One significant shift in my mindset last year was the value of community. I undervalued the role that being part of a positive community played in one’s growth as a person.
As someone who spent a lot of her life doing things alone, not asking for help, sorting everything else herself and even calming herself down in the middle of a panic attack, community was the last thing on my mind. I never even really thought about it, apart from the blogging community I was a part of. I took so much pride in doing things alone until one day it hit me. If truly I was meant to do things alone, I would have been the only human being in existence on earth. Thankfully that’s not the case because what would I do alone? I can’t even hold a live chicken!
I decided to go on a journey of re-discovery in the middle of last year. At the time, it was more of re-discovering God and less of rediscovering me. During the process of re-discovering God, I found myself disengaging from things I believed were true about myself, My likes, my dislikes, and overall who I was as a person, My personality began to feel a little strange. I didn’t know if certain things were true anymore. I didn’t pay any mind to that initially because my focus was re-discovering God. The lack of clarity surrounding who I was, at the time, seemed to be a distraction.
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.
Yes. That’s me.
Where are you from?
I am from a beautiful country called Zambia. Specifically from Lusaka.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Dose of Wonani 