"People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it".
This quote is taken from the now quite infamous TedTalk from Simon Sinek and felt like a fitting way to introduce our new blog post series. The series will features posts from collaborators and supporters of Young Happy Minds explaining why they're so passionate about working with us to get wellbeing valued as highly as academic success in our schools. The first post in the series comes from Lisa De Roy who is our US representative and one of the earliest supporters of Young Happy Minds.
"For months now I’ve been wrestling with my personal Young Happy Minds story. What is about YHM that resonates with me so deeply? Why is it so important to me that I am part of THIS happiness mission working with young people?
I look at my years growing up with a terminally ill father and a clinically depressed mother. My mother took care of my father and I took care of her. At the same time, I suffered shame and bewilderment for suddenly being ostracized by a best friend as well as an entire new circle of “friends” who followed suite. While my academics were in check, I lived in survival mode for most of my life at home. I was paralyzed with a sense of powerlessness and fear because I felt like I had no control over circumstances or what was happening to my loved ones or me.
It was easily one of the darkest and loneliest times I remember. But I have no doubt it also contributed to who I am today - resilient, determined, empathetic, independent and strong. As an adult I’ve gradually released my fear-based, scarcity-focused mindset developed as a child. I am learning to stop feeling guilty or fearful of happiness but I admit, I struggle with these familiar shadows.
That’s why YHM means so much to me. I see YHM as a building block for youth. Rather than be my own greatest obstacle, how could my younger self have used YHM strategies and tools to get me to this place that has taken me decades to find on my own? I want to do whatever I can to ensure that YHM becomes a part of childhood so that this generation and beyond can navigate their lives with wisdom, self-awareness and appreciation."