Hi dear,
Welcome once again to another week, to another insightful reflection with me.
This week is special, it is Mental Health Awareness Week. I have a desire to always keep you in check with your mental health, that is the whole essence of Mind of Makus.
So far in this month of May, we have looked at how writing intersects with your mental health. If you have missed any, here are links to the posts:
- Journaling Through Grief: Healing After Loss
- Writing as a mindful act of self-care: How Writing Can Be Your Ultimate Self-Care Hack
Today, let’s take time.to think about what it takes to find your voice. I want us to pause and think about finding your voice and harnessing its transformative power to live the life you want.
Where is your voice?
For many, their self-belief in their voice is gone. Lack of self-belief means that the uniqueness of your person will not be experienced by the world. You are special and your voice is important; your story is valid and you are an important part of life.
I have mentioned my conviction in us humans being creative forces on earth, part of God’s plan to keep creating through us. Each of us have a role to play in that plan.
Your voice is important, speak up!
The Power of Expression
At its core, writing is an act of self-expression—a journey of discovery that begins with first hesitation and then finding and amplifying your unique voice.
In a world where silence often suffocates the soul, and we have become increasingly socially isolated, the written word becomes a lifeline, empowering us to speak our truth, share our stories, and connect with others on a deeply human level.
By allowing the art of writing to become part of your life, you express your fears, your dreams, your confidence and your person. This emboldens others and gives them permission to also shine their light. It isn’t all about you, sometimes your life is the only example another person will get to see of what is possible.
Breaking the Silence
For many, the journey towards mental well-being begins with breaking the silence surrounding their struggles. Part of being an adult is learning to manage difficult emotions and these are normal phases and seasons.
You will make decisions that will make you ponder for days and weeks, some of us will deal with mental illnesses like clinical anxiety, depression, psychosis or trauma, the act of putting pen to paper can be profoundly liberating. It takes it out of your mental space to a different place and almost magically makes you feel lighter.
I talk about self care a lot but no single fix will help us live our full lives, we need to gently and compassionately incorporate various tools into our daily lives, to help us thrive.
We are co-creators. We can create our realities and alter our perspectives and feed our minds a preferred story.
In the space between lines, we confront our inner demons, challenge stigma, and reclaim our narrative from the shadows of shame and secrecy.
Putting down your words, and thoughts breaks you free and allows you to take control. Negative thoughts and actions have an effect, but they have such great PR, let us give positive actions and behaviours a chance too.
How many do you think will be affected positively by your act of breaking silence , learning from your lessons, modelling your behaviours and emotional intelligence?
Think about how many books and stories have influenced your life. That is partly how much your words can liberate those who may be bound by silence.
A Platform for Advocacy
As we find our voice, we also discover a powerful tool for advocacy—a platform from which to amplify our voices and advocate for change. Whether through personal essays, poetry, or social media activism, writing empowers us to challenge misconceptions, dismantle barriers, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding around mental health.
See what great advocacy moves have been made all over the world, using social platforms to share passionate appeals for affirmative action .
I have found doing this blog very therapeutic and a good space to talk about things that matter to me. Where do you talk about what matters to you? Do your loved ones even know what matters to you?
Will you float through life or make an impact?
Get the Reflective Writing course by Alex Elle here
Creating Community
In the vast expanse of cyberspace, writing becomes a bridge connecting us to a global community of kindred spirits. Through blogs, forums, and online support groups, we find solace in shared experiences, forge meaningful connections, and draw strength from the collective wisdom of those who’ve walked similar paths.
You feel less alone in your interest, for good and for bad. If you want to write about fish, I am sure there is a group for that somewhere. Do a quick Google search and find your people. I have a friend who started a weekly fictional writing group, and they would meet on zoom weekly for an hour and just write and give one another feedback
We are co-creators. We can create our realities and alter our perspectives and feed our minds a preferred story.
– Amaka
Cultivating Resilience
In the face of adversity, writing becomes an anchor—a source of solace and strength amidst life’s storms. By articulating our struggles, hopes, and dreams, we cultivate resilience, fortify our spirits, and reaffirm our capacity to overcome even the darkest of days.
It also provides a good evidence of the journey you have taken in life. Have you ever found your diary from younger years and just smiled? Hahahaha.
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The growth is visible and endearing. Why would not give yourself that encouragement and strength in the future? Pick up a pen, buy the journal, use sticky notes, use your phone, document your thoughts.
Your Voice Matters
As we navigate the vast space of mental health, let us remember the transformative power of our own voices. Whether through journaling, storytelling, advocacy, or song writing, each word we write has the potential to spark change, inspire hope, and light the way for others on their journey towards healing and wholeness.
In life, our voices are the melody—the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our shared humanity. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, let us embrace the transformative power of writing and honour the sacred journey of finding our voices.
Writing not only discovers the depths of our own resilience but also the boundless potential of the human spirit. I ask my patients to keep a diary and those of them who take that advice often have better progress in recovery, there is something about objective evidence of a journey that tells you what next steps you should take.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of writing and mental health. Remember, your voice is your greatest asset—use it to speak your truth, share your story, and empower others to do the same. Together, let us raise our voices in solidarity, compassion, and hope.
Until next week,
Stay authentic, Stay resilient, Stay writing
Be yourself and keep getting better at it.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
2 Cor 3:2(MSG)
You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
