TOP neurosurgeon and head of the neurosurgery department at the University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine, Luxwell Jokonya, has published his debut inspirational book based on life lessons drawn from his cycling hobby.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Jokonya described the publication as “landmark” as he turned 40.
“I am excited to humbly share part of my life’s journey and the invaluable lessons I have learnt through my favourite hobby,” he said.
Jokonya said although the book was motivational, he considered it more of a “life guide”.
The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Zimbabwe founder and president said he developed a passion for writing while he was still in high school.
“I used to write a lot of poetry and short stories, but I never got to publish (them). Since I went into the medical field, I have been mostly writing scientific papers and book chapters,” he noted.
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“This is the first publication I have written differently, less scientific, yet I think it speaks more on practical brain and mental health issues than any of my preceding scientific publications.”
He said family and friends always urged him to publish, but a busy schedule made it impossible.
It was only after adopting cycling as a hobby that Jokonya realised that the lessons learnt on the track needed to be written down.
“So, when I started my cycling journey, after each ride I would have these light-bulb moments on nuggets learnt or affirmed through the journey and so I decided to pen them to paper,” he said.
Jokonya said he wished he had learnt those lessons early in life and has decided to share them with the world, describing the book as “a platter for the wiser”.
The book, he said, was targeted at all age groups.
“I think this book appeals to all age groups that can read and comprehend. There are things we have often thought were for adults. But the human brain is amazing in its capacity, especially when it is young and very plastic. The earlier you apply some of these life hacks I believe the further you will go in life,” he noted.
Jokonya said his experience as a brain surgeon showed him that one's health and success were connected to their mental wellbeing.
A Mandela Washington Fellow, Jokonya holds a medical degree and Masters in Neurosurgery degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a PhD in Neurosciences from the University of KwaZulu Natal.