Hear me out – I love controlling my environment and managing, planning as much as I can to ensure I can control as much as possible. I am a plan A, B, C and D girl… but 2022 has chucked all that out.
I had big plans for 2022, not to say I have utterly failed, but I had to take a huge step back and go back to the mindset of a learner and intern in my own company. Growth does that, it forces one back into humility.

This editor’s note, unlike my other notes, is brief – as I’d like to call on all of us to do a little introspection:
Are you feeling lost and stuck because you are stuck and lost or are you feeling that way because you are resisting change that needs you to move beyond this point and grow?

Here’s a realisation I have had; I have become so unstitched and undone this year feeling as though things aren’t moving forward. I was indeed needing to go back to ‘school’ and find the tools to take forward in tearing down the next barrier on the journey forward. A lot of shedding was happening, a lot of unlearning old habits that don’t work for me and my journey but perhaps were learned and observed and taken on for my past self… they are simply not fit for me on this current chapter of my journey. My mind and body have tried and failed to comprehend the transitions that the spirit needs to push through.

My schooling has come in the form of turning inward and doing a little more self-work, self-assessment… the lonely work that we tend to avoid. We love what we know, we love education because it allows us to move in a calculated manner, but the internal work and compass, that’s hard. The courage to do so, to push the door open one learning at a time allows the mind and body to let go of the resistance – yes it is uncomfortable – embrace that. Remember that if you are okay staying comfortable, you will inevitably remain stagnant.

In this edition of AoS Mag, I’d like us to take a step back into ourselves and unstuck ourselves. Get out of your own mud, get the water out of your eyes. Yes, I see you paddling frantically, duck swimming in one spot. Threading that water aimlessly. Get out, sit on the shore, breathe and go within. Who were you before your education? When was the last time you introduced yourself as your name, and passion? When last did your favourite thing supersede your work title or what you’re professionally known for? Build your dream raft as you sit there on that shore. Build it starting with the things you want in life. How are you? If today you are a caterpillar cocooned, what’s your butterfly era going to look like?

“Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have travelled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction.” – Maya Angelou

The Sit Down – Netflix’s Leading Ladies, Mellisa Kiplagat and Osas Ighodaro

Whenever we think about our Sit Down with Melissa and Osas we can’t help but start humming Queen Bey’s “Energy” and we cannot stop smiling – because who wouldn’t after spending just 2 minutes with these two Leading Ladies of Netflix Africa? 

Melissa a leading lady we have come to love from shows such as Country Queen and Osas who stars in some of our favourites shows, Man of God and Smart Money Woman – what is there not to love?!

With smart, intentional, purpose led women like this at the forefront of storytelling, we can promise you one thing, our stories are in very safe hands.  Pour yourself something yummy to sip on, sit back and ensure that you are comfortable. Now, take in all the joy!

Behind the Lens: Women Photographers

In celebration of World Photography Day Art of Superwoman profiles female photographers.