Trust ‘The Process’

“Do not despise where you are now or where you have been, it’s a part of a process.” This is the quote you’re greeted with before opening the pages of Sesilia Nekwaya’s first book, ‘The Process’.

Non-fiction and self-help, Nekwaya narrates her personal journey through life and how certain events – negative or positive – shaped who she is today. Nekwaya shares the fruits of trusting in your personal journey, which will shape you into who you want to be in the future.

This is a self-reflective book in which the writer looks at past experiences like falling pregnant and getting married in her very early 20s, forcing her to drop out of her bursary-supported studies, chasing a love she did not fully understand because she did not know the love she deserved.

Even though she grew up in an underprivileged setting, she did not allow her background to affect her future and encourages the same, reiterating that “all these things [experiences] come as a result of the choices we make and the lifestyles we choose”.

In an age where many youth search for understanding, Nekwaya’s book encourages readers to be self-aware of their decisions and trust in the power of thought. A fundamental part of Nekwaya’s journey is her Christian belief. It’s clear throughout the book and that is where she draws her strength from. She quotes scriptures to back up many of the teachings she provides in this book.

With a foreword from motivational speaker Sam Shivute, who noticed her after an inspiring piece entitled ‘Power of Thoughts’ was published in New Era in 2015, the speaker describes Nekwaya as confident and vibrant.

Her insights and lessons can “help anyone who wants to move from where they are to where they want to be”, Shivute says.

This compact novel makes for an easy read, however, in some cases, there is a need for the writer to open herself up more when detailing her experiences as opposed to only telling us what she had learnt. Some experiences can be left open for interpretation for the reader to gain their own lessons.

Nekwaya tackles issues that affect any teen to young adult today – peer pressure, love, education, faith and the beauty in constantly trying to search for understanding rather than giving up. Half of the book is filled with her personal journey and then there are bonus chapters where she deals with understanding love, the importance of self-love, knowing your worth and finding your purpose.

She also shares her words of advice in important bonus chapters titled ‘Don’t Trade Your Dignity For Lipstick’ and ‘Dear First-Year Students’.

This book is relevant for young adults today. It’s not merely a book of solutions, but one that encourages self-reflection in a time where many struggle to define who they are and what they are doing on earth.

An important lesson it teaches is forgiveness for the mistakes you make and forgiving others for how they wronged you, even when they are not apologetic for their actions.