Note from the Editor
By Sankara Yambo
Beginning of this year I was assigned Editor to the PICHA Blog. A role initially held by Joanna Chemel from Ghana - who was then transitioning to the gargantuan assignment of launching the Weaving Stories picture book. Big shoes to fill.
My task involved getting articles from draft to finish, a piece of cake for an avid reader and writer like myself but in actuality, each piece was more than just a collection of words waiting for me to click publish. They offered a chance to peek behind the veil into each author's life; their words fleshing out their joys, hopes, aspirations, quirks, regrets and shortcomings. The articles, like a time capsule, captured their experiences and reflections in conversations that at times would spill into territory commonly reserved for one's inner circle.
To be listened to is a kindness, but in listening, I was learning and gaining creative wisdom. I was reminded that the journey to one's ‘ikigai’ is seldom linear. The authors spoke of uncertainty and decisions rooted in survival, moments of deep realisation garnished with euphoria and sometimes periods of plateau and stillness. It was the listening ear that lent clarity and offered softness to this kind of self discovery. It was a chance to take stock of the moment and be more present.
All lives are different, but when putting together multiple stories, recurring themes do emerge. Embrace the process, be aligned in purpose and hold a commitment to a dependable work ethic. There is a considerable effort that goes into writing, and I would like to acknowledge and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their story with us.
While midwifing articles for the platform continues to offer me a chance to build great relationships as well as the opportunity to build PICHA’s brand identity, the real work is done by the writers, especially those sharing their contributions regularly.
I look forward to seeing that number grow for the coming year. If you are interested in sharing your story with the PICHA Blog, send an email to me on [email protected] and we can have a chat about it.
