Creating Communities for Health – Part 2

In Part 2 of this exclusive interview, BARBARA BUSH speaks with MAMATA VENKAT about how to nurture mental well-being during the current pandemic, gratitude practices, the styles of leadership needed in today’s world, authenticity, what she learned travelling the world as the daughter of a US President, the importance of racial justice, and what is next for her.

- BARBARA BUSH

Q: I’ve struggled with mental health issues for much of my life, and the pandemic has been a challenge. It feels like I have this giant mirror right in front of me, and I’ve had to face so many things that I maybe pushed aside, or didn’t want to face or work on. I’m curious if it’s been a similar experience for you.

Definitely. The pandemic has forced me to address areas of my life that I maybe would prefer not to. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, and I’m saying this as someone who has been incredibly lucky throughout. I haven’t gotten ill. I have very few friends that have. Unfortunately, I have lost a few people, including a wonderful ex-boyfriend, so the notion of grieving has been important to explore. And yet, it can feel hard to grieve in this confusing time, behind your computer quite a bit, or with yourself so much.

So while I’d love to say it’s been easy to put into practice all my self-care rituals, it’s been a struggle. But I have noticed small things that make a big difference. I’ve certainly become much more grateful, and a gratitude ritual has been very, very important. I do feel incredibly lucky given everything that’s going on in the world.