Joy is an Ingredient too

This is not a travel guide. This is not a workout plan. This is not another post urging you to wake up at 5 a.m. and drink wellness shots, though those practices can be beneficial. Instead, I invite you to join me vicariously on my recent trip to my home country, Kenya. You might ask, what was the occasion?  Well, this is what I would call a wellness trip. I was feeling rather overwhelmed with my studies, and so for the school break, I decided to go to the place that fills my cup of joy. An experience familiar to many in the diaspora who call two or more continents home, or simply, for those who travel for adventure. 

Kenya holds a very special place in my heart. It is a source of inspiration and joy — a place that never fails to uplift my spirit and renew my sense of wonder. Many have called it mystical, and I agree. What makes it even more meaningful to me is the community waiting for me there: family and friends who push me to grow, keep me grounded, and fill me with anticipation for this journey. Through the moments and activities we shared, I hope to show how this trip is not just another travel but rather a blueprint for healthy, wholesome, and joyful living experience.

Often, it seems like conversations about healthy living and fitness focus on conventional advice, like going to the gym and working out, but overlook the other elements that quietly and consistently compound to enhance our overall well-being. ​Too often, we are handed a narrow picture of what health is supposed to look like. And when we measure ourselves against it, it is easy to feel like we are falling short, never pausing to question whether that picture was complete to begin with. I would argue that true health is far more expansive than we are led to believe. More often than not, what our minds and souls truly need is the healing benefits of joyful laughter, a hug from a loved one, or an environment filled with care and love. These experiences, in themselves, can be incredibly nourishing.

The goal is to be cognizant and self-aware. Understanding which elements or ingredients in your healthy living toolkit you need at any given time can help you identify what might be lacking. Most importantly, to recognize that all these components work together in harmony. None of these pieces exists in isolation; they all contribute to the overall sense of well-being.

What moves me deeply, even as a native of Kenya, is that I am never quite prepared for the warmth of its people. No matter how many times I return, the kindness catches me anew. The unguarded joy in their laughter, the unhurried calm they carry, and the ease with which the people welcome you into their world. Throughout this trip, I found myself reminded, again and again, of what it truly means to be Kenyan: to be kind, to love openly, to laugh with your whole self, and to live with an enduring, vibrant energy.

So, I invite you to come along with me. Let me show you what I mean.

Lesson from Home, Kenya, Africa.

Find Your “Medicine”

Before we get into all the activities, I want to start here because friends, family, fruits, and sunshine are themselves medicine, in their own way.

Sometimes, healthy living could simply be a call with someone you care about. A real conversation, not a voice note and not a text. An actual call where you hear someone's voice and remember that you are loved and that you belong to a people. Other times, it might simply be getting some fresh air, stepping outside, and letting the sun soak through your skin.

Mine, this time, was enjoying some Vitamin C & D on the African continent. Fruits that taste different. You might ask, how and why are they different? To that, I would say, perhaps it is because of Kenya’s unique geographical location that contributes to the deliciousness. Kenya is one of only 13 countries that lie on the equator, which allows it to enjoy consistent weather throughout the year, marked by distinct rainy seasons. I believe this environment creates a vibrant flavor that captures the essence of the land, resulting in truly tasty and distinctive foods and fruits.

My visit coincided with mango season, and my goodness, they were juicy and delicious, especially when you add some chili.  I also got to enjoy some pawpaw, passion fruit, and arguably some of the best and creamiest avocados in the world.

That was the first ingredient. And it set the tone for everything that followed.

Bonus Tip: Lean into Nature

Imagine this: you are about 4.5 to 5 hours away from Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. Your desire is to escape the towering modern skyscrapers and the hustle of city life for a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle that cities have tried to overshadow for decades.

Let me introduce you to a hidden gem: Chyulu National Park. It is one of the few national parks in Kenya where you can embark on a guided walking safari. This paradise features emerald-green landscapes and unobstructed panoramic views. On a clear day, I’m told you can even see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here because we got to curate our own adventure. Macharia was our rancher and guide who stayed with us at the campground. His professionalism and good sense of humor made the experience in the wilderness more enjoyable. Regardless of whether you prefer staying at the campground or enjoy a workout, you still have the opportunity to experience the beautiful rolling hills that surround you.

There is something truly inspiring about immersing ourselves in nature. It offers a fresh perspective on life, reminding us of our smallness in the vast universe while showcasing forces that are greater, older, and wiser than our daily concerns. Sometimes, this reminder is exactly what our bodies and minds need to reset. So make a point to go outside when you can. If visiting Chyulu National Park isn’t feasible, consider a safari at Nairobi National Park or a walk in Karura Forest, both of which are in close proximity to the capital city.

Farming & Growing Your Own Food

A healthy lifestyle could also mean growing your own food. As an African native with a connection with the land, farming has never been just a chore for me; it is a conversation, a way of participating in something ancient, generous, and fulfilling. There is something special about feeling the soil between your fingers, and I appreciate this more now than I did in my childhood. Something settles, and you are reminded that food does not begin in a grocery store. That the earth is generous when you tend to it. That patience and care produce something you can actually eat, share, and be nourished by.

That said, you do not need a farm to enjoy this experience. A container garden on a balcony could be a good start. Even a single herb pot on a windowsill counts. The principle is the same, connection to where your food comes from, and the grounding that comes with it. Many of us, however, will often only have access to food from grocery stores, and that is okay too. Hopefully, it is as close to organic or locally grown for freshness as possible.

