Compassion, Confidence and the Power of Perspective: Tuesday Intention with Maryben Omollo

Introduction

On April 19, 2022, Ambassador Maryben Omollo—an internationally recognised mental health and leadership coach, 17-time award-winning speaker, and founder of the Maryben Foundation—shared a powerful message rooted in compassion, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. With a global reach of over 50 million and a mission to build resilient and inclusive workplaces across Africa, Omollo continues to use her voice to inspire transformation in individuals and communities alike. Her message, posted on a Tuesday, was more than a motivational note—it was a call to intentional living, emotional intelligence, and the redefinition of rejection as a redirection toward purpose.

Setting the Intention: Compassion

Omollo began her message by declaring her Tuesday intention: compassion. But this wasn’t just compassion for others—it was also compassion for herself. In a world that often demands constant output, perfection, and emotional suppression, Omollo reminded her audience that kindness must begin within.

“Everyone is fighting a battle that we may never know about. Be the one who makes difficult, less difficult. And be there for yourself too.”

This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of emotional intelligence. It acknowledges the invisible struggles people carry and encourages a culture of empathy, patience, and support. It also challenges the common tendency to extend grace to others while withholding it from oneself.

The Hidden Battles We All Face

Omollo’s message resonates deeply because it speaks to a universal truth: everyone is navigating something. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, burnout, insecurity, or uncertainty, people often carry burdens silently. Her call to “make difficult, less difficult” is a reminder that small acts of kindness—listening, encouraging, showing up—can make a significant difference. In leadership, relationships, and everyday interactions, compassion is not a weakness. It is a strength that fosters trust, connection, and healing.

Reframing Rejection: From Pain to Protection

In addition to her Tuesday reflection, Omollo announced an upcoming speaking engagement focused on self-esteem and mental health. She promised to explore a transformative concept: viewing rejection not as a personal failure, but as a form of protection or projection.

“Let me show you how you can view your rejection as protection or projection.”

This reframing is a powerful psychological tool. Rejection, while painful, often redirects us away from what is not meant for us and toward what aligns with our purpose. It can protect us from toxic environments, misaligned opportunities, or relationships that do not serve our growth. Alternatively, rejection can be a projection—of someone else’s limitations, fears, or biases. In such cases, it says more about the other person than it does about us. Omollo’s approach encourages individuals to detach their self-worth from external validation and to trust that every “no” can lead to a better “yes.”

The Link Between Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Self-esteem is a foundational pillar of mental health. When individuals believe in their worth, they are more resilient, more confident, and more capable of navigating life’s challenges. Conversely, low self-esteem can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-sabotage. Omollo’s upcoming talk aimed to address this connection by equipping her audience with tools to:

1. Build inner confidence
2. Heal from past rejection
3. Set healthy boundaries
4. Cultivate self-compassion
5. Develop a growth mindset

Her goal was not just to inspire, but to transform destinies and shift mindsets—empowering people to see themselves through a lens of strength and possibility.

The Power of Intention

By setting a clear intention—compassion—Omollo modelled a practice that anyone can adopt. Intentional living means choosing how we want to show up in the world, regardless of circumstances. It means aligning our actions with our values and being mindful of how we treat ourselves and others.

Setting a daily or weekly intention can:

1. Improve focus and clarity
2. Reduce stress and reactivity
3. Enhance emotional regulation
4. Strengthen relationships
5. Promote personal growth

Omollo’s Tuesday intention was not just a personal practice—it was an invitation for others to do the same.

A Voice for Women and Mental Health

As a champion of women’s empowerment and mental health awareness, Omollo continues to use her platform to uplift, educate, and advocate. Her message on April 19 was especially timely, as it addressed issues that disproportionately affect women: low self-esteem, emotional labour, and the pressure to constantly prove one’s worth. By speaking openly about mental health and self-esteem, she helps dismantle stigma and create safe spaces for healing and growth.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s message on April 19, 2022, was a masterclass in emotional leadership. Through her words, she reminded us that compassion is both a gift and a responsibility. That rejection is not the end, but often a redirection. And that self-esteem is not a luxury—it is a necessity for mental well-being. Her intention for the day—compassion—was more than a theme. It was a guiding principle for how to live, lead, and love. In a world that often feels harsh and hurried, her voice is a steady reminder to slow down, look inward, and extend grace—to others and to ourselves.

Lesson to Learn

Compassion is a powerful force for change. When we lead with empathy, we create space for healing, connection, and growth. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth—it is often a redirection toward your purpose. And self-esteem is not built by external approval, but by internal belief. Set your intention. Honour your journey. And remember: you are worthy, even when the world says otherwise.