There’s a Swahili saying I’ve come to live by:
“Tenda wema, nenda zako.”
Loosely translated, it means:
“Do good, and go on your way.”
It sounds so simple, almost too easy to say — but in reality, living this truth is one of the deepest forms of inner freedom.
Do Good Without Waiting for Applause
Life has taught me this again and again: You can pour love into people, show up for them in ways big and small, and still — they might never return the gesture. Some won’t say thank you. Some will even forget. Some will act like it never happened.
And yet, you did good.
“Tenda wema, nenda zako” is not just a cute saying — it’s a spiritual principle. It’s a reminder that your acts of kindness are not for show, not for keeping score, not for clout. They’re for your soul.
Just because someone didn’t acknowledge your kindness doesn’t mean it was wasted.
You still planted a seed.
You still shifted the energy.
You still did good.
Expectation Is Heavy. Let It Go.
The moment you expect someone to repay you for what you did, you turn your kindness into a contract. A transaction.
But real love — real service — isn’t transactional.
Do good, leave it there, and move forward. That’s where your power is.
The Universe Is Watching, Always
Even if no human sees what you did, God sees. Spirit sees. The universe keeps receipts.
Your good deeds don’t vanish into thin air — they echo. They create ripples in realms you can’t even see. Sometimes the blessings return through different people, unexpected moments, or quiet protection from things you’ll never even know you avoided.
Here’s the truth: kindness is not an investment in people; it’s an investment in the universe.
So no, the same people you helped may never be the ones to lift you when you’re down. But your kindness? It’s not wasted. Never has been. Never will be.
Bitterness Is a Trap. Stay Free.
It’s easy to get bitter when you feel taken for granted.
But bitterness only poisons you.
Choosing to live by “tenda wema, nenda zako” is choosing peace over pride, freedom over resentment, and spiritual wealth over worldly reward.
Why You Should Keep Doing Good Anyway
- Because it aligns with your values
- Because it makes the world better
- Because your heart feels fuller
- Because kindness is a legacy
- Because your reward is divine, not transactional
And because you never know who’s watching, who’s learning from you, who you’re inspiring just by being you.
Let That Be Enough
You showed up. You helped. You gave. You supported. You stood in the gap.
And now?
Walk away in peace.
No guilt. No bitterness. No expectations.
Just the quiet knowing that you were a vessel for good — and that’s more than enough.
Final Word
So the next time you feel unappreciated or unseen, remember this truth:
“Tenda wema, nenda zako.”
Do good. Walk away. Let God handle the rest.