May, the month dedicated to mental health. As I take a moment to ponder upon my own mental well-being, I find myself hoping that others are doing the same. It would be wonderful if everyone took the time to prioritize their mental health, but alas, reality often paints a different picture.
In the realm of our minds, a marvelous dance of constant change unfolds. Just like the evolving morals of society, our emotions, thoughts, and perceptions are fluid and ever-shifting. It’s quite ironic that our mental state plays a pivotal role in our ability to truly savor life’s joys. It’s as if developing a resilient mind, one that empowers our thoughts and reactions, should be given the utmost importance—a true state of DEFCON ONE urgency!
Numerous factors beyond our control influence our emotional and psychological well-being. Stress, relationships, environment, work, experiences, and so much more. That’s precisely why the movement to raise awareness about mental health surpasses a mere trend. Imagine a world where everyone consciously prioritizes their mental well-being—surely, it would be a saner place for us all.
Let’s take a moment to delve into the life of the remarkable Nina Simone, a gifted singer, songwriter, and pianist, who became a beacon of strength during the civil rights movement. She paid a high professional price for her involvement, while privately grappling with a tumultuous relationship with her husband and manager, as well as her own mental health struggles that strained her other relationships, including with her beloved daughter. Michel Martin’s words remind us that even those we admire face their own internal battles.
In this wild and unpredictable world, it’s important to acknowledge that our minds can’t always dwell in sunshine and rainbows. Negative thoughts, like unwelcome visitors, often find their way into our heads. Yet, by consciously prioritizing our mental health, fostering positivity, seeking support, and opening up to trusted confidants about our concerns, we make a choice. We refuse to let negativity define us and instead embrace the power within us.
As the inspiring Rosa Parks once said, when our minds are made up, fear diminishes. By recognizing what needs to be done and taking steps to care for our mental well-being, we can overcome the barriers that hold us back.
May we all continue this journey, embracing the beauty of mental health, and may our hearts overflow with compassion for ourselves and those around us.
References:
Mental Health Today: Why acknowledging and celebrating the Black feminist origins of ‘self-care’ is essential
NPR: Nina Simone’s Daughter Says This Film Gets Her Mom’s Story Straight
Southern Living: 35 Quotes From Powerful Leaders To Celebrate Black History Month
