Following the success of her first book, ‘Shudu Finds Her Magic’, former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida will soon be releasing another inspiring story.
Her latest book, ‘I am Shudu’ which is aimed at children between 6 – 10 years old explores several themes that include bullying, the bonds of friendships, and the power of community.
It also tells her story including challenges that she has had to overcome and how the effects of bullying lingered into her adult life.
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In conversation with Cape Town radio station KFM, the outspoken Shudu shared that the thought process behind the book was to give children a seat at the table and explore conversations that matter to them.
“I went through a lot as a child, and that affected my mental health, identity, and self-esteem, so it was important to write a book that makes them feel seen, makes them feel heard also addresses the issues that they currently face today and bullying is one of them, mental health is one of them, and identity is one of them.
“If I had someone to have those conversations with me when I was younger, I think that a lot would have changed. So, it was important for me to make them feel seen.”
Having gone through many of these experiences herself, Shudu says she has always been aware of her strengths but somehow the past still played its part in her present life.
During Miss South Africa she had “bad imposter syndrome”, knowing that her voice mattered yet feeling that she was not important enough.
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After reading a book written by talk show host Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry focusing on trauma, resilience, and healing, called – ‘What happened to you?’ Shudu did some introspection, and this changed her entire outlook.
“There was a line that said, ‘the question you should ask yourself is not what is wrong with me, but what happened to me,’ and that was the most life-changing phrase that I read.”
This made her reflect on her younger self, deal with the traumas of her past, and make peace with what had happened – realizing that bullying is not a reflection of her but of those who bullied her.
She realized that both parties needed help and to have a conversation about this and that these conversations build resilience in children.
Also see: Shudufhadzo Musida bags partnership with Nivea
