Bright M Bwalya

18/03/2025

Bright's Lark: Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" 🤔

People always say “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and yeah, it makes sense. You can’t just look at someone and assume you know their worth. Sometimes, the people you least expect have the most to offer—you just need to take time to interact with them to see their value.

But let’s be real, that statement is only half the truth. Yes, people should look beyond appearances, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t present yourself well. First impressions matter. Why make it hard for people to see your value? Do you really want someone to spend an hour with you just to realize you’re worth their time?

Think about it—if you’re meeting a CEO for business, and you show up in flip-flops, a wrinkled T-shirt, and skinny jeans with one leg rolled up, do you think they’ll take you seriously? No matter how intelligent or capable you are, they might not even give you a chance, you will be talking to yourself while the CEO keeps thinking about "Why you don't respect him and why you chose to dress how you did" - He's busy assessing your appearance and you continue talking to yourself and your value is missed.

A book’s cover doesn’t determine its worth, but it does attract readers. The same way an author carefully chooses a title and design that hints at what’s inside, you should also present yourself in a way that reflects who you truly are.

So instead of just saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” let’s complete that statement and say this:

“Never judge a book by its cover—but let the cover show a glimpse of the greatness inside.”

Let people see your value without struggling to find it. I believe this and seen it work even for me. I know that:

"First impressions open doors - your character keeps them open"

🥰

16/10/2023

05/09/2023

Purple Reflection: Where are the Epilepsy Solutions?

A fair question asked by people living with .
We see the problem, but where are the solutions?
This is even fairer in places where the condition is still mystical in people's eyes, and sadly, even in those of some healthcare professionals.
This has led to a rise in stigmatization, exclusion, and indeed a lack of solutions for problems well known by caregivers and those living with Epilepsy because well, the solutions are not being presented 😩.

Here is a thought 🤔,
Say John is walking down the street,
Overwhelmed by the beauty the evening sky brings he sees not the rock in his path,
He stubs his toe so hard his nail cracks yet makes no scream in pain,
He sees you walk past equally taken by the beauty of the evening sky and he frowns screaming - "Hey, why aren't you helping me, even to just move the rock!"

Would you judge the scenario as a fair expectation of reaction from you?

Dear friend living with or caring for someone with Epilepsy,
Maybe the solutions aren't coming because no scream in pain can be heard,
There's no cry from you who's feeling the pain, how will the others know what you are going through and help?

"We are calling you to not be the one waiting for Solutions,
Be part of the Solution makers, Even just an 'Ouch 😱!' will get their attention" - The Purple Glow Foundation

25/08/2023

Purple Lark: It's Getting Hot 😨

With the weather starting to get very hot,
It is important for those whose seizures are triggered by a rise in body temperature or heat to keep a lookout as they may be prone to experiencing a heat-induced seizure.
This is a type of seizure that is caused by a sudden increase in body temperature due to extreme heat exposure regardless of source. The body’s temperature can increase quickly when exposed to hot weather or when engaging in strenuous activities in hot temperatures. Heat-induced seizures can range from mild to severe and may require medical attention.

To reduce the risk of heat-triggered Seizures;
i. Stay hydrated,
ii. Avoid over working in hot weather,
iii. Avoid Very Hot Showers/Baths
iv. Wear loose and light clothing,
v. Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned environments.

Additionally, it is important to pay attention to heat warnings issued by the local government and take extra precautions when temperatures are high.

14/07/2023

I have Been in This Situation Multiple Times.

I, being a person who gets auras(warnings) before a seizure, can tell when I am about to have a Seizure and therefore analyze my environment and access if I will be needing help. I have had Seizures in places that definitely needed an extra hand and instead of helping ... people ran away.
Here are some Examples.
1. On a Bus - From Kasama: We just reached Congo and the Bus was too hot for me.
2. On a small Bus in Lusaka at Zambezi Corner: The bus was too crowded and it got too hot for me.
3. On a Small Bus at Chilenje Shoprite: Here, it was the heat and the noise from their overly loud music if I recall well.
4. At Lusaka Post Office: My thumping heart rate after running through the rain to try and get to Levy Mall but the rain got too heavy so I Stopped at the Post office.
5. At Bwinjimfumu: Anxiety or the Instruments in the Song I was listening to, can't quite place it.
6. Lusaka - at Arcades: The Heat mixed with the noise coming from the cars driving by at that moment.
7. Lusaka - Bwinjimfumu Total Filling Station: I was really tired and deep in thought then a person screamed, that startled me - that triggered the Sizure.
8. Munali Mall -Parking Lot: The heat again, a hot day topped with anxiety = A seizure.
9. Kalingalinga Shopping Mall - at Taxi Rank outside: Heat and the noise from the honking buses.
10. Lewanika Mall - Shoprite: The sound that the shop makes before an announcement - the pitch is the kind that actually does trigger either an Aura or a full-on seizure for me, this time, it was a Seizure.
11. Kalingalinga - Just after Love of Home: Heat, yeah for those who wonder why I walk in the cold with a vest, now you know.
In some of these moments,

Seeing that no one will help me, I rushed into people's cars and just had my seizure then explained after and they were actually very understanding, one lady locked her door though even though I explained, I don't blame I guess, It's unusual.
In other moments I ran towards people explaining in my shortness of breath "Help me, I am about to have a seizure" - but the people ran away. One time some did actually help, I was afraid of the big deep drainage and the busy road next to me.
On the bus, well on two occasions, I found myself alone on the bus being looked at like an Alien that just landed on Earth and the humans standing outside are trying to understand why it came lol.
At the post office, someone helped, yes even offered to walk me to the Station in my post-ictal state, but it was all a trick to rob me of my phone.

(Video VO in ichibemba Language of the Bembe people of Zambia)
Basically describes a man who was having a seizure and people were stopping to help him.