by Tsholofelo Mokgabudi
Mmatapa defines herself firstly as a child of God. A woman on a journey of self-love and discovery. I was drawn to her, not only for her charismatic charm and commanding presence, it was the way she spoke to others. Passionate about the well-being and mental health of others, she has dedicated her platform to speak on mental wellness and self development. She is an outgoing and fun-loving conversationalist that thrives in collaborative spaces and also enjoys being in the company of her own self- a balance necessary to build a wholesome life. She believes her life’s purpose is to help others and she’s already impacted so many on this beautiful purposeful journey.
Speaking up about mental health is essential in the wellbeing of our society. It is important to ensure that we are informed and able to serve others through compassion and offer support to those that need it. I am glad to have had the opportunity to speak to Mmatapa on such an important matter, on a celebratory month. For women. By women.
Our conversation
1. How would you define mental wellness?
Mental wellness could be interpreted in many ways depending on how you see it , but I see it as the state of knowing what your mind needs and feeding it exactly what it needs, at the right time.
2. How have you found your journey through mental wellness to be?
My journey through mental wellness was very uncomfortable at the beginning but so much more fulfilling in the process as well as at the end. It was uncomfortable when I first realized there was a problem. Unpacking the problem made me more aware of myself and pushed me into doing the necessary inner work. Doing the inner work for me meant that I’m evolving and discovering another layer to myself, my mind, my life and seeing the level of power over my life that I actually have. My journey through mental wellness has shown me how powerful the mind is and the importance of controlling it and not letting it control you through negative thoughts and life’s bad moments. Everything, and I mean everything, starts in the mind before it can be manifested anywhere else, therefore my mental space becomes such a special and important thing for me to protect and nurture. I prioritize my mental wellness so much because I do not enjoy how I feel when I don’t.
3. What do you hope to achieve with your platform? (Social media/ YouTube etc)
I hope to encourage others to prioritize their own mental health, in order to experience the greater layers of themselves that are not covered in pain, trauma, or mental illnesses in general. I want people to know that they can create the best versions of themselves in order to live their best, soft life. I want them to realize that their best life doesn’t start when they achieve their dream materialistic life, but it starts when they are mentally in a state of wellness in order to better receive and navigate their dream lifestyle. With my YouTube channel I would like to raise awareness on the importance of mental health/ wellness by taking people along the journey of navigating life through sharing tips of prioritizing their mental wellness. Tips I’ve learned through experience. On my Instagram I would love to share the outcome and final product of how living your best lifestyle can possibly look like when you take care of your mental health first.
4. What do you hope people learn and understand about mental health?
I hope people will learn that they should not wait until their mental health deteriorates for them to take care of it because it might take a lot to get out of that dark place. Therefore, they fall into depression which might lead them to commit suicide. That is why I want people to understand the importance of being aware of their own mental health.
5. How do you prioritise your mental wellness?
I firstly intentionally listen to my body. I’m always conscious of what I’m feeling emotionally and mentally, in that way I’m quickly aware when I’m not in a good space so I can work on it before it gets out of control and turns into mental illness. On a lighter note, I intentionally rest when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I cry when I need to release tension, I spend time in God’s presence, I make sure to speak about the things that bother me, I go out , and I don’t put myself in mentally exhausting situations or relationships. I’m realizing as I’m mentioning everything now that prioritizing mental wellness has turned into my lifestyle. It’s the way I live.
6. What inspires you to advocate for mental health?
The fact that we are all a product of what has and is still happening in our lives, and how it all links back to mental health. How what happens to us creates a specific version/ behavior in us that affects how we see life and choose to show up in the world. It’s so interesting and highlights the importance of me advocating for mental health because I want us to heal so that we do not live life operating from a place of lack. We are supposed to be free and live so good, be happy and I feel like mental health illnesses steals that from people. I want people to be woke so they are always one step ahead of their mental health in order to better experience this precious life.
7. What do you hope to achieve in your personal journey with your mental health?
I am enjoying the journey with all its ups and downs and I’ve achieved so many things already such as the mere fact that I can listen to what my mind needs and I give it that. However , I would say that I hope to never stop unlearning the toxic, learning the healthy , doing the inner work and to never ever stop fighting for the wellness of my mental health.
8. What message do you have for women during Women’s month regarding mental health and wellness?
Before choosing anything or anyone in this world , choose yourself. Do not betray the state of your mental health by trying to make other people feel comfortable. You are your first priority because only when your cup is filled are you able to fill others. You are so beautiful and deserve to fully live.
9. What does Women’s month mean to you?
It means women coming together to celebrate , support and encourage each other. It means genuinely acknowledging our desire to connect, build, grow, be sensitive, feel, love, be heard, seen, work hard, achieve, dream and wear a cute outfit to go out for lunch; all at the same time! Women’s month for me means freedom in all aspects for women.
It has been an honour to be exposed to such a soft and beautiful soul. To see her passion for people, love others through her determination to serve and to uplift the lives of those around her. It is the mind that drives us, our dreams that fuel us but it is the support of others that keeps us.
Being featured on this amazing blog is purpose unfolding. Thank you for seeing me as worthy of being appreciated, I’m grateful - Mmatapa Ramaahlama
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