Liesl’s emotional breakdown a reminder to “feel all the feelings”

By: Natasha Archary

Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni’s recent emotional breakdown is a reminder to “feel all the feelings”, even the ones that leave us feeling like we’ve lost control on the reigns of life.

A teary-eyed Liesl shared on Wednesday, 13 September that she felt overwhelmed by everything, and she wasn’t sure whether it was general anxiety or the pressure to “kill it” in the last quarter of the year.

The Former Miss SA said some days really just give you a huge punch in the gut, and if she’s expected to show up 100% for work, gym and family, then she’s going to show up 100% to her crying session too.

“I always take selfies when I look my best, but sometimes I look like this and that’s okay. It’s also very normal to me. I woke up before 06h00 this morning feeling extremely overwhelmed by everything.

When watching the Barbie movie, America Ferrera’s monologue resonated with me so much because it highlighted the impossible double standard of being a woman.

We have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.

You have to be thin, but not too thin, and you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin.

You’re supposed to love being a mother, but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time.

You have to answer for men’s bad behaviour, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much, or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.

But always stand out and always be grateful, but never forget that the system is rigged. So, find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.

You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line.

It’s too hard. It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you, and it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also, everything is your fault.”
Liesl’s emotional breakdown on Instagram is a reminder to feel all the feelings

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A post shared by Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni (@liesllaurie)

Liesl’s husband Musa Mthombeni sent her a supportive message, reminding her to feel all the feelings, but to remember that she can get through this.

“Hi my angel. I’m really sorry all the things that have to do with winning this week are causing you so much anxiety and stress, I wish I could fix it somehow.

All I want you to know is that your feelings are valid. Your emotions are valid. You are valid. Feel your feelings but remember that you’ve been through this before and you will win, win, win at the end of this too.

I love you. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

You’re a superstar and superstars get nervous and anxious too.”
Musa Mthombeni’s message of support and understanding to his emotional wife Liesl

Also read: Nonku Williams gets real about post-liposuction recovery, “covered in bruises and in unbearable pain”