An Honest Conversation

Mental Health & Wellness

Take a moment to listen to a recent interview on mental health. The Mental Health & Wellness Show with Dr. Tomi Mitchell features inspiring, authentic and courageous stories from the lives of guests. It was a blessing to be invited to share my message, story and perspective. In this episode, we talk about the need for more openness in a relationship, how childhood experiences can lead to abusive relationships, and more.

An Honest Conversation on Parenting

After introducing me, the host commented on how I touch on some really big topics like abuse(physical, mental, emotional & sexual), trauma, PTSD and healing from trauma. Those are stuff that the average girl doesn’t want to talk about or just buries because there are some things that you just don’t talk about.

The host commented on how being open with your kids is so important. Majority of parenting, back in the day, was ‘fear-based’ parenting rather than parenting where the child knows that their emotions are valued and they can express them, even though it may not come out as the adult expects.

A child shouldn’t be shut down or avoided or feel like no-one will listen. I had to deal with that myself and once you feel like your voice is silenced by anyone, it’s a dangerous relationship. It’s dangerous for that persons future mentality and quality of life.

An Honest Conversation on Abuse

The host commented on how a lot of these issues start in childhood and how those around us who were our nurturers, parents or guardians, responded to us and what we witnessed as a child.

I have an older sister who is 2 years older than me and both of us had witnessed the same traumatic physical abuse that my dad presented to my mother. She never got into a physically abusive relationship but I did. Even though we both witnessed the same thing as children, it affected us differently.

The host commented on how 2 children can be raised in the same home and witness the same thing but they process it differently.

I had to find my self-worth because I was repeating unhealthy relationships with the same aggressive partners. I allowed the Intimidation and fear, thinking that it will be ok. But no it’s not! It’s ok to say: “I don’t want my life to consist of this! I don’t want my children to see that type of life, that type of behavior or that kind of response. This is not appropriate and this is not acceptable for me.” Now I have found my voice and I am able to choose “NO!” without being silent. Without feeling fear and without being judged.

The host commented on how some people don’t find their voice. They go from relationship to relationship with the same old story of abuse, power, and control, manipulation, etc. It’s a problem and it’s a taboo in some societies to talk about. This happens whether they are rich, poor or in between..