. It also demands the strength of eight men to be combed. If you didn’t get that. My hair is a mixture of hair types.
Songs you listen to most?
I’m a routine girl. Which means I do the same thing over and over until I get tired of it or find something new. So, with songs I can’t choose my favorite because it changes all the time. But in the past year, I’ve abused some of Maverick City, Elevation Worship and Lauren Daigle’s songs. If by now you haven’t realised it, I’m a gospel hun.
How do you vent your anger?
Face the culprit and give them a piece of my mind OR
Tell my trusted therapists about it aka my besties.
Are you happy with the person you’ve become?
YES! And I love seeing myself grow into this embodiment of strength, love and kindness every day.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
- If you can, let me know what special things you’ve done since you discovered you have this superpower.
What would you want to be written on your tombstone?
“Here lies Jacob. A free-spirited soul that did his best to live life to the fullest. Although most of you knew her as Rachel.” Honestly, I need to revise my humour.
If the whole world was listening to you right now, what would you say?
“Are you satisfied with who you are when you look in the mirror?”
“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. What ground do you stand on?”
Favorite clothing store?
Lol I rarely shop. Emphasis on RARELY.
Don't have a favorite. This explains my fashion style. Non-existent. But… hello Cotton On? I’m coming, my love.
Do you think you are ambitious?
Yes.
What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?
“Run at your own pace and excel in your lane. We can't all be engineers and doctors - the world needs plumbers and artists too!” – Rachel Mwale, 2018
What question do you hate to answer?
"Why didn’t you tell me that…?"
Those who needed to know, KNEW. Now slowly let that sink in.
Are you pursuing your dreams?
I don’t have dreams and that’s okay. I just want to be better than I currently am. I pursue that every day.
When is your birthday?
12th June.
Why have you been gone for so long?
God really just shifted everything in my life and my energy, routine and communications skills just changed overnight to accommodate the shift. I apologise to those that woke up one day and I was gone with no explanations.
Your writing process
Hmmm, I wish I had one but I genuinely just write what I think. My writing is a reflection of how I speak. Like the way I’d normally hold a conversation but with ironed creases.
How did you become so ambitious and opportunity-ready? What cultivates your work?
I don’t want to answer this. It’s going to depress me. But thank you. I’ll probably answer it as a blog post of its own.
Favorite Bible Verse?
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Favorite Quote(s)?
"You may think I'm small, but I have a universe inside my mind."
"In order to write about life, first you must live it."
Thank you & God bless you for reading this lonely comeback blog. Would definitely love to hear any feedback. Comment down below or if you’re shy DM me on any of my socials (preferably Instagram, I’m a ghost on the other platforms.) or email me at rachelmwalejc@gmail.com
Hiiiii! Welcome! My name is Rachel Mwale. I am a 22 year old girl who lives in Gaborone, Botswana but my ancestors are Malawian. I am a very spontaneous open book. I laugh and talk for a living – I can do both simultaneously! Even though, my laugh sounds like a dying hyena OR on a good day it sounds like I’m having an asthma attack. I love expressing myself through words and I hope to take you along! I believe strongly that one's life becomes easier when there is some sort of communication going on. I always have a lot to say about something and I hope this platform that I’ve created will make you relate to some of my content and rants. Thank you for coming through. God bless you and lots of love. Ps. Buckle up, it’s a wild rollercoaster here!
