It is no secret that I have been struggling with writing lately. It takes me a lot longer to come up with what to write about. Previously, I could draft a full body of work… More
Meet The Blogger: Question and Answer
Hello everyone. I have made the great (depending on how you look at it) return to my writing corner on the internet. I promise I’m trying to not make this a habit. If you follow my Instagram and listen to my podcast, you’ll discover I haven’t been as MIA as it seems I have been here.
For some very strange reason, people have continued to interact with my posts and even follow my blog while I have been away. I do appreciate those as well as the people who have stuck around during my absence. I genuinely can’t believe I still have readers.
Due to the fact that I am constantly reinventing myself, I thought it would be a good idea to write a long overdue “Meet the Blogger” post. That’s what we are doing today. This post does feel very self-centered but it has to be done.
What is your name?
My name is Wonani Mwanza.
Where are you from?
I am from a beautiful country called Zambia. Specifically from Lusaka.
Also Read: Interesting Facts You Should Know About Zambia
What do you do?
I am a civil engineer, blogger and podcaster. I somehow do all three but one tends to suffer when things get really busy in certain areas. Also, constantly thinking about numbers sometimes takes me away from being creative here. I’m actively working towards changing that. I’m no longer looking for balance. Just trying to find a system that can make all these work. Hopefully, as soon as that system is working, nothing comes up to cause havoc. Unless, of course, it is a good thing.
What are your favourite qualities about yourself?
I always try to run away from such questions because I don’t like to think too much. Also, sometimes I feel I don’t know enough about myself. Anyway, let’s not be unnecessarily deep. I think I’m an honest person, I’m a great listener and it really takes a lot for me to give up. I really try.
What’s your favourite book?
My favourite book currently is All The Bright Places. I read it a couple of years ago and haven’t read anything since that pleased me as much as that one did. What a beautiful piece of writing and story-telling. Here’s a little secret. I once had a book blog and the only review I posted there was for All The Bright Places. Now I only do book reviews on my Instagram Stories.
What’s your favourite place you’ve been?
Langkawi, Malaysia! Langkawi was so beautiful. Great food, great activities, amazing people, etc. I had such an amazing stress free time. Zero worries at all. I would love to go back there soon and do everything I didn’t get a chance to do.
Also Read: I Took A Four Day Trip To Langkawi
What is your biggest dream?
Well, I have many big dreams but I believe I have a lot to share with the world. So much to do. Give me platforms. I also want to travel whenever I can.
I’m actually living one of my dreams which is to work with young people and just help them navigate life. I know that’s a very broad statement because what do I mean navigate life? That was a dream and I’m living it now.
What is the most interesting and different thing you’ve done this year?
Believe it or not, a photoshoot. I do not enjoy having my picture taken because of a number of reasons so to step out and decide to be part of a photoshoot for Bloomers was something even my mind wasn’t really understanding. I had the loveliest time with them and everyone was kind and patient. Did I have a wardrobe malfunction? Of course I did. Would it really be my first photoshoot without something going wrong?
What is your current favourite song?
I’ve been listening to One Name by Naomi Raine a lot recently. It is a good song. I will consider creating playlists and sharing them here every so often.
What is your worst habit?
I have no better way to say it but picking my skin off my fingers. There’s no better way to say it, I’m afraid. I know, I’m not proud of it.
What’s the biggest project on your to-do list right now?
Personal project: I need to do better at my time management. I hope that counts.
Business project: I just need to make more money. I need a million-dollar business idea.
What’s your favourite scripture?
I don’t have favourites but here are four I’ve been loving over the last few months:
- Jeremiah 29:12- “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
- Jeremiah 31:25- “I’ll restore tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls.”
- Psalm 116:7- “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
What’s your favourite thing about life right now?
Here are a few things I’m enjoying:
- Loving Jesus
- Working with teenagers. I didn’t think I’d find so much fulfilment and learn so much about myself through this.
- Being loved!
These are all the questions for now. If there is anything else you’d like to know about me, leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to let you know. Also, leave a comment telling me one interesting fact about yourself. I would love to know what my readers are like.
If you haven’t been listening to my podcast, you’re missing out! Catch up now and don’t be left behind.
Thank you so much for reading!
Love,
Wonani Xx
What I’m Looking Forward To At 24
I never get excited for my birthday. I’m very well accustomed to birthday blues and sadness. I’m no stranger to not wanting to do anything for my birthday and to feeling like, “Eh. It’s just another year.” This year was extremely different. I was very excited about turning 24.
