It is said that we count our blessings, one by one. I feel like I lost count already and might not be able to name all in one sitting, but let’s give it a shot.
At some point in 2023, I was the most uninspired in my life. I was going through an unanticipated change in my business, and this had taken a toll on me. I would watch my life play out as if I was a character in a movie only that this was my inescapable reality. It hurt. My normal self is always inspired, she is always thinking on her feet and its easy to ace anything or come up with solutions. When in a rut, however, zero inspiration runs through her.
But not in 2025, when I started 2025, my friend and I went journal shopping as per our tradition and got down to writing our yearly goals. She keeps me grounded, and I am grateful for her. I categorised my goals into Financial, Health, Physical etc. I then broke this down into more realistic goals. I wanted to go hard on these dreams.
In 2024, Patrick, my co-host at( The Spark it Podcast), spent a considerable amount of time discussing the idea of a podcast. In 2025, I wanted us to actualise this dream, and in January, we sat down for a mic test. What was meant to be a 15-20 minute mic test turned out to be a whole hour of talking. We eventually decided to post this episode even though I didn’t like my lighting or felt I wasn’t “video” ready. It taught me that sometimes we wait for perfect moments, and they might never come, or they might take too long. From this very first step of faith, the podcast took off, we became consist covering issues to do with governance, young people and change, among other issues. This podcast was a culmination of a goal I had in 2022. A little backstory, in 2022, I bought Manila paper and wrote a concept for a podcast. I mapped it down to the name of the podcast and the types of conversations I would have. I even included a few names of young people I knew who could be featured on the podcast. To see The Spark it Podcast grow and build a community from scratch was such an eye opener to just how much needed to be done. In June of this year, as I was reflecting on the journey on the podcast and the growth, I realised that there were more stories that needed to be told, and somehow, we had narrowed down our conversations on the podcast.
I went back to the drawing board and decided to go with my initial idea of a podcast, highlighting women’s issues. And that, ladies and gentlemen, was how the podcast idea from my Manila paper back in 2022 was actualised. Nothing changed about the idea, including the name-“Safari Yangu Podcast”. On another note, I felt that I had also invested a lot on equipment, and to only record for the Spark It Podcast and have all the equipment lying around was not a good use of my resources. These two podcasts have pushed my personal limits. I have learnt so much about myself and what needs improving. For instance, I have learnt to interview in a better way and allow guests to tell their stories without inserting myself in the conversation in a way that takes away from their experience. It’s a hard one, especially when you find their stories relatable. I have learnt to edit better and to plan for everything, including setting up my recording space and sound checks, etc. It’s intense work and I had never just realised how much effort content creators put into their craft. They have my newfound respect.
As I write this, I actually have 5 episodes of the Safari Yangu Podcast on my laptop waiting to be edited. I haven’t posted an episode this December. Life has been a bit crazy on my end, and I am finding ways to balance everything.
Travel and New Adventures.
In August, I travelled to Northern Uganda to cover more stories for the Spark It Podcast, an interesting journey that I am yet to post on this blog, but already written down. I was not mentally prepared for this journey. The journey from Nairobi to Kampala was almost smooth, but the Busia border has its way of ruining the moment sometimes. We were stuck at the border for about 2.5 hours.
We arrived in Kampala a few hours late, my plan had been to book the morning bus to Koboko, I had missed it unfortunately. I was feeling a bit stranded and frustrated when a guy approached me. Meet Edd, the Ugandan who spoke Swahili with a bit of an accent. I am not sure what about him exactly made me give him a listening ear. I often avoid speaking to strangers; we all know what these Nairobi streets are like. One minute you could be showing kindness to someone in need, and the next minute you are a victim of robbery by the same person. I therefore avoid speaking with strangers. But it might have been the fact that he spoke Swahili. I needed a Sim card ASAP so I could communicate with my host about my change of plans. Edd offered to take me to a vendor who was selling this at a very outrageous price. It could have been because they heard my accent, as when I walked into the MTN office, the price was a quarter of that of the vendors. I found it strange that we were queuing for a sim card, knowing how in Kenya they sometimes even sell the Airtel ones door to door and even give them out almost for free. Their data rates were also high, and it taught me just how privileged we were as Kenyans; internet accessibility here is top-notch.
