After almost 20 years in the limelight, with a burgeoning career as a model, influencer, businesswoman and more, Judith Heard feels like she’s done enough for herself. She’s now morphing into an activist; with motherhood, gender based violence and mental health being some of the causes that are close her heart.
In this chat with Satisfashion UG Beauty, the mother-of-three talks motherhood, wellness and selfcare.
Recently, you were at the center of a huge conversation on the issue of body shaming on social media. How, in your opinion, can we change our conversation so we stop shaming ourselves and others?
Firstly, let’s appreciate the human body for all it can do!
We tend to spend so much time analysing and judging appearance but comparatively so little time appreciating abilities. I can’t help but think what a different society we would live in if all the appearance-based words like fat, skinny, disgusting, gross, pretty were replaced with ability-based words like strong, fast, high, gentle, precise. Maybe, we would have a society that values our amazing bodies for all that they allow us to do.
So, as I said this week, I witnessed some amazing acts of courage, and I know I will again next week, and the week after that. I will sit with people and we will talk about how they will build up their courage, how they will accept their anxiety and fears regarding their bodies in order to achieve the life that they deserve. I am so lucky to have people willing to work like this with me, but wouldn’t we all be so much luckier if one day there was no need for this kind of work?
Journal about your positive attributes. Start a gratitude journal that highlights your appreciation for what you love about yourself the most. By staying grounded in your good qualities, both your inner and outer beauty, you will keep these things more present in your mind. This way, each time you have a moment of self-doubt or face a rude remark from someone else, the things you cherish most about yourself will be ready at hand. Consider the following tips for a gratitude journal that really works.
Still on that, at what point in your life did you fall in love with your body? And how?
There’s also the issue of Ageism. You’re set to represent Uganda at Miss elite. Many people felt this is a role that should have gone to a younger woman. What’s your thought on ageism in the entertainment business?
Age is just an issue of mind over matter. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt, as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair. I think everyone is able to do anything that they wish to do no matter what age they are . Some dreams take long to come true but they will always come true . So it’s that time.
Let’s talk motherhood. How do you juggle motherhood with all the work you do?
My kids come first and I call them my first and main priority. The rest will be done very well as long as my kids are sorted in everything that’s needed of me to do. I have gone through well with this limelight life and I don’t want my kids to go through the same thing. They don’t like the limelight and I respect their privacy.
You have gained so much success as a celebrity, but has kept you grounded. What strategies have you used to achieve this? And what advice to give another woman out there aspiring to get where you are some day?
Well, I always offer guidance to young women out there on becoming and staying career-driven despite the hardship met on the way.
Personally, I have learned that, in the face of a void or in the face of any challenge, you can choose joy and meaning. Stay focused.
Write your own story, and always remember that the best stories come from those who do good. Do good the joy is not far from you. Keep chasing the dream every day.
Let’s talk wellness. Take us through your self care routine.
That’s a good question I get all the time. I have used the same product since my childhood hood and that’s Vaseline. But I always do this to these things; I drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Change pillow cases at least once a week.Wash or wrap up hair before bed. With all the products in our hair it’s not good to sleep with hair in your face.
What’s your definition of beauty? And how can someone feel more beautiful?
Beauty is the state of being authentic and sincere in a way that extends love to yourself and others. It feels real, safe, alive, playful, flowing, authentic, life-giving. This truth, however, doesn’t mean that beauty never has anything to do with our clothes or hair or bodies or faces.
