MIND SPACE

 It took me a long time to learn how to love myself. For years, I was my own biggest critic. I always felt like I was not good enough, and those negative thoughts were deeply stuck in my mind. I wanted to be like everyone else, except myself. I lacked confidence and was a people-pleaser, constantly trying to avoid rejection. Here is a news bulletin: Not everyone is meant to like you. That is a truth I learned later on. I used to second-guess myself. I found it hard to accept compliments, yet I craved external validation. When you don’t love yourself, life feels heavy and "messed up." However, I have learned that self-love is something you grow slowly, like a garden. No one else can do it for you. It is a journey you take one step at a time. Let me repeat this: no one can—and no one will—love you on your behalf. Not your mother, father, partner, or even your dog. Self-love starts from the inside and spreads outward. In our society, girls are often told what is "wron...

  "Why doesn’t she just leave?" It is the question many ask, but few understand. She sits scared and alone, lost in thoughts of a million ways to escape, only to be reminded by a blow to the face that she has nowhere to go. Who can she tell that her tears cry her to sleep? Who can she tell that her home has become a war zone? In the beginning, he is smart, charming, and feels like a God-given love. He mirrors the "Prince Charming" of fairy tales. The thought of him ever laying a hand on her seems like a myth; monsters do that, and he is no monster. Sadly, many women never see the abuse coming. Even worse, many assume they can "fix" or "save" him. But the hard truth is: you cannot save what is already broken. In Uganda, 56% of women have experienced physical violence and 40% have faced verbal or emotional abuse, and those are only the reported cases. Domestic violence remains a leading cause of death among women worldwide. It is shocking t...

  I am a self-confessed multitasker. From the morning school run through the Kampala traffic, to staying late at the office, followed by ensuring homework is done and dinner is on the table, I try to do it all. But truthfully, it is catching up with me. Lately, I’ve found myself falling asleep in places I shouldn’t, from my office desk (please don’t tell my boss!) to Sunday service. Once, the pastor even caught me taking a quick snooze! Now, I hide in the back row just so I can get a quick nap in peace. As a professional therapist, I know this isn’t healthy. So many women are balancing careers and family at a high cost to their well-being. We grew up watching our mothers do a million things at once; to us, they were the ultimate superheroes. But we rarely saw the toll it took behind the scenes. In our pursuit of success, we often overwork ourselves just to prove that we can do everything a man can do, while still ensuring everything at home is running perfectly. But here is t...