Name: Ms. Immy Mulekatete
Role: Media, Marketing and Communications Enthusiast
QN: What does wellness mean to you ?
To me, wellness means so many different things. In some aspects, it means choosing to do what makes me happy, like cutting my hair when I want to or finding a career that fulfills me or forgiving myself when I mess up. It also means being a good mother to my children, knowing when they need comfort and a listening ear, being a good friend and pushing myself to be the best in all aspects. In general, wellness to me, means “CHOOSING ME”.
QN: Are you currently prioritizing your well being? Why? If Yes, how?
For a long time, I wasn’t big on prioritizing my wellbeing. I dwelt so much on helping others and working so hard to ensure sustainability for the little ones. There is nothing wrong in doing things for others or in slaving away for your family, but it meant that I had to always exude strength and show that I had it all figured out. Yet, I carried around a wounded soul, a fear of failure, a strong yearn for love and unresolved trauma. But, thank heavens for family and friends who have relentlessly pushed me to see me, to open up, to allow myself to feel all the hurt and redemption, to show the parts I try to hide and learn to seek help.
I am not so much of a meditating type but I have recently learnt to take stock of how I feel. This has taught me to be kind and compassionate with myself, put me first. No matter how busy I get, I get time for me, for self-care. I have gotten accustomed to expressing my thoughts and feelings in little wild random poems. I am that seemingly crazy driver you will see singing a gospel jam on top of her lungs while at the traffic lights. I am also that employee who won’t mind hitting the dance floor solo at a staff party. I have learned to embrace me, my flaws and what I want to do, of course with a lot of respect for others – because I still care that much. I can’t believe I even started going to the gym and I like it. I can’t wait to see what will come out of it!
Prioritizing one’s wellbeing is not as easy as it sounds. As a mother, I at times feels guilty for choosing me. But it has been a remarkable journey and I think it wouldn’t have happened at a perfect time in my life. The more I pour into myself, the more I have become a better person, a better mother, a better sister, a better employee/manager and a good citizen contributing better to the development of my community – at least I feel so.
QN: What can we do to make wellness a priority?
There is need to talk more about the benefits – they would be the motivating factors. Almost everyone would like to improve their self-worth, to have a positive impact on others, to sleep better, to live longer and to increase their energy.
When they know the benefits, introduce small steps, encourage celebrating small wins and it’s also okay to establish support groups/systems.
Most women often put everyone else’s needs above their own, putting themselves at risk for physical and mental health issues. We need to remind each other that one can’t effectively take care of others unless they take the time and patience to prioritize their wellness first.
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Biography:
Immy Mulekatete is a passionate Media and Communications for Development Enthusiast and Freelance writer, based in Kigali, Rwanda.
She has over 10 years’ experience in print and broadcast journalism and communications, both in Uganda and Rwanda.
She worked at The New Times for over a year in correspondence capacity based in Kampala, with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation for over 5 years, with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency for over 2 years and she produces correspondent feature stories for BBC Africa.
She has anchored prime time news and hosted live talk shows. She is best known known for her talk show “The Big Q” that aired on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
Immy earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Makerere University Kampala in Uganda and an executive master’s degree in development policies and practices from Graduate Institute Geneva in Switzerland.