BY KAHA G.
“These Thoughts, they running through my mind, these thoughts, they taking up my time.”
“There’s no beginning, there will be no end.”
“They’re testing me, but I won’t let them get me down.”
“Oh My, I’ll never let them get the best of me, the rest of me.”
These are lyrics I couldn’t agree more with. Our minds are supposed to be our “friends,” but sometimes it feels like they’re working against us. We often struggle with doubts, fears, and irrational thoughts that hold us back. Feeling hopeless and believing everything it tells us. Sometimes to the point where it can reduce us to tears. The worst part is, that they never stop, they just keep on running alongside us. We desperately want to take control, but it won’t go away, it won’t leave us alone, it just won’t stop.
“Thoughts” by Empara Gwaan perfectly describes the struggles of having negative thoughts. This song about mental health and resilience is showcased in a video that transitions Empara (the singer) from a hectic urban environment to a peaceful natural one, symbolizing emotional well-being. The video highlights youth talent and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. It was re-released as part of the PACT Urban Peace Program, which empowers underserved and at-risk youth.
A few years ago, the PACTMusic program created “Thoughts” and teamed up with PACTFilm and Director Philip Nozuka to produce this stunning music video. Its re-release coincides with Mental Health Awareness and Men’s Mental Health Month, further highlighting youth talent and the importance of addressing mental health issues.
One of my favourite quotes from this video is “Oh My, I’ll never let them get the best of me, the rest of me.” This is because when we are struggling with mental health, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and consumed by negative thoughts. This quote resonates because it reflects how determination can strengthen and help us in times of difficulty. The video starts with how someone is struggling with self-thoughts, and then the person slowly develops and shows signs of self-improvement, and I think that’s beautiful.
I would like to end off with a quote from a book I read a while back. It’s titled “You’d Be Home Now,” by Kathleen Glasglow, and it’s written from the perspective of a girl named Emory, who has a brother who’s suffering from addiction. All her life people were telling her who she was, the rich granddaughter of a mill owner, the good child, the sister of a beautiful girl at school. Then, everything takes a turn for the worse, when she and her brother are in a car accident that kills someone from school. People spend so much time telling her who she is, and I connect that with our thoughts. Sometimes our thoughts are horrible to us. We keep telling ourselves a version of us that isn’t true. We need to stop letting our negative thoughts tell us who we are, and instead invent who we are.
I’ll start you off, YOU are amazing, YOU are worthy of love, YOU are smart, YOU can get through this, and YOU are capable. See how far changing your mindset can get you? When our thoughts start acting up again, answer back, and answer with conviction in your abilities.
Finally, here is the quote from Kathleen Glasglow, “This is life. It’s basic. It’s a struggle and joy. Sometimes you have one, and not the other. The most important thing is to never give up.”
