What's your favorite position? Mine is sideways.
Get your mind out of the gutter, I was talking about sleeping positions 😂
Eat, Breathe, Sleep.
Then rinse and repeat because this life na one.
This week, I was the most reluctant to go to church (yes, I believe in a higher power) because my mind was in the deep end and my spirits needed lifting. Although, as a woman, you might hear the most ludicrous things in church–things like speaking righteousness into a cheating husband, shutting up when men are talking, and being a man's greatest downfall all in the name of sex, there’s still good stuff the patriarchy can't taint. Despite my low spirits, I was reminded that life is lived only once, and that staying positive, especially during hard times, means embracing the things that bring color to your life and nurture your mental health.
Simple steps like eating when you should, getting adequate sleep, putting away your phone might seem insignificant but trust me, they work. Remember, future you would thank you for the steps you take today to make your life better, We are in this together!
October is Mental Health Awareness Month
This month, we celebrated Mental Health Day, a reminder of the importance of mental well-being, especially for women who often juggle multiple roles. Managing mental health in these circumstances requires intentional self-care and a focus on mental wellness practices. Here are some effective approaches:
Set Boundaries
I am talking to you, first daughter! You know yourself. Set boundaries, girl. As women, we often take on emotional labor, which can lead to burnout. Setting boundaries like saying “no” when necessary and carving out personal time can help prevent overwhelm.
Prioritize Physical Health
Physical well-being is directly linked to mental health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can improve mood, energy, and overall mental clarity. In other words, hit the gym guys or get a skipping rope and don’t forget to eat your fruits and veggies.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises can help you stay present, reducing anxiety and stress. Always take a minute or two each day to just exhale; breathe in and out.
Build a Support Network
Like I always say your female friendships will save you! Nothing beats girls night: simply lounging and talking about the latest romcom or anything literally anything at all boosts your mental health. Connecting with supportive friends, family members, or support groups provides a safe space to share experiences and seek encouragement.
Take Digital Breaks
Social media can increase stress. Scheduling regular digital detoxes allows the mind to reset and focus on offline well-being.
Seek Professional Help
Therapists or counselors can offer tools to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. Prioritizing professional support is essential for long-term mental health.
By incorporating these practices, you can nurture your mental resilience and build a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Community Spotlight
This month, we celebrated an esteemed member of our community, Joy Adeboye, a trailblazer from the first cohort of the #HerStorySpeakingClub, who has been awarded the prestigious 2024 #ORGImpactAward at just 22 years old!
This month, Joy traveled to Washington, DC, to accept this global recognition, honoring her incredible work and unwavering commitment to positive change. We are immensely proud of her journey and the profound impact she is making through The Resilient Girls Initiative.
Joy’s story is a beacon of inspiration, and this award affirms her dedication to empowering others and using her voice to advocate for transformative causes. Here’s to many more achievements and even greater global impact!
Here’s What We’ve Been Up To
Our community was booked and busy this month!
First off, members of Her Story Movie Lovers were invited to the Press Screening of a new movie titled, A Night In 2005 (written, directed and produced by Temidayo Makanjuola), which addresses Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The storyline was nothing short of powerful and validated the resilience of survivors of SGBV. It's been out already in the Cinemas since October 11th, so go watch it if you’re yet to!
Speaking of resilience, we were so excited to see our very own speaking club gem, Joy Adeboye, who was in Washington DC to receive the prestigious 2024 ORGImpact award! This award is a testament to the passion and dedication Joy has given to her organization, Resilient Girl Initiative, addressing the layers that make Gender Based Violence pervasive in Nigeria's society and now she is being recognized globally at only 22! A Monumental Queen we stan.
Lastly, we mooned over The Idea Of You where the book and its movie adaptation were selected for this month's joint review by the book and movie club. We have no one to thank but the Author, Robinne Lee for giving us so much material to have concrete discussions and ask important questions about women who choose to be mothers but also struggle to choose themselves outside motherhood.
Showcase Your Business
Exciting news! Starting in November, we are introducing a new section in The Monthly Recounting dedicated to highlighting businesses within our community. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to over 600 readers who are committed to supporting and uplifting each other.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or run a small business, this spotlight is for you. We will feature selected businesses each month, allowing you to reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients, partners, and supporters.
Interested in being featured? Vote in the poll below to let us know if you'd like your business showcased in an upcoming edition. Let’s celebrate and support each other’s work!
Opportunities Corner
Article of the Month
Finding a Family with no Sacrifices by Temidayo Ayengbero
For many African families, love translates to a lack of boundaries and respect for individuality. Happy individuals make happy families and broken individuals will also cause strain on them. But some families would put the happiness and reputations of the family above the joy of the humans that make up the family, so what is the point of having a family that thinks you are selfish for wanting to be happy?
Annnnnnnnd, it’s a wrap!
Till next month, we stay having impactful conversations in our community. Join us!
Written by TamaraTari Alakiri & Praise Vandeh
Edited by Oreoluwa Ojo