I turned 24 on the 4th of February. Three days before my birthday, someone asked me how old I was and I very quickly said 24. Our conversation went on and I realised I wasn’t 24. “Wait! I lied! I’m not 24.” The person I was talking to gave me a puzzled look and I went on to explain that I actually turn 24 in about three days and we both just laughed about it.
You Can Also Read: Dear 30 Year Old Me
In the past, I never rushed to say my age because I felt I was too young. I suppose this was true because for a long time, I was always the youngest in my friend groups. I’m not excited to say my age because I don’t feel young anymore. I’m excited because I’m really looking forward to 24. I’m just very optimistic of all that is to come.
On my birthday eve, I was telling a couple of friends that I felt like I was entering a new phase of life where things probably won’t be easy but there will be a lot of growing and a lot of peace. I know I’m gonna be stretched this year and you know what? I’m here for it.
You Can Also Read: I Turned 22
At 24, I am giving up on trying to attain balance. I am almost convinced it is not possible. Instead, I will seriously be working on my time management. I am currently working on a number of things and I’m bound to add more to my plate by the time the year is done. I have concluded that time management is the way forward because so far, balance has failed me. I also recently heard that balance equals stagnation. That’s a theory I’d have to explain but it’s what I’m going with.
At 24, I would also like to serve my family more. I have been spending so much time serving other areas of my life and not doing the best job at serving my family. I want to be more present and really have good personal relationships with everyone. I wouldn’t want to serve my church or my job and not serve my family at all. Family is my first ministry! I will have to make adjustments to my day to day plans and make room for my family. I also feel the need to really work on this now because if I move out without having properly done this, that will be the end for me. Lol.
At 24, I need to make money. Multiple streams of income. I’m looking for ways to make money outside my 9 to 5. Sometimes, I wake up thinking, “How can I make money today?” I need to be earning. So many things need money so I’m gonna have to make money.
At 24, I will be falling more and more in love with Jesus. It has been such a beautiful and fulfilling journey so far. I believe there is so much more for me to learn and discover and I’m looking forward to doing this even more. I believe I’m a much better person because of my decision to consciously follow Jesus.
At 24, I’m looking forward to seeing myself bloom. I feel like I’ve been like a flower waiting to bloom and I am finally in the process of blooming. It’s quite difficult to explain this to people who haven’t witnessed the process. I am finally learning about myself and being confident with that knowledge. Thinking about the person I am becoming and the things I will be doing just gives me goosebumps!
Finally, at 24, I’m looking forward to maintaining healthy relationships. I am looking forward to love and everything it will bring me. It will definitely be a fascinating year for sure.
You Can Also Read: 21 Things I’ve Learnt In 21 Years
24 will not be the smoothest of years. What I do know for sure is there will be redefining, stretching, blooming and growth. I’m looking forward to all that this year has to bring. I am so excited and so expectant. I am so ready for 24!
I will have a podcast episode out tomorrow where I share 24 lessons I’ve learnt at 24. Be on the lookout for it! It is highly informative and fun. I know you’ll love it.
One More Thing…
For this year’s valentine’s post, I decided to do a Q+A with a twist. Let me explain. I need you to send me whatever questions you have regarding relationships, love, breakups or anything to do with the two. When you send me a question, I will send you a list of other questions I have received and you get to pick one, give me an answer and I will share it on the blog for everyone to see. You get it? Yes? Yes! So please send me your questions via email @doseofwonani@gmail.com or via Instagram @doseofwonani. Alternatively, you can leave your questions in the comments below! I am Looking forward to hearing from you.
Do you get excited for your birthday? Yes or No? Leave a comment and let me know. Don’t forget to listen to the podcast too!
Thanks for reading,
Love,
Wonani Xx
Hello Readers! We Have News!
Hello my very lovely readers! Before I get any further into this blogpost, I just want to say Happy New Year! I hope 2023 will be kind to you and good to you. I’m pretty excited about this year. I just feel so hopeful and excited.
Your favourite blogger, and stranger, has made a return. I am not here to talk about where I was in December because there is, indeed, nothing to talk about. What I will do, however, is bring the blog back and tell you what the vision is for this year!
We Have Some Changes
I’m super excited for the blog and everything I hope to do with it this year. I’ve decided to add on to the content I already share. This last year, I decided to embark on a faith journey. Just really learning about God. My faith has always been a big part of me and really influenced who I was, my decisions, etc. Now, I want to create room for that on my blog. You will notice that I will have some faith content added to the mix. I’ll be sharing my journey, my discoveries etc. I don’t think it will feel so different or look different because I’ve really always shared about my life.
Another change I’m making this year is a change to my posting schedule. The plan last year was to post every fortnight and that did not go well at all. This year, I have a better grasp of things and I have decided to go back to posting weekly. As I was in 2021. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated.
You Must Fill In This Survey
As part of my efforts to revamp the blog, I made a survey for you, my lovely readers, to give your thoughts on the blog and let me know what changes you would like to see. I will work with your ideas and implement them the best way I can, hand-in-hand with my personal ideas.
You can find the survey here. Please answer all the questions honestly. I will really appreciate your feedback! Thanks in advance.
The Blog Had A Baby
I’m so glad to announce that the blog had a baby and Dose of Wonani: The Podcast is here!!! This may come as a surprise to those who don’t follow me on any of my social media.
We finally have the podcast I have talked about for years. This has been on my list of goals for the year for the last four years and I am so excited it is finally alive and breathing. The introductory episode as well as the official first episode is already out. If you love the blog, you’ll love the podcast!
On the podcast, I talk about the real things I’ve gone through in life, share lessons learnt, tell stories and really just have a good time with good conversation. If the comments I’ve received so far are anything to go by, you are in for a ride! Please, do listen to the two episodes that are already out here or on any other podcast streaming platform.
I will be releasing new episodes fortnightly. Look out for the next one on the 25th of January, 2023!
Finally, the blog is still open to guest posts and collaboration! I’m looking forward to working with as many people and brands as I can this year. If you would like to work with me, send me an email on doseofwonani@gmail.com.
Well, these are all the blog updates I have for now. I’m looking forward to blogging freely again this year. I hope you stick with me this year. Also, if you’re reading this and aren’t subscribed, make sure you do so that you don’t miss out on anything I share this year. Don’t forget to take part in the survey!
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Wonani Xx
November Journaling Calendar
Hello my lovely readers! A few months ago, I wrote about why you need to start journaling. I got great feedback on the post and during my interactions with my Instagram followers on the same, the idea came up to create a template that I can share with everyone. That is what I will be sharing today.
When I posed the question about whether people journal or not, a few people responded saying they don’t journal because they don’t know what to write about or how to go about it. I then asked if they would be interested in some journaling prompts and they said they would. That’s why we are here.
Journaling Topics
The journaling calender follows four main themes: Gratitude, Introspection, Reminiscent and Future-self journaling. With the help of a friend, I chose these four because I believe they are all encompassing. There is a lot more that could be written in regards to the themes than what I have shared in this calender so I hope you have the freedom to explore that even after we are done with this month.
Gratitude
Over the years, I have learnt to express gratitude for the big things and especially for the little things. Gratitude journaling is something I do every time I journal regardless of what my main journal entry is about. I make it a point to mention at least one thing I’m grateful for.
It is important to develop a heart of gratitude. This makes you aware of the good things going on in your life and also helps you identify silver linings in tough situations. Gratitude journaling develops helps you to develop a positive mindset. Gratitude journaling helps you remember what truly matters. It is a reminder of all that is good.
Introspection
This is a big one! One fear people have when it comes to journaling is coming face to face with who we really are on the inside and not the person we pretend to be. Sometimes, people like the pretend version of themselves more than the real version because that one could be more likeable, fun or just easier to get along with.
Introspection can be defined as “the process of attempting to directly access one’s own internal psychological processes, judgements, perceptions, or states.” Introspection is important because it allows you to understand yourself and process what you learn about yourself along the way.
Reminiscent
Reminiscent journaling is simply writing down your memories. I enjoy doing this especially when it comes to writing down things that happened years ago that I never want to forget because I tend to forget things I haven’t written down.
Reminiscent journaling requires that you go back to an event that happened years, months or weeks ago, recall how you felt in that moment and how you went about it and then write everything down. There are people I never want to forget, places I never want to forget and emotions I never want to forget so I gladly write them all down.
Future-self
I don’t future-self journal often but when I do, I absolutely love it. Two of my favourite blogposts here were future self-related. You can have a look at my letter to my future boyfriend and my letter to myself at 30 years old for ideas.
For this theme, I thought it would be a great idea to write about our goals and dreams without doing it the traditional way of making lists. Future-self journaling is important because it allows you to keep track of your goals, make better decisions and develop a positive mindset because I believe no one willingly sees themselves failing in the next 10 years. I am most excited for these ones.
I’ll share an image of the calendar below but I’d highly recommend you download the pdf version here because it simply looks better and you can keep it on your device and easily share it with others.
Please follow my Instagram @doseofwonani to keep up with my journaling posts this month on my stories. I will be posting everyday and will also be explaining some of my prompts and letting you into my journal on some days. So be sure to follow me so that we can keep up with each other’s journey.
