Me-time is vital for business icon
OPTIMIST: MBOYA-ARNOLD FINDS BEAUTY IN THE ASHES
‘I cannot be everything to everyone, so I have learned to say no.’
The whole world is adjusting to life after the Covid-19 outbreak, and while many of us bewail the days of family visits, parties and aimlessly wandering around the mall because we can, dynamic actress, entrepreneur, mentor, scholar and fitness enthusiast Hlubi Mboya-Arnold chooses to find the beauty and joy in what remains.
We spoke to Mboya-Arnold in the hopes that her positive energy would not only be inspiring but also contagious – and it is…
Happiness is still out there
Right off the bat, Mboya-Arnold wants to make a note of her appreciation for mothers, especially in the current times.
“Mothering is the most important job. Especially right now, we need healing, we need nurturing and we need to be raising children with love, and that is what a mother does,” says Mboya-Arnold.
In her role as a mentor through various projects, including her nonprofit organisation Future CEOs, Mboya-Arnold interacts with young people from various walks of life, striving for a brighter and bolder future.
While lending her experience and wisdom to her mentees, Mboya-Arnold says it is important to remember that it is the quality and not the quantity of mentorship that is important.
“I cannot be everything to everyone. I sometimes have to strictly but lovingly say no.
“I say no when I can’t give the best of myself so that when I say yes, I can give that one mentee the best I have to give – which is better than giving five mentees mentorship that won’t be very helpful,” she explains.
Say no and accept no
Learning to say no is only part of Mboya-Arnold’s philosophy. With the same loving energy, she accepts no, too.
“We all need to learn to accept a hard no in the same way that we need to be able to give a hard no.
“I like space, no boundaries, and I have a limitless spirit.
“This is a mental game for me and it’s hard, just like it is for everyone else.
“In the environment of working from home, I’ve learned it is so important to set boundaries between work time and me time, and work time and family time,” says Mboya-Arnold.
Creativity and innovation
Maintaining the same lifestyle you had before the pandemic is impossible.
Instead of seeing regulations as limitations, Mboya-Arnold took the opportunity to practice creative innovation and has found ways to keep both her body and her mind healthy at home.
Mboya-Arnold leads an active lifestyle. For her, exercise isn’t about physical health and how she looks anymore. It’s all about mental and spiritual wellbeing.
“I’m not trying to get into race conditioning. I want to get a good sweat going, stretch and protect my inner peace,” she says.
Self-care is non-negotiable
The mental and emotional effects of the lockdown on people across the globe are undeniable. Self-care has come into the spotlight and is important in its many forms.
“I love lotions, potions and candles, but exercise is non-negotiable.
“I need one hour in the fresh air and sunshine to rejuvenate my soul,” she says.
While adhering to lockdown regulations and staying safe, Mboya-Arnold manages to run, lift weights a little and practice yoga at home with her husband.
Back to basics
Ever the optimist, Mboya-Arnold has found the silver lining to being housebound.
“We’ve gone back to basics and connected with the people we love and spending time together.
“Living by the mantra of finding beauty in the ashes, we celebrate the small wins and appreciate love and gratitude,” she says.
Mboya-Arnold cooks and braais with her husband, incorporating the herbs they grow into their meals.
One of the most profound yet obvious ways she takes care of herself is by taking a break.
As anxieties are heightened and job security becomes more fragile, taking a break may seem strange, but for her it is essential.
“Rest, recovery realignment and resetting are essential.
“Taking breaks is essential for my mental health.
“I’ve learned the art of mastering my energy so I can be at my best and give my best.”
I like no boundaries and have limitless spirit