Category Archives: Close to The Heart!

Friendships and relationships in Old-Age.

As we grow old having friends is now very important. It’s not easy to make friends at this age. Do not let work and life get in between your friendships. Be intentional with them. Soon you will retire and head back to the village or your retirement home or wherever it is you are gonna end up. It’s the friends of your youth who will still laugh at your silly jokes, sit by your side at your daughter’s Ruracio, or have your back when you go in for a colonoscopy.

Buddies  for life.!!

Studies have shown that social connections are crucial for maintaining cognitive function and emotional well-being. Without friends to share our old age with, we may find ourselves struggling with depression and anxiety, which can also lead to other health issues.

The support system that friends provide is irreplaceable, offering companionship and also a sense of belonging, and purpose.

Our family dynamics will shift. Our kids will grow up and leave home. Our wives will spend weeks on end visiting with the kids. Our professional identities will fade, No one will remember that you used to be director or CEO. That is when the friendships we’ve nurtured over the years become a cornerstone of our social lives. These relationships remind us of who we are and where we’ve come from. They enrich our lives in countless ways.

Choose lifetime friendships and nurture them. You will need them very soon.

Balancing Fatherhood and Marriage: Understanding the Differences.

Being a good dad and a good husband are two different roles. It’s possible to excel in one while struggling in the other. Both roles are very important and most men suffer trying to navigate these challenges.

A good dad spends quality time with his children. He provides emotional support and guidance. He ensures their safety and well-being. He encourages their growth and development. Fathers focus on creating a strong bond with their children and supporting them through various stages of growth.

On the other hand, good husband communicates effectively with his spouse. He shows love and affection consistently. He supports his partner’s dreams and goals. He works together to solve problems and make decisions. Marriage requires ongoing effort, understanding, and compromise. It’s about building a partnership based on mutual respect and love.

The skills needed to be a good dad and a good husband can sometimes conflict. Balancing time between children and spouse can be challenging. Providing emotional support to children might leave less energy for a spouse. Children and spouses have different needs and expectations.

It’s important to recognize that being a good dad and a good husband are both valuable and challenging roles. By understanding the differences and working towards balance, you can be successful in both areas. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step you take towards improvement counts.

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Symptoms.

ADHD symptoms can vary but generally fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Inattention:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
  • Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
  • Often seems not to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Trouble organizing tasks and activities.
  • Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort.
  • Frequently loses items necessary for tasks and activities.
  • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities.

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:

  • Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet.
  • Inability to stay seated in situations where it is expected.
  • Running or climbing in inappropriate situations.
  • Inability to play or engage in activities quietly.
  • Talking excessively.
  • Interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or games.
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn.

Diagnosis.

Diagnosing ADHD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatrician. The process may include:

  • Detailed interviews with the individual and their family.
  • Questionnaires or rating scales to assess symptoms.
  • Observations of behavior in different settings (e.g., home, school).
  • Medical examinations to rule out other conditions.

Treatment.

ADHD can be managed with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes¹²³.

Medications:

  • Stimulants: Methylphenidate and amphetamines are commonly prescribed and can help increase attention and focus.
  • Non-stimulants: Atomoxetine and guanfacine are alternatives for those who do not respond well to stimulants.

Therapies:

  • Behavioral Therapy: Helps individuals develop coping strategies and skills to manage symptoms.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
  • Parent Training and Education Programs: Teach parents strategies to support their child’s development and manage behavior.

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Establishing routines and organizational systems.
  • Regular physical activity.
  • Healthy diet.
  • Adequate sleep.

The “Generation Z” Protests in Kenya.

Recently, Kenya has witnessed a surge of protests led by the youth specifically; Generation Z—the cohort born during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These young activists have taken to the streets, demanding change and voicing their frustrations over government policies and the rising cost of living. But what drives this generation to protest, and what are they fighting for?

The youth in Kenya face a unique set of challenges. They grew up in a digital age, where information flows freely across social media platforms. They are well aware of the government’s shortcomings, from corruption scandals to mismanagement of public funds. As taxpayers, they question why their hard-earned money isn’t being put to better use. The recent tax hikes were the tipping point, prompting them to take action.

The protests have not been without consequences. Clashes between demonstrators and police officers have escalated, leading to tragic loss of life. Rights groups accuse the police of using excessive force, firing live rounds at unarmed protesters. The disturbing videos circulating online show the brutality faced by these young activists. Their courage in documenting these incidents underscores their determination to hold authorities accountable.

Generation Z’s impact extends beyond the streets. They’ve harnessed the power of social media, rallying support under the hashtags;

#RejectFinanceBill2024 #OccupyParliament #OccupyEverywhere
#RutoMustGo

Their collective voice forced the government to reconsider its stance on contentious provisions, including taxes on basic necessities. By Thursday 27th June 2024, the government had announced significant concessions, signaling a victory for the protesters.

However these demos have increasingly become a haven of goons and looters. Although the first demos were largely peaceful, the subsequent ones are a disgrace to the Generation Z. This is not what they’d envisioned in their fight for #rejectFinanceBill2024. Many have gone to social media to condemn the many incidences of looting and Stealing.

This is a stark contrast to the genuine grievances expressed by the majority. As we condemn police brutality, we must also denounce these criminals who tarnish the cause. Our fight for justice should remain focused on systemic change, not violence and theft.

Let’s stand up in peace and liberty and say NO to this political infiltration by unpatriotic imbeciles.

“Bless This our Land and Nation.”

I am My best Friend.❤️

Self-love is the practice of accepting, caring for, and accepting oneself as one is, without judgment or criticism.

Loving yourself and taking care of yourself are like being your own best friend. It’s about feeling good for being you, and doing little things every day to make sure you’re happy and healthy.

When I love myself, I remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I don’t have to be perfect. It’s like giving myself a big hug, even when I trip or when I fall. And when I take care of myself, it’s like making sure I eat my favorite dish, get plenty of sleep, and do the things that make me smile.

Putting myself first also means I can be stronger when things get tough, and I can share more smiles with my loved ones. It’s like when my cup is full, I can pour into others’ cups too.

So, I make sure to listen to my heart, rest when I’m tired, and do things that make me happy. This way, I’m not just getting by; I’m having a great time being me!

“Even when it seems that there is no one else, always remember there is one person who never ceased to love you -Yourself.”

The ONLY Life Tips you need to Know.

Proddy Scribbles.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and continuous growth with timeless Japanese wisdom. 🌱 Explore Ikigai, Kaizen, Pomodoro, and more to find balance and beauty in life’s imperfections. Dive into our latest blog post to unlock the secrets of self-improvement, the Japanese way. 🎌

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