I could write more about that experience here, but I will leave it for that unposted blog. To sum it up, I met incredible young Sudanese youth in Northern Uganda, full of hope and pursuing their dreams relentlessly with the little available resources.
This journey taught me to be grateful and to also make use of every resource I have at my disposal, as I also pay it forward.
Entrepreneurship and animation classes
Its been a while since I was in class. In August, I signed up for an entrepreneurship class with WICE. It was intense, and juggling it with my day-to-day wasn’t easy.
In November, I also signed up for a 2D animation class with Bunimation. It was an intensive 1-month class that made my end of the week a busy one. With these additional classes, I ended up having classes from Tuesday to Saturday. At some point, all I wanted was for these classes to conclude.
I am super proud of myself for seeing these two classes through. It was a reminder for me that I still got it after a long time. It also allowed me to push my limits and get out of my comfort zone.
Missed Opportunities-A Redirection?
2025, tested my limits in equal measure. I had a couple of missed opportunities that could have made such a great difference in my life. Every time I thought about them, it felt like “if only,” but they say that missed opportunities are a redirection.
One particular opportunity ended up being that redirection; I literally experienced it. It was a wake-up call to my worth and potential. You know that time people undermine your worth or fail to recognize your potential? That was me.
This particular incident was with regard to my career growth. When I hit this bump, I sat down with myself for a week and asked myself serious questions. I had a headache, and thoughts of what was next kept me awake at night.
When that week of what I choose to call “chaos in my head” ended, I had a roadmap for myself and answers to most, if not all, of my questions. God does work in mysterious ways. This experience taught me to trust my gut and allow God to also direct my path.
“Zayn and the Magic Sunset: A book series”
My one week of turmoil brought me here. Finishing things that I had started and those that were at the back of my mind for the longest.
This book was one of those that lingered in my mind for so long. I sat down and wrote a script that was supposed to end up in an animation. I then started researching how to animate, and while at it, I came across Amazon’s self-publishing on Kindle. I converted my script into a children’s book. In a month, I learned how to illustrate on Canva and before I knew it, my book was on Amazon, and not just one, but two of the books in the series: “Zayn and the Magic Sunset” and “ Zayn and the Magic Sunset: Where Does the Setting Sun Go?”
When my first order was fulfilled, and Sarah sent me an audio of her son reading the book, I shed tears. I couldn’t believe it, that words, thoughts and patterns had become a reality in a book that children could read and enjoy. It was the best feeling and the highlight of my 2025.
I started researching how I could make this available locally and affordably, and to tell you the truth, self-publishing ain’t an easy journey nor is it a straightforward one. There is very little comprehensive information for newbies online, and I hope to highlight that in the coming weeks.
I was lucky enough to meet Ivy of Storytime with Ivy a creative writer and self-published author. Ivy is a selfless human being who has taught me a lot in the short time we have known each other. She has a couple of children’s books and her upcoming fantasy novel, “Guardians of Jamhuri. I am in awe of her creative works, and I recommend you check her out. Ivy gave me, a total stranger, all the info I needed to get published here in Kenya, and that is how my books are now available even in places like Nuria. Thank you, Ivy, for teaching me the power of sharing selflessly.
My books are available on Amazon, Nuria, or you can order directly from me. I send parcels all across Kenya and in East African countries at the moment. You can reach out at elenahkimaru0@gmail.com or 0706478063
To be honest, these books have been the highlight of my year. I am grateful for this journey and for each one of you who has bought my books, shared my journey or supported me in any other way. You make my world go round. Thank you for supporting the mission of “Promoting a reading culture for children.”
Conclusion
2025 was a turnaround year for me, and I was surprised in more ways than I could have imagined. I am grateful to God for this. After going through a period where I felt I had “lost” my light and creativity, I am grateful that these found me again. It has taught me that nothing is permanent, even the bad days and especially those. This is for you, my reader; the light at the end of the tunnel will surely find you. Hang on, stay positive and above all, have HOPE. Hope is the one thing that takes you there.
I wish you a fulfilling year ahead. May you find that which you seek in the new year, and may 2026 be your turnaround year in the best way possible.
With Love
Kimaru
