ARE YOU WATERING YOUR OWN GRASS?

Toastmasters and Guests pose for a group photo after the 9th Ntinda Toastmasters Club meeting 

Ntinda Toastmasters Club, sponsored by Bukoto Toastmasters Club, convened its 9^th meeting on Thursday 13^th September 2018. 

The Toastmasters meeting was hosted by Lydia Kobusinge, Vice President Public Relations Bukoto Toastmasters Club and passionate about advocacy for the needs of vulnerable persons. She explained the meaning of the meeting theme "Water Your Own Grass" as focusing one's efforts towards improving their lives and whatever else they are responsible for.

It’s easy to look over at your neighbor's grass and see something you don’t have-a bigger house,a newer car,a “happier” marriage, better job with all the perks, better clothes, better social life and travel plans,among others.

sadly, however,as you look at other people’s grass, yours becomes browner by the minute, lifeless, ugly and before long you begin to wish for a new car(yet you just bought one), job, relationship, you name it.

“You’re listening to 101.1 FM Ntinda Toastmasters Club”, Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva’s opening to her advanced speech Hello Mr. DJ.She enthralled us with her tales of her experience running the morning show Masters of the Dawn between 6-10am on Power FM. She recounted how she,on a daily basis,brushed her teeth,polished her nails and engaged in other titivating endeavors; while simultaneously hosting the show. She soon gave up this habit after she hosted Keturah Kamugasa, the ever resplendent New Vision editor of the magazine, Bride and Groom and lead reporter of the Fashion Police. “Our bodies are the temple of the Lord”, she emphasized, and we must treat them as such. She was also fortunate to interview the actor John Amos, famous for the sitcom Good Times. Her job was not all rosy, for one thing, she had to sit through horrible musical performances as aspiring musicians sought to gain fame. The key highlight of her radio days was that her days were unconventional, that had her thinking “What will today bring?” Whatever you’re doing right now, make it your own; water your own grass, so to speak. She, for example, woke the entire Kampala as a master of the dawn-releasing beautiful lyrics through the air waves, offering relationship advice, you name it.

Beverley is the founding President, Bukoto Toastmasters Club and the current Public Relations Manager, East Africa Toastmasters Territorial Council. She is also a published author and the Founder, Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation that supports poetry across Africa.

Hope Kansiime, delivering her 2^nd Pathways speech Find the Gem informed the audience that there is a gem in every relationship, if you look really closely. She narrated her relationship with a dashing doctor who had that je ne sais quoi. He was her motivator and comforter;and she believed that she would marry him. Imagine her outrage when he admitted that he had been stringing her along because he had been in a distant relationship. All her anger, however, dissipated when she listed the “Lessons I learnt from Doctor”.She was astonished about what she had actually learnt from him. She hinted at three lessons this doctor impressed upon her:look beyond all stereotypes and seek to appreciate people as they are. Secondly, your character is continually evolving-let yourself grow and accept the changes that life throws at you. Lastly, you need to find something inside of you that inspires you, water that and let it flourish. Imagine, all these lessons from one relationship! Sort the gem from the rubble, yes, those bad relationships were not in vain! I bet you want to pull out that notebook. Hope is the Vice President Education, Bukoto Toastmasters Club and a Communications officer at the umbrella network of Civil Society Organizations advocating for effective education.

Finally,Dr. Juliet Nakku delivered her Pathways icebreaker speech I am Here for a Purpose to introduce herself to the Toastmasters and guests present. A near death experience that landed her in the intensive care unit jolted her into reflection on very serious questions. ”Who was she? What was she here on earth for? What should she be doing?” She has always been a leader, ranging from class monitor, to food prefect, and currently the President Elect of Uganda Psychiatrists Association. Joining Toastmasters, therefore is no surprise, as it is where leaders are made. With Toastmasters, she should be empowered to chart her future,inspire others and live a purposeful life. “Effort and courage without purpose is not enough”–John F. Kennedy. As she left the stage, she left us pondering “Do you know your purpose?” Dr. Juliet is a member of Ntinda Toastmasters Club, the deputy director of a large referral hospital and President Elect of the Uganda Psychiatrists Association.

Juliet Nakku emerged the better speaker in this meeting.

Lydia provided advice on how to water one’s grass-appreciate whatever you have and get to work! Do you want to be revered as an expert in your profession? Stay up late at night, wake up early, and take more professional risks. Do you want a svelte or muscular body? Eat those greens, exercise and drink lots of water!

In her conclusion, if you must look around at other people’s grass, ensure that your purpose is for inspiration (how can I do better)—not in place of tending to and appreciating what you already have. The grass is greener where you water it. Are you watering yours?

“You have exactly ONE life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly”-Colin Wright

Are you looking for a Toastmasters Club around Ntinda? Look no further than the Ntinda Toastmasters Club .You can follow the club on facebook at Ntinda Toastmasters Club.