Our young mothers now, are usually also working mothers. 

Toggling between duties at work and duties at home, and taking on new-found responsibilities within short periods of time, is challenging on the body, mind and spirit.

Multiple roles & responsibilities in line with the roles :

• Daughter

• Sister

• Wife

• Daughter-in-law

• Mother

• New employee

• Leader of small team/s

• Caregiver at home & at work

Physically, the body goes through multiple changes pre-during-post pregnancy & childbirth. The hormonal changes in itself, comes in waves.

In addition, mentally and emotionally, these young mothers are learning navigate expectations of self and others, and within larger systems.

The need for time and space to process their experiences in each of the wellbeing domains, allows for them to become aware, and start paying attention in the areas that are important to them, now, and perhaps in the near future.

Through awareness, the path unfolds, in the approach towards wellbeing, to take care of self, and to take care of others.

Our youth, through the course of education and expectations, place a lot of responsibilities upon themselves. Some of which might not be supportive of their overall wellbeing.

Youth leaders might find themselves being “burdened” with ”should”, “could” and “would”, and do not live their lives in the present.

These “should”, “could” and “would” prompts the youth leaders to avoid appreciating what they currently have, and tend to exaggerate and make up for what they might seem to be lacking, and potentially pendulating between “not good enough” and an inflated ego.

Time and space to just be themselves, and hear & acknowledge their own voice, is important for their development and growth, and for their wellbeing.

By noticing their journey in the domains of wellbeing, helps to anchor them in the present, pause and just be.

Similar to the youth leaders, in a different context. This group of youths did not ask for the responsibilities to be placed on them. Circumstances presented itself, and they are now responsible for the caregiving duties, especially for members of the family.

So similarly, they need the time and space to just be themselves, and be seen and heard for who they are as individuals.

The time and space to acknowledge that they are their own human, and not just valued for their responsibilities towards caregiving.

They need to have a safe space to acknowledge and know that they have their own needs and wants too. And that it is ok to need and want.

Community leaders & volunteers take on their roles, perhaps without a deeper understanding and clarity of why they made the decision to serve.

On one hand, it is about giving back to community, and wanting to serve; On the other hand, they need to take time to acknowledge what they are receiving, and want to receive, in return.

The burnout from community leaders and volunteers, come from the perspective of always giving and not receiving what they want/need in return. Because it is seen as “bad” or ”not appropriate” to want anything in return.

So we create a safe space, to acknowledge the “darker side” of volunteering and being in community.

For the light to shine brighter, it will cast a deeper, darker shadow.

So while we would appreciate more community leaders and volunteers, let’s also notice and take care of the needs and wants of these individuals.

Relieving your body of physical stress, such as muscle tension, headaches, and a lack of sleep.

Spending time with people, who don’t need anything from you, where you just enjoy each other’s company.

Giving your brain a break from ”inner chatter” or from thinking or focusing too hard.

Connecting with something larger than yourself.

Authentically expressing your feelings and eliminating people-pleasing behaviours.

Exposing yourself to inspiring environments, without feeling a need to produce a creation.

The opportunity to give your senses a break (eg. From technology, bright lights and loud noises).