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Kismet: Reinforcing my Path to Social Media

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“When you are following your true destiny, then the universe will conspire to help you…” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The Inception of My Blogging Journey

I have been thinking about beginning a blog for several years now. I felt that I had something to share and thought that I was ready and brave enough to put it out to the world and have the world react. I spent time talking about it and thinking about it. I downloaded information and software; Copyblogger became my companion, sending me emails every day to help improve my blog. I was not going to begin this without adequate research and knowledge of how to do it properly. And as you know, research takes a lot of time and diligence.

I opened a file in my Outlook and each day I filed away what Copyblogger had sent me, keeping it all until I would have the time to sift through it all and make sense of it, learn, and begin my blog. Of course, I never did open that folder, but I did not terminate the service from Copyblogger because it would mean that I was defeated and was abandoning my blog idea.

The Paralysis of Fear and Procrastination

What do we call this? Fear, procrastination, and whatever label we give it, can be crippling. It is even more dangerous than outrightly saying that something has defeated us, and we are giving up. Why? Well, if we give up and articulate that, it at least gives us a chance to look around at something else we could do, start again in a new direction. But if we hold on to the original idea, paralyzed into inaction because of our fears, yet unwilling to articulate and come to terms with that fear, then we end up frozen, not moving forwards or backwards, just frozen in time. That is more dangerous and debilitating!

Embracing Social Media

I have had a secret fascination for social media for a while. However, I relegated it to the “youth,” a dot com thing, not for us older, more traditional people. We cannot get involved in this stuff, lest we look like teenagers. People will start wondering if we are going through a midlife crisis. Let the kids run around tweeting and Facebooking and wasting time because they would rather not live in present reality and have real human interactions; machines and virtual reality are more interesting to them. Besides, in my line of work, what has social media got to do with it?

One day, a man came up to me at my place of work and told me that he had started a Facebook page for my hotel. He said that he would get it up and running, and then he would hand it to me to administrate. Okay, fine, how hard would that be? Needless to say, when he finally gave it to me to administrate, it was so busy I had to relinquish responsibility to my company’s marketing department to manage it.

The Power of Social Media

People reacted so positively to this Facebook page. They shared information, pictures, and tips on local knowledge, giving other guests pertinent information that a new visitor to a destination would find comforting. It came from another guest’s perspective, not a marketing gimmick—real guests, real experiences. Further, they shared opinions about the facility, services, food, etc. The only difference between this and TripAdvisor is that the people on this Facebook page were fans of the hotel; they loved the place and marketed it for free with a zeal that ten marketing teams could not accomplish. People out there, especially those who had never been to the hotel, used this as a conduit for information. I was amazed and overwhelmed! Social media: how everyone embraced it and relied on it as a source of information and sharing of experiences.

My Transformation

Luckily, my company was more enlightened than I was on social media and its benefits; they embraced it fully. Currently, they have a Facebook page for every one of the properties, each as successful as the next. Guests have found a forum to share information and share their travels and great experiences. Social media marketing at its best!

A New Beginning

So, I am now convinced, and with my very recent encounter with inspiration in Kipungani, where I came face to face with my destiny, I embark on this journey and hope you will come along with me. Enjoy it with me, cry with me, and be still with me, as the mood requires. Life is ever-changing, and we must embrace that change to move forward. This is my journey. Please join me, share with me, teach me. Let us begin a dance, a romance, one so profound that we will be forever changed by knowing each other!

Want to see more? Watch my video on the same topic on my Youtube channel https:youtube.com/@thandishaven

The journey begins

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Discovering Lamu: Discovering myself!

“The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

The Arrival of Inspiring Guests

A few years ago, I had the privilege of hosting some incredible guests at Kipungani Explorer in Lamu. They had come to experience the annual Lamu Cultural Festival, bringing with them not just anticipation but also a promise of a brighter future for both Lamu and Kipungani Explorer. Their visit was a testament to the fact that our destination was not only safe but uniquely enchanting—a place waiting to be discovered by all.

Their presence was more than a visit; it was a gift of inspiration that ignited my desire to embark on this journey. My final push came in the form of three men and a young woman. They arrived with the intention to explore, document, and experience, but they also unknowingly imparted a vital lesson. Despite their physical youth, it was their spiritual and experiential vitality that truly resonated.

The Power of Social Media

Upon their arrival, the ritual began—quick snapshots, brief notes, and sharing of moments. As they stepped into Kipungani Explorer, they continued this ritual. Within moments, their experiences were being shared across the globe, reaching as far away as Australia. This simple act of sharing images and updates brought Kipungani Explorer to life for people everywhere, if only for a brief moment. I envisioned someone far from the warmth of Lamu feeling a little warmer just from seeing a beautiful beach.

The reaction was extraordinary. Questions poured in: “Where is this place?” “How can I get there?” “How do I book?” Instantly, Kipungani Explorer, Lamu, and Kenya were being marketed to anyone with internet access, thanks to these mobile advocates. The power of real-time social media was undeniable—sharing, educating, and engaging on a global scale.

A Newfound Passion for Photography

I was captivated and saw firsthand the impact of social media and wanted to be part of it. I had been observing from the sidelines, hesitant to dive in, but this was my opportunity. As a host, my role was to facilitate, not interrogate, so I watched in awe. Each guest had their own agenda and message, and all I needed to do was participate and learn. They were willing teachers in their own right.

Watching them interact with Kipungani Explorer was a revelation. Their cameras, lenses, and perspectives created a harmonious symphony of photography. It was like a well-choreographed dance, despite the fact they had never worked together before. Their passion for their craft was evident, and it made their work seem both purposeful and elegant.

Reconnecting with Lamu

This experience deepened my connection with Lamu and Kipungani Explorer. I found joy in sharing my beloved destination with them, knowing they would appreciate it fully while passing it on for others to enjoy. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a renewed love for Lamu through their eyes.

Gratitude and Growth

As we shared and celebrated, I found myself falling in love with Lamu all over again. By sharing my “little piece of heaven,” as one of my teachers described it, I received so much more in return. Thank you, my new friends. Meeting and spending time with you has truly made me a better person.

Want to see more? Watch my video about this experience on my YouTube channel, Thandi’s Haven