Queentah Naliaka Wambulwa is a mental health advocate, an author (book release late 2020), a cyber gender activist, a mentor and a speaker. She is the founder of the G4G Mental Health foundation in Kenya and continues to create innovative opportunities to speak up about mental health in the country. She is passionate about inspiring youth to believe in their dreams and to keep pushing through no matter the challenges.
In this episode, Jenny and Queentah talk about the beauty and power behind someone’s story and testimony. There is no shame from where we have come from and it is okay to not be okay. Queentah continues to be the voice for the voiceless and represents the vulnerable girls who are afraid to speak up. Even in her hardships, she continues to press forward in discovering herself, talents and womanhood despite what society tells her. She is a powerhouse of a woman and this interview is one that you do not want to miss. Welcome to the Moxie community and be encouraged today through Queentah and her beautiful spirit.
This may be a shocker, but I am blogging about something other than the reality that surrounds us. In the midst of everything, life still goes on and for my “normal” reality, I am 33 weeks pregnant, daily getting more tired and still chasing around two kiddos. There is a lot that I am processing in regard to decisions that have to be made for Imani Collective and our staff, but more importantly, I am first a mother.
That brings me to the topic of the day, surviving being pregnant while still being a present mother to a soon to be four-year-old and toddler! That is right, while everyone is giving you survival tips of how to stock up properly, I am here to give you day to day mama survival tips.
1. Give yourself Grace.
This is probably what I have to daily work on the most is giving myself grace through every circumstance. Every day looks different and I know that as I get closer to meeting my third baby, I am more tired than normal. I desire to be able to keep up with my kiddos or sit down on the ground with them for long durations of time and at this point, my body is denying me all that. It is still strong, but it is increasingly tired and sore lately, so I have to remind myself to display grace, always.
2. Rest – nap when they do.
For all my mamas who are used to being workhorses and super productive (me!), this piece advice can be hard, but truly start to listen to your body and rest. There will come a time when baby comes, body heals, and energy is restored. Until then, rest when you can and play hard when your soul allows.
3. Get outside (or in this time – open a window).
Not sure where you are in the world during this time that this might be limited, so if you can’t get outside then open a window and let the breeze hit your face. Get some good vitamins from the sun and remember that sun was created for our enjoyment. See the beauty in the little things – sun, breeze, pitter patter of feet and laughter. Instead of seeing the clutter of toys, see the happiness of a house lived in well. Being pregnant, while still mothering littles can be hard, but do not forget to find the joy in their silliness, and little smiles.
4. Take it Easy.
You are literally growing another baby inside of you, so take it easy. Pregnancy is a lot. (I am preaching to myself right now) If there is laundry that needs attending to and you just do not have the energy, it is okay. If you decide to make grilled cheeses for dinner instead of a gourmet meal, guess what? It is okay, your kids actually might like it better (oops, did I say that?) Overall, do not be afraid to give yourself a break, aka “grace”, and take it easy mama.
5. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
We are in this together and as your body goes through changes, do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether that is watching the kids for a couple of hours to get some extra sleep or maybe it is picking the kids from school. There are people around you, in your community waiting to come alongside and step in. We just have to ask.
You got this mama. We all got this. Just take it one day at a time.
