Sunday's Mental Health Check-In - November 30, 2025

Teeth Do Not See Poverty: A Sunday Reflection

Happy Sunday! I hope you are taking a gentle moment for yourself today.

I was scrolling through some thoughts for our weekly mental health check-in when I stumbled across a Maasai proverb that stopped me in my tracks. It’s short, a little unusual at first glance, but incredibly profound:

"Teeth do not see poverty."

Originating from the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania, this phrase is a powerful reminder about the nature of joy and human dignity.

What does it mean?

Literally, it means that when you smile, your teeth look the same whether you are rich or poor. Your teeth don't know your bank account balance. They don't know if you're having a rough week, if you're struggling with anxiety, or if you feel like you're barely keeping it together.

Metaphorically, it’s a reminder that a smile is a universal sign of hope that doesn't depend on your material wealth or current circumstances.

Why this matters for our mental health

In the world of mental health, we often talk about "resilience," but sometimes that word feels heavy—like we have to be tough armor all the time. This proverb offers a softer version of resilience.

It suggests that joy isn't something we have to "earn" by having everything in our lives perfect. It’s not a reward for fixing all our problems. Joy—and the smile that comes with it—is something that belongs to us simply because we are human.

It’s not about "faking it." This isn't about toxic positivity. It’s not about grinning through the pain and pretending everything is fine when it isn't. It’s about realizing that even in the midst of "poverty"—whether that be financial lack, emotional exhaustion, or a depressive episode—the capacity for a moment of lightness still exists.

Your Sunday Check-In

So, for this Sunday's check-in, I want to challenge you to think about this proverb.

When we are going through hard times, we sometimes feel guilty for laughing or smiling. We feel like we should be in "survival mode" 24/7. But the Maasai wisdom tells us that our smile is separate from our struggle. It is a rebel act to find a moment of joy when things are hard.

Try this today:

• Find a "Glimmer": Look for one tiny thing that makes you want to show your teeth. A funny meme, a dog walking down the street, the taste of your coffee.

• Release the Guilt: If you find yourself laughing today, don't police it. Let it happen. Your teeth do not see the struggle; they only see the joy.

Remember, your circumstances might be heavy right now, but your ability to smile remains yours. It’s a piece of you that the hard times can't touch.

Wishing you a peaceful week ahead.

 

Sunday Mental Health Check-In: Remembering That Nothing Lasts Forever

Hey everyone, and welcome to my Sunday Check-in. ✨

Take a deep breath. Right now, in this moment, how are you truly doing? Forget the to-do list for a second and just check in with you.

The image for today’s check-in has a gentle, quiet energy, and it got me thinking about one of the most comforting phrases in life: "This too shall pass."

It's an ancient Persian adage, a kind of universal wisdom that reminds us that change is the only constant. And honestly, that's often exactly what we need to hear, whether we’re riding a high or stuck in a rut.

The Double-Edged Truth of "Pass"

This mantra works in two critical ways:

1. When Things Are Hard 🌧️

Let's start with the tough stuff. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, or just generally blah. When you're in the middle of a struggle, it can feel like you'll be there forever. Your brain is wired to focus intensely on the present pain, which makes it feel permanent.

But it’s not.

Saying "This too shall pass" isn't about ignoring the pain; it's about acknowledging the temporary nature of the feeling. It's a gentle reminder that:

• The intensity will eventually soften.

• The stressor will eventually resolve or be replaced.

• The feeling you have today is not a life sentence.

It gives you the permission to just get through the next hour or the next day, knowing there's a different moment waiting for you on the other side. It’s the permission to rest without feeling guilty about not solving everything right now.

2. When Things Are Great ☀️

This is the side we often forget! When you’re feeling fantastic, happy, and energized, "This too shall pass" can sound a little gloomy. But hear me out: it’s actually a beautiful call to presence and gratitude.

Knowing that this joyful feeling or perfect moment won't last forever encourages you to:

• Savor it completely.

• Appreciate the people and circumstances that made it possible.

• Store up the memory so you can recall it when you need a boost.

It grounds the joy, turning a fleeting good feeling into a rich, long-lasting memory. It keeps us humble and present, turning simple happiness into profound gratitude.

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Your Sunday Reflection

This week, let’s try to consciously integrate this wisdom.

If you’re struggling: Repeat the phrase slowly. "This too shall pass." Then, think of a small step you can take today to nurture yourself—a cup of tea, a 10-minute walk, or simply deciding to stop thinking about a problem for the rest of the afternoon.

If you’re doing well: Take a moment to genuinely feel the good things. Where are you feeling this joy or peace in your body? Savor it.

We're all on this journey together, riding the waves of life's constantly changing tides. Be gentle with yourself today, and remember that whatever you're facing—good or bad—is just a chapter, not the whole story.

Drop a comment and let me know: What’s one small, temporary feeling you’re letting go of today?

Sending you all warmth and peace. 💖

— The Akua Projects