1. Simplicity wins.
People tend to mistake simplicity with poverty or lack, especially in a society where social media has made it possible for people to flaunt what they have and cash. This pressure has made people try to lead lifestyles beyond their means. We grew up at a time when going to public schools was not a big deal. A time when a greatwall televisioned brought us joy as we enjoyed wrestling every Tuesday. Fast-forward to 2026, where owning a 32-inch smart TV makes one look like a big failure. This reminds me of a few years ago when I moved into the city, a cousin of mine came visiting, and when she saw the house I lived in, she was amazed. Then came a satirical comment, "kumbe naweza ishi hapa pia" (I can also afford this place). I guess she expected me to stay in some big house, probably a 2-bedroom, but then I was alone. I saw no reason to get a big house and furnish it with expensive stuff because my family was not in the city with me. While still in the same apartment, school was closed, and the children wanted to come and visit. So I had to get them a TV so that they can keep themselves busy as they remain in the house while I go to work. I ordered a 32-inch smart TV from an online store, and the day it was delivered, I was still at work. So I asked the caretaker to pick it for me, and when it was delivered, the guy made a comment in a similar tone as the first one, "Haka ka 32 inch" (this 32 inch?). So to him, a 32-inch television was too small for me.
People have expectations, and you will be judged by what you have. But if there is one principle that young people should apply early in life, it is the minimalistic principle. Just get yourself good quality stuff that you need, and save the money that would have been wasted filling up spaces in your house. It makes no sense to have so many things that lie idle in the house. Piling pressure on yourself because you want to lead a particular standard of life will only push you to limits you cannot sustain. As noted by Krista in Simple is Wise: Simplicity in Life Helps Us Thrive, simplicity entails living a values-aligned life that honors one's wiring and capacity and making space for joy amid the messiness of a full, meaningful life. As you age, you realize that the minimalistic principle is the best. You crave simple things in life, provided that you can meet your needs. Dr. Sahel Patel says in his article "Simplicity is the Authenticity of Life," "Living simply is the key to simplicity in life." For me, I no longer crave nights out in a nightclub or big screens in my house. I enjoy the morning dew, fresh air, organic food, and evening works in a non-tarmacked road.
2. Friends, even the close ones, will not stay in your life forever.
Are you still in touch with your high school or college friends? Recall how you promised each other that you would always get in touch and opened a WhatsApp group for easy communication? How is it going? After getting out of college a few years ago, we were very tight and engaged with each other on social media. Three years down the line, we organized for a hike at Mt. Longonot, and everyone was happy and looked forward to more. Do you think we have had any other? Yeah, you are right. That was the first and the last. Who should we blame for all this? No one, simply because, as we age, responsibilities increase, we meet new friends, and the bonds that existed rarely stay strong. The energy diminishes as we age. Remember, effort is needed to maintain the friendship and make the connection strong.
3. The most important relationship is not the one you have with your children or spouse, but with yourself.
I always saw my uncle go to a nice place and get himself something nice to eat and drink, then go back home like nothing happened. The same case when I accompanied my dad to a place: we would go to a good hotel and order a very good meal. They never told me why they did that, but I am slowly understanding it. As you age, you realize that the bond between you and your spouse weakens as she gets aligned towards the children. This usually happens when the kids are still young, but that bond is likely to reverse and be strong again when kids grow, get married, and leave home for work or to return to their homes. So during that period when the bond weakened, it is important to know you have a relative in yourself whose bond will never grow weak. If by any chance your relationship with yourself gets weak, then depression will kick in, and you might be overwhelmed.
4. Key Takeaways
- Trying to impress people by leading a certain standard of life will eat you up emotionally and financially. Live a simple but fulfilling life.
- Love and invest in yourself when you are young, because you will need yourself when you get old.
- Enjoy the basic things of life whenever you have an opportunity to. Good health, good food, sunrise, sunset, cool breeze, etc.
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