It’s that time of the year again! A time to acknowledge she who makes all things possible. She who works tirelessly in the background to build me up. She who took me as a clay pot and molded me into the African King I am today.

My Queen,
My reign began when I met you, though I never knew I needed you when I wanted you…I never thought you’d be the one to tame me when I hounded you. I didn’t know where we were headed but I liked where we were going as your beauty held me hostage, Given, you’re my life's treasure; I value you, and nothing else matters. The truth is, I don't deserve you but you’re my once upon a time and happily ever after.

My Queen,
You elevate me to levels I could never get to without you, I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you have made of me. Because of you I’ve seamlessly transitioned from a boy to man and now I'm the King I believe I was destined to be. You give me purpose and for that I’m thankful, the truth is I don't just want you, I need you... you’re more than what I prayed for.

My Queen,
I'm with you, and by that I mean forever, I love you more than I love myself; it's deeper than anything I can put down on paper. For me, you changed everything, for you, I'll do anything...
I draw strength from your indomitable spirit, comfort from your kind heart and courage from your beautiful soul…because of you I have no fear…the truth is I’ll go to war for you, you’re the jewel in my crown and the tip of my spear.

Notes for married men:

• 😍 Appreciate and affirm your wives regularly. A heartfelt note here and there, a few kind words and compliments every so often, a hand held in public - filya. Mule ishiba utuntu!
  
• 🗣 Do the most, and do it publicly. Recognition adds fuel to the fire 🔥 …let her know, then let the world know, you’ll keep the fire burning! Your love story might even inspire others. For those it irritates NI VAWO😔
  

Chapwa. You get it? If you don't get it forget about it!

Supplementary reading:

• My wife, my motivation
• Good woman

Given Minziwe Majula, happy birthday 🎉🎈 iwe naine mpaka ku manda😐

As a man when you excel in anything it's important to acknowledge the people who give you the stage to perform. I'm a married man and I want to use my platform to acknowledge my wife; a woman that has literally been a cheat code in life for me.

This is my truth:
My wife, you're the reason I wake up in the morning and go harder than last time. I want you to know that I'm grateful for your acts of service (cooking, cleaning, ironing - the list is endless!) as it fuels the beast and allows me to flourish in my fitness endeavors. I'm thankful for the words of affirmation that you provide when I need them most as it allows me to keep persisting when I start to feel discouraged. I cherish our quality time because it recalibrates me and calms my spirit. Your physical touch melts away my stress and reinvigorates me. Your supernatural capacity to be able to gift me things I didn't know I needed still puzzles me to this day but provides tangible examples of your thoughtfulness.

Mpaka
You taught me the 'mpaka concept' - which is to keep persisting until you get the outcome that you want. Mpaka vi chitike. I went from struggling to overcoming, from an unknown to a brand, from a street runner to the Roadrunner Zambia. You are the reason why my spirit is so strong and defiant, my body is armored and my mentality is bulletproof. I am who I am and what I am because of you, for you and with you. I've been enhanced by you and you've done more than make me better, you've evolved me.

Thank you for supporting the hustle and developing the ability to speak every love language❤️🗣️. My greatest privilege has and will always be running life's marathon with you.

Here's my advice on how to appreciate others;

• Say "thank you" very loudly for any and everything that someone does to make your life and mission easier, from ironing your clothes to preparing your meals. When you publicly acknowledge and praise those that help you it revitalizes them and you'll be surprised at how much more they'll be willing to take on just to help you advance. So, sing to the high heavens and watch your blessings will explode!
• Tell the people that encourage you how much it means to you, how much you appreciate their positivity and input. They'll be eager to dish out more good vibes.
• Be the support system for others that you would appreciate for yourself
• Tell the people that have had a hand in your ‘upgrade’ all about the new level they put you on. Many people like to think that they’re self-made, you’re not. Learn to acknowledge the contributions of others

Mrs. Given Minziwe Majula💍, I love and appreciate you. Mpaka ku manda!