IN HER THOUGHTS

I'm going to start by thanking nkocykay for nominating me for the Liebster Award, a lady with an arm of words and a fellow blogger. Girl you rock! Looking forward to discovering new blogs, so the rules go like this: • Thank the Blogger who nominated you. Vote of thanks to nkocykay. • Answer the 11 questions given to you. I'm looking forward to that, are you? • Nominate 11 Bloggers. I have a blogging family, 11 out of many talented writers. In no particular order. If I skip your don't block, I got you in my heart.  • Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post What is your favorite book and why? My favourite book is the bible. I feel like it's that one book where most writers draw their inspiration from. So why drink only a bowl when I have access to the spring waters of life. "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." Wh...

Here’s to friendships forged! A community build on words, a canvas of true solidarity Creativity sparked, a journey of self-discovery & hidden potential Potential hidden in the depths of our anxiety, self doubt and blocks A glimpse that we’re one, different countries connected by words I hope you now know the power your words hold I hope you have shaken off doubts from the edge of your hem I hope your arms stretch to collaborations and new possibilities I hope you continue to challenge yourself from here till forever Lesson learnt, hold them, dear, the challenge ends but creating c ontinues…   Thank you Afrobloggers, for the new friends who are slowly becoming my blogging family, the laughs, facing issues that make our hearts ache, revisiting our goals and vision. Of course, the different voices and types of writing. Man this was good exposure to all the talented and creatives around Africa. Africa is creative, together we rise! P.S Don’t stop tagging me...

How does time move so fast? It's day 20 already, another reminder that time waits for no man. A reminder that it's not about how much time you have but what you do with it?  About life changing event, and it was hard playing back the last 24 years soon to be 25. I thought of my first steps which I barely remember, first day at school, University where I tasted my first freedom, weddings, friendships and relationships. But they didn't quite hit the spot. What's worth achievements when you aren't good with self? Everything didn't matter, I was at war with myself. My father's death left with abandonment issues, his relatives disappearing as soon he was 10 feet under made it worse. A few dosage of failed relationships and life disappointments roared louder than my achievements.  My life changing event huh? It was a moment when I was the edge of life and death. Not literallly, calm down, inner thoughts and toxicity. I'm a thinker, not a sharer but words expla...

My soul lifts up, slowly as the beat take controls of my body. Slowly, then quickly and then slowly again. Lost in the tunes, every time the tune plays it becomes fused in every bone of my bone, bloodstream, and state of mind. A reaction following suit to the beat…When music comes on it is a scene of weird gestures and sounds. Tap, clap, yell… Sway side to side resonating with the beat… OH YESS, WOOHOO… Even if the language is foreign or I don’t know the lyrics, music has a way to speak to us. Am I right? Music is more than just a beat and words, it is a part of life. It shares our sorrow, love, joy, confusion and any emotion you think about! Music is a slice of our daily heaven.  It is really fascinating how music comes together with our daily routines. A mystery I tend to uncover… Music speaks to our emotions, whether it is happiness, sadness, memories, pain, dreams, stories, challenges and victories. You can literally have a song for every mood.  An except from Music: A Con...

It's cold outside, winter is here. It's time to bring out the beenie hats, scarfs, and winter boots. You can still slay according to any weather but how do you keep warm inside. I saw a post of someone saying it's getting cold outside and that triggered me. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine. How does one survive the fine-white veil? Some wait for a season but our inner self lives the longest mouthful winter awe. It got me thinking, how do people prepare to keep warm from the inside? Keep feelings pure and unclog hearts of all the hurt. Chase away bad monsters of anxiety and depression. With hearts like this - ice slides through her veins. How do you keep warm inside? Social media leaves behind a chilling bite, fueling anxiety blasting through our fears. Like chips of memories rising in the abys of COVID 19, to confront or be confronted? The demons from under the bed are out to play. Energetic from frozen popsicles. And we're there like a drained mother tryin...

I'm the one to read, like or just scroll. I  came across a particular tweet that caught my attention with #ZimbabweansMustFall, it led to a series of tweets and apparently it was trending. I read all tweets with an open mind, and I have decided not to take sides. I'm pro-life, #blacklivesmatter, pro-African and pro-progressive thinking. No in between, I understand their frustration about jobs, it's the norm in every African society ( l stand to be corrected), living at the messy of others is no joke. And being deprived of a chance to is no less. Not saying it justifies taking lives. Don't exercise your right at the expense of others. Nationality, height or weight, same blood flow through our veins. Hating each other, back and forth tweets degrading each other only look bad on our part. African is now just a term they use to bundle us up, we longer connected. I'm not saying Zimbabweans should leave camp and head for the south, but then again how do you solve a proble...

