Finding strength through story
Lucy Kgweetsi | Monday September 8, 2025 06:00
Speaking about what inspired her to write, Letsholo-Metlhaleng explained that her motivation came from observing the quiet burdens many women and young girls carry.
“I was inspired by the reality that so many women and young girls carry silent battles, whether it’s bullying, abuse, or the struggles of early motherhood. I wanted to give those experiences a voice and show that pain doesn’t have to define us forever,” she said.
For her, the book is more than just a personal memoir; it is a reflection of resilience and transformation. She described “finding power” as reclaiming one’s voice after silence and learning to choose light even in dark moments. “It’s not about being perfect or strong all the time, it’s about rising, again and again, no matter how many times life pushes you down,” she noted.
The turning point that sparked the idea for the book came when she realized her past could be reframed into purpose. “My painful past didn’t have to remain just pain; it could be transformed into purpose. That moment of clarity pushed me to write,” she recalled.
While much of the book is rooted in her own experiences, she emphasised that it also represents the shared realities of women she has encountered. “A significant part of it is inspired by my own journey, though it also reflects the shared realities of many women. While not every detail is mine, the emotions, the fear, the shame, the hope are very personal and real,” she said.
The process of writing was far from easy. Revisiting difficult memories was one of the greatest challenges. “Writing forced me to open old wounds, and there were moments I wanted to stop. But I knew that healing often requires confrontation, so I kept writing, even though the tears,” she admitted.
At times, she doubted whether her story would matter, but she overcame this uncertainty by focusing on the potential impact. “There were moments I questioned whether my story mattered or if anyone would even care. I overcame it by remembering that even if just one young girl found hope in my words, the book would have been worth writing,” she explained.
Her hope for readers is simple yet powerful: that they walk away with courage. “I hope they walk away with the courage to face their own stories, no matter how heavy. I want them to know they are not alone, and that healing and empowerment are possible even after the hardest battles,” she shared.
Looking ahead, the Lobatse-born author plans to continue the conversation on empowerment through workshops, talks, and mentorship. She also intends to write more books, exploring deeper themes of healing, sisterhood, and resilience. “Books plant the seed, but conversations and community water it,” she reflected.
Through She Found Her Power, she reminds readers that the beginning of one’s story does not determine the end. “No matter how broken the beginning of your story looks, the ending can still be powerful, beautiful, and full of light,” she said.