World Mental Health Day... It's A Thing. Get Into It.
When I wrote Flourish or Die in 2019, I didn’t realize that the release date (October 22) would align with Mental Health Awareness Month. I didn’t even know that Mental Health Awareness Month was a thing. What I knew at that time was that I had lost my ability to live my ‘normal’ life, and I needed to find my self-worth. I discovered that finding self-worth begins with prioritizing mental health.
How I Got Called To Become a Mental Fortitude Preacher: One afternoon in August of 2019, I was in the middle of processing an order at my tailor’s workshop. As I climbed up the ladder to the storage loft which is over six feet high, the ladder slipped from underneath me when I was almost at the top, and I along with the ladder fell backward, all the way to the ground. My right side absorbed the impact of my land. My right ankle got caught in the rung of the ladder, my right arm and chin absorbed the impact as I hit the ground and I couldn’t stand up without assistance. I was carried to a vehicle and rushed to the hospital. Several hours later, I left the hospital in an air cast, on crutches and the beginning of weeks of mental anguish. A regular working afternoon turned into the worst nightmare that I had never had. In a split second, I went from handling wedding orders for clients to being house-bound and temporarily disabled. As someone who enjoys writing and reading, but never made the time to do them, I used my ‘new schedule’ of bed rest to read old journals, reflect and watch a little bit of Netflix. Believe it or not, I rarely watch Netflix.
As an entrepreneur, I spend a lot of time battling self-doubt. I tend to write out my doubts and dilemmas, but I also tend to coach myself into a positive mindset by the end of each entry, no matter how short or how long the entry is. As I read through my old journals, I found some of these old journal entries to be extremely motivating! As I reviewed and reflected on my thoughts and ideas, I realized that I needed to quit wallowing in my self-pity and change my mindset; focus on the positives, despite my temporary situation. In addition, I should use this language to help frame my notes when coaching my clients and create a tool that I could use consistently in coaching sessions.
By the time I had written everything out, organized my notes, and structured my messages, I had a book. It’s not a long book by any means, but a book and journaling exercise. A tool for its audience now available on AMAZON.
SIDENOTE
Everybody: Why the title Flourish or Die?
Me: The title is probably the realest thing that I’ve ever said, which became the realest journal entry that I’ve ever written (to date)… which is one of the realest book titles you’ve ever heard of. (An ode to Tupac Shakur)
FLOURISH OR DIE: A CELEBRATION OF PRACTICING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
The journal entry that captured the quote “Flourish or Die” was me unpacking a conversation about a conversation. The mind has so many layers and deserves moments dedicated to making sense of it all. Unpacking ideas, thoughts, and moments helps me to get clear on my perspectives and informs how I live and work. In this particular journal entry, I was reflecting on a very tough conversation that I had with my Sister/Business Partner. Our conversations are tough at times, but because they are rooted in love, the harsh words elevate us. As we grow older, we grow wiser and try to avoid toxicity while we build and create together. Thankfully, It’s all love.
Mental Health’s Saving Grace: Journal Writing
Writing has been my mental health’s saving grace. Whether writing for myself or writing for an audience, writing has allowed me to experience peace. Once I have expressed myself through writing, I feel like the universe hears me and I am given grace, especially when I mess up. Growing up, I watched my parents write often. My Dad has beautiful penmanship, and subconsciously, I have always tried to emulate that. To this day, I often observe my Mom in her study, writing as she reflects on books or scripture she has read. In Flourish or Die, I discuss the importance of creating a recipe for building and strengthening mental fortitude. Writing is one of the most important ingredients in my personal recipe, and I find that to be true for other Creatives, regardless of their industry of work.
As we amplify Mental Health Awareness Month with World Mental Health Day, please take the time to do something that will strengthen your wellbeing, especially your mental health.
My wish for you:
Buy a beautiful journal
Grab a smooth pen
Pour out your thoughts into that journal
Sip your favorite beverage as you do so
You deserve it.
Happy World Mental Health Day!
xoxo- Gayima
#worldmentalhealthday
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth