If I Could Tell My 30-Year-Old Self One Thing About Mental Health….
Most people would say I’ve faced my fair share of adversity. This is not intended to be my own little pity party. When I first started writing, maybe it was for self-consolation, trying to make sense of everything. But the further I go down this journey, the more I feel like I’m heading toward something, though I’m not exactly sure what it is yet. It’s like I’m on this wild ride to who-knows-where, or maybe it’s the worst ayahuasca trip imaginable.
But here's what I do know: life’s waves have hit hard and knocked me down more times than I can count. Getting back up has been a learning experience, and if there’s anything worth sharing from all of this, resilience isn’t something you find in a book or a blog—it’s built in the moments you never saw coming. And while I can’t predict where this crazy trip is headed, I know it’s taught me more about strength, vulnerability, and mental well-being than I ever expected.
So, for the 30-year-old version of me, I hope you get this in time!
Dear 30-Year-Old Me,
Right now, you’re riding high after buying your first business. I can feel the excitement and confidence from here. That confidence is good, but remember to stay humble. Your business partner? She will be one of the most important people in your life. The good people in your life stay in your corner—it’ll mean more than you realize.
Here is a word of advice you need to hear: pay yourself first. Getting caught up in the daily grind and pouring everything back into the business is easy, but you must take care of your future, too. Don’t wait to think about your retirement—start now. And keep an eye on your expenses. The less you waste today, the more freedom you’ll have when life throws you the inevitable curveballs. Financial stress is not kind to our mental well-being. If you’re going to invest, invest in yourself first.
Here’s something you’ll learn: every wave crests. You won’t always see it coming, but when life hits hard, take the time to grieve. Don’t try to push through or ignore it. Let yourself feel the sadness or disappointment because healing comes from facing those emotions head-on. Grieving doesn’t make you weak; it makes you stronger for what’s ahead.
There will be moments when life forces you to pivot, and you’re going to want to resist it. Don’t. Embrace the change. The best opportunities often come from unexpected places. It won’t be easy, but it’ll make all the difference in where you end up.
And while you’re working hard toward your goals, don’t forget to celebrate your wins. You tend to chase the next thing without pausing to appreciate how far you’ve come. Stop measuring yourself against some perfect future and look back at your progress. That’s where you’ll find real satisfaction.
When it comes to friendships, the truth is not everyone will stay in your life, and that’s okay. Focus on the people who truly support you and want the best for you. Those are the relationships that will carry you through the toughest times.
Lastly, and this is crucial: forgive yourself. You’ll make mistakes, and some of them will feel big, but don’t let self-blame hold you down. Learn from it and move forward. There is only winning and learning. There’s no such thing as failure if you give it your best. It’s all part of growth.
And please, tell the people you love that you love them. Don’t assume they know. Say it. Show it. You’ll lose some along the way, and you’ll want to know you’ve said it enough. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s what connects you to the people who matter most.
So, here’s to you, 30-year-old me. Keep pushing forward but always measure backwards, be ready to adapt, and trust that you’ll make it through whatever comes.
Sincerely,
Your Future Self
#EmbraceChange #AlwaysMeasureBackwards #DealingWithAdversity #EntrepreneurMentalHealth