📸AfroBloggers  I couldn't find myself to post #HappyFathersDay2020, only did for work. You only celebrate what you know right? It was hard to come up with copy but thanks to Google. Experience is the best teacher, but what happens when it's foreign. My Dad died when I was two or a year and some months, I'm not sure the memory it's blurry. I have known the pain of never knowing how it feels like having a superhero. Not being able to save DAD in my contact list. Not getting scolded for staying out late, Or get the 'let's wait for father'. Special birthdays or someday walking me down the aisle. The Dadvice, the small statements like 'my dad taught ABC or DEF'.  I have known the pain of asking why my life is different. Asking God why it had to be my Dad? Why He couldn't keep him around longer to at least know a face to hold on to? I have known the pain of seeing my Mom taking the world worst thrown at her with grace. Kudos to her! Dad's relati...

📸Warosu.org I’m for all people, no race, completion nor does gender really matter. I fall in love with minds, and people who take charge of their voice, ooze confidence and stand their ground for what they believe in. I may disagree with their opinions 100% of the time, but there’s something about people who know who they are, what they stand for and their power. HONESTY. SELFCARE. CONFIDENCE. HAVING A VOICE . I f?cks with that. For you to embrace your voice it takes you being in a good mental space, being your trueself and posivity with a lot of self care. And that is what's close to heart. I love writing, though my consistency might make it seem the opposite. I'm a  Creative at heart. In fact, I love any form of art, it’s more than strokes on a canvas, words on paper or looking into the lenses. It’s about the different forms of expression that fascinates me, how we are so similar but yet so different in how we use our Voices . Imagine the different voices that are being cha...

📸Houcine Ncib I failed Shona, my own language with the last credit, what’s called a U in this part of the world. Till I finished school I didn’t know the months, seasons or count in my language. The emphasis was learn the Queen’s language and you are regarded as an intellect. When I visited my grandmother (may her soul rest in peace) she taught me the worth of the language beyond the words. Shona proverbs are a conduit for the transmission and expression of fundamentals of Ubuntu / Unhu. Research argues that traditional Zimbabwean institutions drew sustenance embodied in the Shona proverb. In essence proverbs are common medium of expressing collective wisdom translated to the reality of things to reveal values.  Proverb: Chaitemura chave kuseva [ One who used to morsels without relish is now dipping morsels in gravy.]  It means those are successful today maybe be prosperous tomorrow. His/her luck has changed. Proverb: Mapudzi anowira kusina hari. [Squashes fall where there ar...

I have always told myself if it’s not from God or it's forced I don’t want it. There’s something about letting go and let the spirit lead you. Yes I’m going participate in the call to pray and fast for our nation, not because it’s being imposed but it's so far sensible and  decent decision that has been made since the genesis of this pandemic. Anyway that's besides the point, I would want to represent a brand that is a fusion of what I stand for, uplifts women and weave into my purpose. I love writing, so imagine Writing , being an ambassador of the Word and help women Become . Dreamy right! Well, for me it’s everything because it’s something that’s not beyond my reach. I can do it in my capacity, and where I am. Go to womanevolve.com you would understand. What is Woman Evolve About? “Now, more than ever, more women are shattering glass ceilings than once limited to their ability to dream, grow and change the world. No longer do women have to choose between family o...

📸nikki_zw Where to begin... Writing content is an art, we all should put it up there with the "supposed" top jobs. It’s close and personal yet requires more than just time. Dedication. You pour your soul in every word. A tale of speaking your truth, unfiltered and raw. But without support of your community, audience and fans it’s impossible for a creator to make a living. So basically, I’d like this article to break the ice and show ways how you can support your favorite content creators. Stop supporting from the terrace. Stop just liking tweets and start consuming each other’s content. How many people have liked a tweet but never clicked the link to read? We are all guilty much! Yes you… It may seem obvious but most creators rarely read or support the next. Before the #WinterABC2020 we were basically in our shells, kudos to @Afrobloggers for this. I got to meet new bloggers and devour their content. When the challenge is over, let’s continue supporting each other. By consu...

📸slaybyfaey About 2 years ago I started In Her Thoughts, my circle was small almost non-existent. Other bloggers have been incredibly supportive of me, been inspired by their content and I always learn something different from their work. I will take this time to appreciate your support, shown through liking my articles and reading my repeatedly senseless articles. It’s hard meeting bloggers face to face, but thanks to social media! Some of us were still anonymous and my blog wasn't attached to my face, so I had two personalities online @inherthoughtszw and @nashelee_. No one really had any idea who they were talking to, but as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and these five bloggers really helped me. I slowly started to warm up to the blogging community or vice versa… We shared ideas, success and failure stories, gave advice to each other, but more importantly, we supported each other. So here are just five from a dozen bloggers from Zimbabwe: Thembi Te...

