“Great acts are made up of small deeds.” - Lao Tzu
The conclusion of another year on this gorgeous planet can only be summed up with gratitude for the people who have made it so special. As I look back on the entries for this it is incredible how the little things add up into big ones. I am so thankful for this wonderful and loving group of stars I feel so very lucky to have in my orbit.
Mum, I am so thankful for all you do, have done, and continue to do. Your support and love is as unflinching, unwavering, unflappable, and unbelievably resolute as they come! A few little things from 2021 I honour you for: cooking me food; involving me in your projects and ideas; smiling and believing in me (even if/when I let you down); championing me; listening to random podcasts i send; sending me funny happy messages; reading my monthly write ups even when you are exhausted of reading/editing; trying things outside your comfort zone with me so we can spend time together; guiding me through relationships woes, trials and tribulations; sharing my music far and wide; teaching us old stories and heritage even when its not obvious we are that into them; getting the family together; looking after us so caringly; inspiring me to write and walk and read and constantly try new things; being positive; energising us with your spirit; setting such an incredible example always (from indefatigable altruism; to the value of perseverance, grit, and effort); checking in on me periodically if/when i lapse on communication, playing basketball even when your knees hurt; being an adventurer and explorer; sharing your creativity and art; loving us unconditionally.
“Little strokes fell great oaks.” - Benjamin Franklin
Dad, I am so very privileged to have you as a father, my gratitude is deep and overwhelming for who you are and how potently you care. Some of the steadfast and patient, kind and generous, warm and light hearted core virtues you embody I strive to replicate and enact every day. A few little things from 2021 I honour you for: contending with my silly photo faces (and pulling a few of your own); going on karura walks with me and ciru (plus dragging aunt judy along); coming go karting and slowing down your lap times intentionally so ciru and i can feel the sensation of winning (we see your tricks mr formula 1 safari rally veteran); mombasa trips; big family lunches; taking up golf and setting such an amazing consistency example; helping with my kenyan sim card, ID and passport; checking up on me regularly and keeping me updated on things at home; hooking me up with the slickest suit ever; weathering my very weak jokes; keeping the parklands dream alive and well; telling and retelling incredibly vivid old boxing stories; trying vegetarian and fasting; inspiring me to play chess and think about strategy deeply; helping cultivate a strong bond between Ciru and I; sharing your concerns and vulnerabilities even when your instinct is to protect us from them.
"Let your love be like the misty rain, coming softly but flooding the river." Liberian Proverb.
Ciru, you are the most wonderful sister I could ever ask for. I am so appreciative of your empathy, warmth, acceptance, and the abundance of joy you share with me whenever we connect. I feel your love wherever I am and whatever I am doing. A few little things from 2021 I honour you for: making the time to call me regularly; listening to my silly stories; getting me to do fun playful things that break me out of my slightly boring fuddy duddy routine (like bowling); lending me your guitar to play when I am in Kenya; being a gift buying magician for the rest of the fam on our behalf; joining me for some basketball and walking and gym and all the other wild sporting ideas I bring to the table; sharing your art and doing amazing paintings for (and of) me; driving me around since i STILL don’t have a driving licence; looking after our folks when I am not around and spending quality time with them; giving me really useful feedback on my songs and art; making my friends feel so welcome when I introduce them; showing me how to dance; dealing with my silly photos faces (and sending me a few of your own too haha); being so strong teaching me how to keep focused on the positives whilst growing as a person in the face of adversity.
Those who end up accomplishing great things pay attention to little ones. Mali Proverb.
Wallace, having you for a step-father is the most magical blessing. We have so many mutual interests, common ideals and fabulous rapport. I am indelibly affected by your character, philosophy, fastidiousness, focus, drive, and tenderness. You are such a powerful confluence of intelligence, humility, determination, sentimentality, passion and geniality that I am constantly seeking to subsume and absorb. A few little things from 2021 I honour you for: constantly working to bring friends and family together bond and connect as a priority we all look forward to; labours of love in the kitchen that are always hotly anticipated; looking after your sister so compassionately and dutifully plus sharing so much of that journey that i might better be able care for my own; enabling me to have so much freedom to live in London and save for the future; getting yourself a piano (that I can use to practice); making such an effort to keep hugo and I’s bond full of rich memories and experiences; being so attentive and interested in the close friends I introduce; laughing so freely and rambunctiously (with a tint of shrill) and filling special occasions with such a radiant energy; reading all my end of month write ups, offering feedback and encouraging me to strive to improve myself; offering insights and guidance especially when reflecting on powerful and impactful moments (e.g. flashy newcastle father who was estranged from his children and wife then lived a humble life with a new family who mourned him at his funeral); bring so loving to mum ciru and I.
“Notice the small things. The rewards are inversely proportional.” – Liz Vassey
I’ll devote this final section to those I love outside of my immediate family, you make a profound difference to the person I am and want to be! At the dawn of a new year a refrain I constantly seek to reflect on is the idea that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I have run out of space to identify all the people who have been such a bedrock of my existence; all the things you’ve all done to contribute to the pursuit of worthy ideals; all the fellowship and support you have been a part of is insurmountably cherished and valued. Cannot wait to do and be more with you in 2022 and beyond.
Final thanks to me. #self-love.
Good effort. We can do better. Keep at it. Be proud of yourself. You are one of the luckiest people in the world. Remember this time, it is as care-free and unencumbered as you have ever felt. Learn from these people. Care for these people. Show them how much they mean to you. Regularly. I recommend adding them to your list individually for the whole year in 2022 so that you take specific actions that are measurable which you can reflect on at the end of the year and say that is what I did to communicate my gratitude. Stay focused. Love freely. See you soon.
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
