IN HER THOUGHTS

Because i'm a black woman. The color of my skin is my curse, I carry it like a burden, A reason to be slut shamed in the streets, Or a man feeling entitled to this black body, A symbol of a price to be won. We traded hurt words and white supremacy curiosity, To be violated by our own, flesh and blood, The same, the same (sigh) blood cruises in our veins, Yet GBV is still on the rise, Young girls are being raped, sold to be a sex symbol for old arrogant dudes, old enough to be their fathers, It is a curse we carry, the melanin pigment that shines bright, We should be celebrating it, yet we lie low, Hide our daughters, h ere they come, Pain has become our birthright, bitter they call us but what do they expect, Every action has a reaction,  Sorry if we offend you but we are just being defensive to protect ourselves from this cold cold world.

A feeling so pure and fulfilling, I have been in love before We underrate finding a soul that compliments yours intentionally You are in sync, everything just flows It doesn't feel forced When you meet the vultures that are always looming around for their next prey Ready to pounce on your flesh and leave you unrecognisable You will understand the intensity of pure love I have been in love before, it is different kind of feeling

I believed her when she said she was leaving Being at the mercy of everyone is never a good sight Words from all directions, blowing you like a paper in the wind Spinning and spinning, sucking the sanity out of you Eventually you will lose it, and leaving is the only way out So when she cleared her desk and bid farewell I bet it felt like the Mandela walk from prison or when Desmond Tutu won a Nobel peace prize I saw a woman drawing her last strength I saw hope that i can also stand up for myself She has had enough of being mensplained, undervalued, disregarded and sidelined. Power to her So when she said i'm leaving i believed her. I saw a WIN

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...

📸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...

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 ...

Hello lovelies! For the first time ever since I have started blogging, I have been actually putting my thoughts on paper and churning out 3 posts per week. It’s not much but trust me it’s been a long time coming. I have been loving the consistency thus far and now I have a bigger challenge to maintain that. For the next 30 days, I’m going to be writing and posting content for you every day. Yep, you heard it right. Every single day, so help me God! The Winter Challenge #WinterABC has been popping on my timeline for the longest time. It’s organized by Afrobloggers to encourage writers to do what they know best, write and spread some positivity. Having been making progress on my blog, thanks to the #WritingCommunity and Afrobloggers for RTs and likes. I’m committed to making it bigger and better, of course, make it worth your read. Okay, l digress, my blog goals are another blog post. I pledge here and now, to write-it-through this challenge. Your comments and motivation would be a...

I like you enough as a friend but not enough to commit; My words are enough, my actions are skewed; Only if I get you to stay here, I can feed you with words enough to make you stay; Consistency doesn't mean I have to be there for you but I drop by enough to keep you hooked; Ask me any questions but don't question my commitment; What matters is I'm here right. I give you the power to create so I don't have to explain myself if I can't stay; Assumptions clear than words uttered; 'You know I like you' and 'I like you' remain blurred; Paint your own reality.

First things first, your favorite blog won the Best Creative Writing of 2020 in the Tribe of Influencers, Zimbabwean Blog Awards . A grateful heart goes out to the Home of Zimbabwe Digital Storytellers, Tribe of Influencers, and everyone who made it possible. Mama, I made it!! Okay, let’s get right into it. Whenever I draft story ideas, look for a topic of interest, and write I always ask myself Why I Write . In my head, I always back it up with a clear vision and goals. Which is a good thing right? Blog goals help when I'm creating content so that my blog isn’t just a bunch of rudderless articles in a sea of content. But then I asked myself do my readers know? I never really gave a clear picture of what I have in my head to clearly sync with you. My apologies! Happy New month and let’s get to know what's In Her Thoughts. In Her Thoughts blog is a fruit of passion rather than a mere hobby. It is a platform that writes Anything About Everything to motivate,...

I'm worth more than your words Intelligence and purpose ooze from my bosom.  I form and carry minds, the future is tattooed on stretch marks painted on my body Nations rise when my water breaks a flow, knowledge sucked from my breasts. You are what you are because a strong woman nurtured you. So next time, think twice, don't psst me. I'm born with heart, nurtured with passion, open and fearless. Chamber of birth, a ray of sunshine, every ray brings life and purpose. A book was written, of resilience, mystery and immeasurable soul. Written in code and dialect only those who know her worth can read. Guarded like all things royal are. She guards its content (a jewel) Just think of that the next time you hiss at a woman. Use your words and treat her humanly, she is no animal. Know her worth!  