Hanging out with Family and Friends

Making time to travel to see your loved ones also counts as part of your healthy living practices. If you ask me, it belongs on the list right alongside sleep, hydration, and movement. In fact, for some of us, it might be the thing the list has been missing most. During my time in Kenya, I had the joy of reuniting with my family and my dear friend Wanjiku, with whom I celebrated over 20 years of friendship. Despite the miles that separate us, we continue to uplift and inspire each other, celebrating our successes and holding one another accountable. Although my time with my loved ones was brief, it was nothing short of amazing. To me, it is relationships like these that truly fuel the pursuit of our wildest dreams.

There is a particular kind of nourishment that only comes from being with people who have known you across different versions of yourself. People who knew you before the current version of you and who love you without the performance. Sitting around a table with family and friends, laughing at things that only make sense to you, going out for a day adventure, or just spending the day together without an agenda. This feeds something in us that no amount of supplements can suffice.

Time with Pets

Taking care of pets and the animals we care about is also part of healthy and joyful living. You might have felt it as well. The way an animal looks at you with complete trust and complete presence. That kind of simplicity and cuteness pulls you back into the NOW moment.

Growing up, I lived on a homestead filled with domestic animals that felt like part of the family. We had cows, sheep, goats, chickens, a cat, dogs, and even a turkey at one point. Because of these experiences, domestic animals—and, I dare say, pets—hold a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to see both new and old pets of ours. Let me introduce you to our newest addition to our family's history of pets, Luna. Our sweet and slightly mischievous kitten.

There is wellness in that—real, quiet, consistent wellness.

Outdoors Adventures: Walks, Hiking & Camping 

Not every workout needs to look like a workout where you sweat. Some of the best movement on this entire trip came from simply walking through familiar streets, along new paths, with no destination, no timer, no metrics tracking my effort. Just my body doing what it was built to do, moving freely through a place that felt like home.

There is a particular joy in walking without a purpose other than being present. Without optimization. It turns out that joy is also an ingredient- a necessary one.

Street Food at the Open Market

A trip to Kenya is not complete without experiencing street food- it's a non-negotiable. 

Visiting the open market is a sensory experience unlike any other. The vibrant colors of the produce piled high, the enticing aroma of food cooking over an open flame, and the sounds of vendors and conversations blend together to create an atmosphere that feels alive. You receive food, either cold or warm, crafted by someone's hands, and it’s often eaten while standing among strangers who momentarily become neighbors.

This is food that embodies community. It connects you to the culture, the place, and the people around you. That connection, a sense of belonging, of participating in the rhythm of a place - is nourishment in its own right.

Going Out — Concerts, Dancing, Poetry

Yes. This is on the healthy living list. I will not be taking questions :)

We have been conditioned to treat pleasure and rest as rewards we earn through productivity. But what if they were just part of the plan? What if they were simply ingredients in a life well and fully lived?

​ As someone who enjoys music, I decided to take a two-hour road trip to Muranga County with my loved ones for the Kichakani Fest, despite the heavy rains. One of my favorite artists, Ayrosh, was performing there. I also attended the Millennials Cookout in Nairobi, which was a nostalgic throwback party where friends gathered to enjoy food while listening to music. These are two of the events I attended that provided unforgettable experiences.

So, go out to a concert, dance until you lose track of time, sit in a room, and listen to someone pour their whole heart out in verse. Joy is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity. Dancing is a wonderful way to move your body, and it’s just as valid as any other form of movement. Plus, the emotional release we get from music and poetry can truly help us heal and feel better. So, if you're wondering which events to attend during your visit to Kenya, rest assured that there will be plenty of parties to choose from. The real challenge might be deciding which one to go to, so keep an open mind and embrace spontaneity.

And Sometimes — You Eat the Cake

Healthy living could also mean indulging a little and eating cake. Nothing wrong with that. The thing is moderation. Even the best things, the things that are genuinely good for you, can be harmful when consumed excessively. That is true of sugar. It is also true of work, of perfectionism, of the relentless pressure to optimize every corner of your existence.

One thing I have come to appreciate more is that the time spent with those you care about is priceless. You don’t need a special occasion or reason to celebrate. So, we decided to get a cake to honor each other's company and to celebrate life, health, and the ordinary moments, like having lunch together as a family. That was more than enough of a reason for us to enjoy some cake. 

So my suggestion is, don’t wait for a special occasion to celebrate or capture beautiful moments. You don’t need a reason to take a nice picture or dress up. Much of life is filled with mundane activities, but you can make those ordinary moments special and turn them into occasions worth celebrating. 

So yes. I ate the cake. I felt no guilt about it. Because guilt and joy cannot occupy the same moment, and I was choosing joy.

Moderation is not deprivation. It is wisdom. And wisdom, it turns out, is also good for your health.

Lifestyle and Fitness Look Different for All of Us, at Different Times

Sometimes it involves working out at the gym. Other times, it is hanging out with family on a walk, doing a cognitive exercise, taking care of the pets and animals you love, simply sitting still long enough to hear yourself think, or being up in the mountains.

There is no single definition of a healthy lifestyle. There is yours, a living, breathing, evolving combination of movement, nourishment, rest, community, joy, nature, stillness, and love. Some of those elements will be tasking. Others will fill your cup in ways you did not expect. Some will nourish your body, others your mind, and others something deeper and harder to name.

This is an individual responsibility. Define what adds happiness and joy to your life. It does not have to be just one thing. We are complex, multidimensional human beings, and we deserve a vision of wellness that honors all that complexity, not just the part that looks good in a before-and-after moment.

Kenya reminded me of all of this. Every single day I was there, it reminded me to be in the now.

And now, I am passing it on to you. Joy Is an Ingredient Too