The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
AWARD-WINNING author and model Amanda Mutabeni has released her third book “Outcasted”, which she hopes will inspire readers to make a positive impact in society.
Amanda said she is motivated by witnessing others prosper in their respective fields.
“Seeing them grow also helps me develop as it makes me realise the potential within myself,” said Mutabeni.
She reckons the success she has registered in life is courtesy of her God-given talents.
“I have fully applied myself in everything I do and it has paid off. The modelling jobs, the three books I wrote and the two awards I received from writing are a huge success to me,” she said.
Mutabeni believes her writing has changed lives.
“I have made a difference. Nothing can stop anyone from being who they truly are. There is no need to be someone you are not, just to prove a point, for example, in modelling.
“My book offers solutions that are practical to society. We are living in a world where mental health is of great importance and the book addresses that too. It helps people fight childhood traumas, even those they currently face,” she explained.
“Outcasted” focuses on family setups and possible traumatic experiences. I have come to realise that most people have been hurt deeply by their own family members when they were young and these wounds never heal because such issues are never talked about.
“However, these issues create trauma within us. As we grow up, we tend to develop some defence mechanisms to deal with the trauma. But in reality, the trauma we went through in our past affects our characters, relationships, careers, happiness, health and the way we socialise with other people,” said Mutabeni.
In the book, the writer shares ideas on how to deal with trauma.
“The motivation came from being well-travelled and being around people of different age groups, from the little ones to adults, who all faced or are still facing some kind of trauma. I have seen most people pass on this trauma to their children because they have not yet healed themselves. That is why it is important to self-heal, regardless of your age or background, or else you become the cause of generational trauma.”
She is happy with the reception the book has received thus far.
“So many people are relating to most of the topics I dealt with in my book and it is making them emotional. I have a free e-book version but I am happy that my readers still want to purchase the hard copies,” she said.
Mutabeni’s role model is Zozibini Tunzi, who was a model and the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 2019.
“She is a woman making big moves, not only in her country but internationally. What I absolutely love about Zozi (Tunzi) is that she won Miss Universe while rocking her short natural African hair with pride. She strongly believes in living a life with purpose, in serving others and has a passion to teach young women about leadership. She inspires people by making them feel good about their naturalness in all forms. For me, someone who inspires you to be unapologetically you is a good role model.”
