What to Focus On to Have Positive Attitude Every Day

By Vincent Kituku

"Muli, get me a basin with water. I want to take a bath and go to Nairobi." This was the request of my mother after I arrived home from school. A visitor in our home might wonder, "How can she go to Nairobi at this time of the day?" My mother seemed to have the punch line ready, "I am going to my husband's store. That is my Nairobi."

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, had its charm, especially for rural folks who rarely had the chance of visiting the, "place of cool water." Nairobi dwellers had different perspectives from those who lived in country sites. They had exposure to different cultures and the Western lifestyle. Their food was different from that in the villages. Cultivation, which roughned the skin of rural folks, was not practiced in Nairobi. Thus, dwellers of Nairobi had smoother skin.

As I was growing up in Kangundo, it was a special event for a woman to visit her husband in Nairobi. When she returned, she brought new clothes for her family. Sometimes, she brought bread and other unusual items. If her visit lasted a month or so, her skin would affirm the comfortable lifestyle of Nairobi. It was smooth and starting to soften. When communicating with neighbors, she would use Swahili or English words here and there, which were the dominant languages of the big city.

My father left the King's African Rifles (British Colonial Army) in the early 60's to start a business in our local shopping center, about one mile from our home, but 60 miles from Nairobi. Every evening, my mother would go to the shop to help him and close the business for the day. Our business was mainly a fabric outlet. By the early 70's, the business was well established, and people knew the best material was found there. Dad made sure that my mother had the newest fabric in the community, which was the best advertisement.

What was fascinating to me was her contentment. She was so proud of it, she could never miss the "real Nairobi." When my mother went to help Dad, she also bought cooking oil, meat, kerosene and other supplies the family would need. For my mother, this was her "Nairobi."

My mother's attitude and contentment were my first encounter with the Biblical teaching, "But Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). It is the contentment that makes the heart leap with joy in the midst of material poverty; contentment of the soul that gives the mind unexpected peace to enjoy the triumphs of the day without focusing on the wants of tomorrow or languishing on past disappointments; contentment that culminates with an attitude of gratitude for the blessing of life, appreciation for divine providence of basic necessities, thankfulness for a closely-knit family and an understanding that God has the best in store for us.

Just look at what you, where you are and what you are doing. Focus on what is good and working for you...that's your Nairobi

Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku, Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku, author of Overcoming Buffaloes at Work & in Life works with organizations to increase productivity through leadership and employees development programs. He can be reached at http://www.kituku.com or (208) 376-8724. Dr. Kituku has been described as a research-based motivational speaker/trainer whose storytelling skills have won awards for both spoken and written words. He is one of the less than 7% speakers to earn the coveted Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) recognition, the highest designation presented by the National Speakers Association.

Wherever he speaks, people from all backgrounds agree that words cannot describe Vincent but that he must be experienced. His ability to captivate audiences with content, interaction and entertainment has made him not only a sought after speaker but an annual presenter for key organizations.

The impact of Dr. Kituku's memorable speeches and workshops has propelled him into a league of his own. He has given presentations for HP, CISCO, MICRON, AIRFORCE, GENWORTH FINANCIAL. He has been the motivational speaker for the successful Boise State University Football Team since 1998-the alumni of BSU selected him the 2003 Homecoming Grand Marshal.

A scientific researcher and experienced corporate America student, Dr. Kituku, a native of Kenya, Africa, draws on his rich cultural heritage and his in-depth experience in corporate America to help others apply the strategies of personal and professional success to their lives. Vincent offers individuals and organizations the necessary spears to change and stay motivated. Since establishing Kituku & Associates in 1995, Dr. Kituku has done research on the challenges and expectations of every group he has worked with. He then uses the data/information to develop and present a customized presentation audiences can relate to and apply in whatever they do to make success a continuous experience.

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