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Hey there,

I struggled with this week's newsletter, not because I didn't know what to write about, but because I wanted it to resonate with you both personally and informatively. As I sat down to jot down some thoughts, I stumbled upon Kendrick Lamar's "Man in the Garden" where he sings, "I deserve it all." It struck a chord with me, reflecting my own journey through self-confidence and mental health, realizing that to truly achieve, I must first believe I deserve it.

This thought led me back to a conversation on the podcast with Katie May, where we delved into how mental health issues in teenagers can carry over into adulthood. It's a common thread—feeling undeserving often leads us down paths of destructive behaviors or coping mechanisms. Some start this cycle early, others later in life. But what's the root of this conviction of unworthiness? That's a question I want us to explore together, just as we've done in past newsletters.

During my research, I found a poignant Reddit post titled "I am not deserving." The comments were enlightening, but one quote particularly resonated: "Depression is like a pair of glasses that make everything worse, including what we see in the mirror." This hit home. We're often our own worst critics, neglecting to apply the compassion we extend to others to ourselves.

At Nelson Mandela University, one of our core values is Ubuntu, which emphasizes humanity towards others. Yet, how often do we practice this towards ourselves? We're eager to be seen as good and to be loved, but at what cost to our self-love? Chris Williamson once said something that's stuck with me: "Imagine you had a friend who, every time you invited them to lunch, showed up an hour late or never showed up at all. After a while, you'd stop trusting them and inviting them. You are that friend to yourself."

So, here's my favor to ask of you this week: accept yourself just as you are. Embrace that you are enough, right now, in this moment.

Let's keep this conversation going. How do you practice self-acceptance in your daily life? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Mental Matters hosted by Asekho Toto

I hosted a podcast about mental health here is the link and I am also an author myself 

What to expect this week

Monday

Momoko Uno is a doctor of integrative medicine, certified functional medicine practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, board certified herbalist and has a masters in spiritual psychology with an emphasis in consciousness, health and healing. She has published two books and is the owner and founder of Omni Wellness.

Wednesday

Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri (Dr. Mala) is an expert in TBI, PTSD, Military Psychology, Marriage & Family Psychology, Rehabilitative Therapy, Integrative & Collaborative Program Development, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and more. She has helped individuals of diverse age ranges and backgrounds, including the military, executives and business professionals, political figures, rural communities, native populations, LGBTQ+ populations, athletes, and couples and families. She is also a motivational speaker and presenter.

Friday

My story is Sarah Wilson is a podcast host of everything messy, Wellness and Neuroscience Coach. She aims to empower women who habitually prioritize others to embrace self-care guilt-free.

Much love

Asekho Toto