I h ave always been a pen and paper person, even when I know I’m going to type it out later. Usually, there won’t be any logical cohesion, but just a layout of ideas in their rawest form. For quite some time it seemed like the silliest brilliant key to a clearer mind, coming up with better ideas and less pressure to produce fine art from rough ideas. It can be anytime and anywhere, if something crazy and unique comes to mind I just jot it down. It can just a simple word, a phrase or an unpopular opinion. And I’m glad to say it’s from these abstracts that some of my best work budded from. When I heard of morning pages by Julia Cameroon, I was hooked by the idea of writing three pages in the morning. From writing just a heading or a phrase three pages was quite a stretch but it was worth a try! This why I think you should try it too! It’s not like everyone have much to do anyway. No shade. Lemme explain! Being at home 24/7 isn't something you get used to easily after years of...

Falling deeper and deeper into myself. With only a few keys on the keyboard to embrace my sorrow. To soothe my pain and wipe away these tears. At least they listen. Oh well, I would like to think so. I hope you don't walk out on me as well, for you have become my confession box. You know a little too much, my vulnerable parts and all this pain that keep me captive. So No! You are not going anywhere, You are stuck with this dark soul So turn up your brightest,  reduce your volume because I need all of your attention I need your emojis to hide this sadness. I need your games to escape this constant  knife that is piercing through my flesh I need You, I really you, My temporary escape. If I haven't told you yet in our countless words penned I appreciate you. I guess if you could talk back you would tell me to open up. But that's my biggest fear, what if you judge me? What if you walk away like they did? What if you turn deaf on me? The thought...

We're currently living through what seems to feel like the "new normal" and uncertainty is all around us. It’s a crippling feeling not to have some control over what’s happening around you. With this outrageous pandemic upon us, the least you would want is SECURITY but life novels a different story. Not knowing what to do, not knowing what’s going to happen, not knowing how you going to pay rent, not knowing if you are going to have a job when this blows over, not knowing what people are thinking, planning or feeling; these situations are ripe to breed anxiety. Because it’s often, not-knowing that’s the worst. Crowded with fear and worry, anxiety causes our body to over-respond with defense mechanisms as the body feels like it’s under threat.   Anxiety is explained as an intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Amidst everything that’s going on, it’s very easy to be overwhelmed with anxiety. From not knowing what outcome the...

We spend most of our time working to keep food on the table, learning new skills or on our phones. Now amidst of this world chaos and pandemic we would think we are more connected than ever before, yet we feel more isolated. We live under the same roof and even reconnect with old friends, family members or colleagues, yet we feel like we have fewer intimate connections that generations before us. Surrounded but alone! If Corona has taught us anything, it’s that we have all been pushed to realize that we are surrounded by familiar strangers. Strangers who carry the same last name as ours but we don’t have any valuable connection with them. We are just lonely souls drifting within the same four walls. You can hear them breathing slowly, frantic typing on mobile phones, flash capture of selfies and music blasting but yet you can't feel their presence. Literally we are just roommates cohabitating in the same house. Why do we feel alone? You crave closeness I hope...

When the waves of social injustice hit, the weak feel the force more. An unstable home ,the kids suffer, an argument in a house, the kids suffer and deadbeat fathers coming and going as they Please, the kids feel the consequences. Divorce, depression, instability and premature decisions. All seeds of bad parenting it is the kids the feel the hear. In light of unprecedented Covid-19 all issues brushed aside reckon to be addressed.  And I say, Let's normalize apologizing to our Kids! I have come to a conclusion that 21st century parenting is more or less history repeating itself. We just replaying what we know best or rather what we were exposed to. Progress communication! What is that? It's foreign! We are more of an iron fist parenting, 'It's my way or no way' . Kids are suffering injustices, guilt aches on your chest but your mouth tells a different story. Sorry is a word that has taken the last character on our vocabulary. Even when we are wrong we choose...

A story, of immense beauty in the way her cheeks blush, Blushing rouged red, of smiles and happiness that flow in the lines on her cheeks, Perky and chubby, a trace of her love A journey to the core of her heart, From them, a shining glow of all the goodness poures into her soul, Her melanin resembles how true and original her joy flashes through her cheeks, They tell a story of a long lost love found within her, Scarlet smiles in between sips of life, Delightful side represents the light in her heart, It is in the circles that form on her forehead, the freckles of love in her heart that shines the brightest, Words of affirmation Words of love Words of encouragement Fuel to her fire, it's all in the lines that form on her Cheeks!

The ultimate excuse has always been  I don't have time . Whether it's time to spend with your loved ones, time to pursue your dreams, time to process things and put them into perspective. Time to explore and take risks. Well! You have plenty of time now! Depressing it may seem but this #21DaysLockDown is a blessing in disguise. That's depending on how you use it! Here are some toxic traits and situationships you should work yourself out of in the next 21 days: 'Secure the bag' Secure means fixed or fastened so as not to give away, become loose, or be lost. The whole point of having money to use, give and invest, right? Life is too short and money ain't gonna buy you more time. You are the bag you should invest in your talents,  learn new skills, ask for advice and find a mentor. That way you are equipped to have your money work for you than secure the little you have. Cultivate the zeal to grow and break out of your comfort zones. Stop looking f...