Leave a comment and let me know if this is something you will be taking part in. Also, let me know which theme you are most excited about. I would love to know and also interact with you.
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Wonani Xx
Working As An Intern: Go Easy On Yourself
Hello my lovely readers! This is a post that has been a long time coming but I *FINALLY* got an engineering job. Yes. You read that right. Your girl made her first step into the engineering industry and the first step to achieving one of her wildest dreams. Well, from the title of this post, you know I’m working as an intern. A structural engineering intern to be specific. During my time as an intern, I have felt like quitting about twenty times and as a result, I have learnt to go easy on myself.
I have interning experience. I have done two other internships prior to this one. What makes this one different, however, is that this is my first internship as a university graduate. A degree holder. I am suddenly expected to know everything there is to know about the field.
Going in, I had so many expectations. I was going in to learn new skills, add on to the skills that I have and simply be the best intern I could possibly be. And that’s exactly what I did until I ran into hiccups and started questioning how ready I was for this new chapter of my life. Did I really learn anything in uni?
You Can Also Read: How To Get An Internship (Student Version)
When I got to my workplace, I had heard from other interns that the place wasn’t really busy. I heard that while they did have tasks occasionally, they didn’t really get to work on so many projects and I was kinda bummed. I didn’t want to spend as much money as I was spending to get to the office to end up doing nothing when I got there.
Fortunately, and sometimes unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for me. I always have work to do. Within my first two weeks of being there, I found myself doing my first full task using a software I had never used before. All my colleagues were going through the task easily and I was struggling trying to figure out how to draw a line at an angle.
I remember coming home one day and telling my mom that work was hard. The tasks were easy but executing them was just so hard for me because I didn’t really know how to use the software. I felt so bad about myself because when other people were starting their second task on the project, I was still figuring out the first one. During that week alone, I wanted to quit so many times and I just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t getting it!
I eventually managed to finish it and then started working on my second project. Yet again, the task is easy but the execution has really been killing me. I remember coming back home after a really bad work day, hormones all over the place and juts balling my eyes out because why even did I decide to get into engineering!
You Can Also Read: What I Learnt From My Internship (Student)
This post, is for anyone just starting out at their very first new job and those struggling with belonging in a new work environment. This post is for me.
While I struggled with all these things, I kept reminding myself of how I needed to be patient with myself and how I needed to show myself grace. I reminded myself to go easy on me. Here is why.
I Don’t Really Know Anything, But I Should Be Willing To Learn
Okay. Not anything. I made it through 4 years of university so I definitely know something. However, it is okay to not know things. That’s one challenge I found myself facing. I like to know things and not knowing was just stressing me out. So I had to accept my lack of knowledge but not dwell in it.
One thing about me, however, is I will always be willing to learn. Be it stuff about my job, religion, social justice, etc. I’m always willing to learn and so even though I would go back home to complain to anyone who would listen, I’d still sit and read up on everything. Doing whatever it takes to learn. Also, asking 10000 questions. My boss knows me as the girl who will ask questions. If I haven’t been to his office in days, he comes to ask why I have been quiet or why he hasn’t been seeing me. Before, I used to worry that maybe I annoy him with my questions. That never stopped me though because I’m just trying to be good at what I do. My willingness to learn has always made up for my lack of knowledge and I believe that is one of the things that ensures I’m always given work to do.
I Have Six Months Experience, They Have Ten
This is not me trying to make myself feel better. Okay. Who am I kidding? It is. I used to feel so bad about not being able to draw things or design as quickly as people who have been working professionally in the industry for years. This was until I reminded myself that I’ve literally been working this job for less than six months. It is almost impossible for me to be as skilled or as knowledgeable as they are. They have learnt and gathered so much over the years.
Thinking like this helped me feel better about myself and definitely lessened the pressure I was feeling. It will most likely take me a lot less than 10 years to learn what they learnt in 10 years but I’m not there right now and that is okay. I have learnt so much in my time here and I’m grateful for that. I’m definitely more experienced than when I got here.
7 months in and I’m not complaining about being behind anymore. I just complain about being tired and not sleeping enough but I am way past putting so much unnecessary pressure on myself. I am learning and that’s okay.
You Can Also Read: Chronicles of An Intern (My Internship experience)
I don’t write much about my profession but I do intend to create a section for it. I will be giving tips on internship as a graduate because compared to being a student intern, this is a whole different ball game. I can’t wait to share more on this!
What was/is your experience like working as an intern in your field? Please leave a comment and let me know!
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Wonani Xx
Dose of Wonani 