Hey everyone! Let’s dive in, social can be a bitter pill to swallow. A mirage, a confession box, a tool for change or business. Basically, you can do with it whatever you please. And that, when the problem comes, gives people too much they abuse the narrative. A few bad apples, let’s call them the trolls. Apart from all things, I learnt a lot from social media. I see it as a mirror. Social media has helped me find my true self. I learn about myself, find my voice which has stand out in my writing and create my story. Which has helped me progress and inspire despite my weaknesses. Social media is giving everyone a voice. And through the shared voices that we become louder for the world to hear. This is such an eye opener, I remember when COVID 19 hit and everyone was indoors. You would hear people are losing their jobs, but it hots different when you actually see a post of someone who does. You get to see what people are going through. Ubuntu & Solidarity Belonging is a huge part fo...

She called my name out, I give up; Tears flooded in her eyes; They say eyes can't lie, the pain and sorrow pierced at the edge of her eyes; Out of them, tears of regret, pain, and questions; Why me? She asked all she wanted is to give her son the life she never had; The serpent had deceived her to eat the apple of trust; She roared lies and deception, words of betrayal beautifully crafted for destruction. It's always the ones close to you that walks you to your grave; They prepare your death-bed, shade crocodile tears - happy riddance tears and pretend sad - while their hearts itch with joy ; They thrive on pain, their thirst runs deep; Torn apart, at the edge of life and death; She was ready to let go into the dark swirling hole; She was ready to throw the towel in; She called out my name, I give up she said; The tremble in her voice was a sombre beat of helplessness; Sadness overwhelmed her soul. Only if I knew, only if I had texted her more; only if I had told her often I l...

I’m not going to lie this topic caught me off guard. What can I possibly teach? For some reason the first thing I did what call my sister to ask what can I possibly teach and what do I know that people would stop whatever they are doing and listen? Strange but yeah. It hit me the reason why called wasn’t a question of she knows me or not but she is a teacher at heart. Well, to me I could say! Not in the classroom sense. But in the life sense. There always a lesson or a skill she would teach me. She literally knows everything. She taught how to sleek my edges, beat my face, cook, conversational skills, I could go on and on. She can get down to the bottom of things, get back up all that easily, so she taught me the importance of exploring more options. I realized anyone can learn how to do anything. That was the AHA moment, the truth is, how you teach doesn’t matter that much. The beauty is in what people can learn. I was just being hard on myself as usual, and yeah, I have heard this ...

📸Lighthorse Photography  I always felt robbed of my voice growing up. By myself and circumstances surrounding me. It's been a journey, and it's my map of becoming HER! Embracing our voice is trendy right now, OWN IT they say, but also that we don't know exactly how to do to. What do I mean? It took me my whole childhood and the most part of my adulthood trying to retain positivity, self-love and mental growth. And it's still a work in progress. If you been with me through my blogging journey every article has a piece of me. Basically, if you really want to know what I'm really about, read my blogs. Munashe Irene Chakaonda is the name, I'm the HER, in In Her Thoughts. Writing has been part of me, or I could say it was easier to put everything on paper than speak up. Speaking up meant prolonged small talks. I'm an introvert to some, extrovert to my circle and on paper, but, I can safely say I'm an ambivert. My passion traceback to my childhood, where I li...

Nostalgia creeps Fire burns Knives carve Furry hairs burn Tough as rubber But a sharp axe would fix Boil till tender,  Add some flavour Pepper and paprika Meal is ready A traditional delicacy. The flavour comes from the bones. Of my favourite traditional food, mazondo (cow feet). They require a lot of patience, precision and time. I don't know how far true it is but the woman wasn't allowed to eat them. I don't know whether it was hiding behind, it increases manliness, or they just wanted to enjoy the good stuff alone! Another case the Tl would label "men are trash". Food for thought!   Anyway, everyone meets the most delicious delicacy from Zimbabwe. Yeah, they actually taste nice than they sound. Here is a recipe from Nyengetry: Mazondo (Cow Feet) Recipe Ingredients 2 kg mazondo (ox trotters) 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 medium onion (chopped) 4 medium tomatoes (grated) 3 cloves garlic (chopped) 1 tsp ginger (grated) 1 tsp salt or to taste 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 ...

It’s 22.35 to be exact. I thought I was going to pass another #WinterABC but my twitter feed caught up with me. FOMO. But I promise it’s not peer pressure, I actually love to write. The short version is I write when I’m happy, I write when I’m anxious, I write when I’m inspired, basically I write! Everything is worth living penned down, a glimpse of I was here, to make a difference, to make a change. So, it’s a constant analogue, “In Her Thoughts” piecing together life experiences, channelling lessons learnt to motivate the next. We can all agree, with life worries, economy failing and demons pouncing. A little kick our behind to keep our shining is Almighty. Positivity in a sippy cup. It takes you, my readers to suckle according to your appetite. Honestly, it’s a journey of discovery, what I know now and thought I would want to write changes. It’s like the seasons, feeding into each other, unique in their own way. The cycle is caused by my mind’s tilt towards the sun “positivity”. ...