Healing, Identity, and Inner Power: The Journey of Hawa
In conversation with Hawa: Navigating Identity and Mental Health Through Forgiveness, Creativity, and Cultural Duality
Hawa opens up about the challenges of living a double identity—balancing the cultural values of her Ghanaian-Muslim upbringing with the independence and expression she found in America. This tension sparked emotional struggles and inspired her journey toward self-acceptance.
As a former soccer player and now a cybersecurity analyst, Hawa’s path was full of pivots. Though her dream of going pro was discouraged, she adapted, later discovering fulfillment in tech, creativity, and advocacy. Her story highlights the strength it takes to redefine success.
She discusses how mental health became a personal and professional calling. From her book Pedals of My Heart to her nonprofit Keep Calm.org, Hawa emphasizes how healing starts with self-awareness, taking breaks, and surrounding oneself with healthy energy.
Hawa reflects on faith, particularly prayer, as an anchor in her daily life. She blends structure with intuition—balancing logical roles in cybersecurity with emotional expression through writing, modeling, and leadership.
She also shares the difficulty of setting boundaries with family, especially when asserting her truth clashed with her parents' expectations. Yet through small, intentional steps, she built deeper understanding and respect.
Ultimately, Hawa encourages others to take the first step toward healing—whether that’s journaling, praying, or just taking a walk. The path begins by recognizing what no longer serves your spirit—and letting it go.
Key Takeaways
1. Cultural Duality
Growing up between two cultures created both tension and wisdom.
Hawa had to reconcile who she was expected to be at home versus who she wanted to become outside. Navigating this duality helped her grow empathy, resilience, and self-definition.
Identity isn’t fixed—it evolves.
Cultural expectations often clash with personal truth.
Emotional maturity is forged in contrast.
Living a double life can build powerful inner awareness.
Identity and mental health are deeply connected.
2. Mental Breaks Matter
Hawa believes mental breaks are vital for productivity and well-being.
Rather than pushing through burnout, she listens to her body and spirit, using breaks to reset creatively and emotionally.
Self-awareness is step one to avoiding overload.
Breaks are assets, not weaknesses.
Simple joys (like coffee or sunset views) restore clarity.
Boundaries protect energy, creativity, and peace.
Identity and mental health thrive with daily space to breathe.
3. Forgiveness as Freedom
Forgiveness isn’t for the other person—it’s for you.
Hawa shares how forgiving herself and others allowed her to let go of emotional weight and grow. Holding on keeps us stuck; letting go brings peace.
True forgiveness begins with self-compassion.
You can forgive without reconnection.
Releasing resentment restores mental clarity.
Forgiveness is a daily act of self-care.
Healing your identity requires forgiving your past.
4. Faith and Alignment
Prayer, meditation, and spiritual structure ground Hawa in daily peace.
As a Muslim, she finds rhythm and reflection through prayer. It helps her stay centered as she juggles multiple roles across tech, writing, and advocacy.
Spiritual practices provide mental discipline.
Faith can coexist with ambition and creativity.
You can reconnect with higher guidance through routine.
Prayer clears emotional clutter and invites perspective.
Identity and mental health are strengthened through spiritual routine.
5. Self-Defined Success
Success isn’t about meeting expectations—it’s about alignment.
Hawa’s journey from soccer to cyber to poetry taught her that real fulfillment comes from honoring who you are, not who others expect you to be.
You can outgrow dreams—and still love them.
Parental approval doesn’t define your worth.
Creative joy is a success metric too.
Each chapter can carry its own purpose.
Identity and mental health flourish when you lead your own life.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
Episode Resources
Listen and Subscribe to the Podcast here:
SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jPVbagFms9T7rsZH5HgXD?si=e17sPvc2R5qZSkogSWtesw
APPLE MUSIC:https://tinyurl.com/mud2cjtv
AMAZON MUSIC:https://tinyurl.com/ejadawh5
ABOUT HAWA WHO:
Hawa Who is a multifaceted creative based in Pittsburgh, blending her roles as a poet, author, model, and cybersecurity analyst. Born in Ghana and raised in the U.S., Hawa's diverse heritage deeply influences her work. Her debut book, Petals of My Heart, delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery, resonating with readers on a journey of personal growth. Beyond writing, Hawa embraces her entrepreneurial spirit through her brand, Petals and Pages, where heartfelt stories and inspirational merch come to life. She is also the founder of KeepCalm.org, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for emotional well-being. As an advocate for mental health, Hawa uses her platform to promote self-reflection, emotional healing, and the importance of nurturing one’s inner self. When not creating, she stays active through soccer, modeling, and engaging with her vibrant community.