On World Mental Health Day, I want to take a moment to remember those we’ve lost along the way, those who are still navigating through the darkness, and those who have found … or are in the process of finding … the light. Mental health is a journey, often filled with detours, but no one should have to walk it alone. Whether you’re celebrating victories or still searching for balance, remember that each step forward is progress. Let’s honor the strength it takes to face the hard days, the importance of being kind to ourselves, and the hope that comes with knowing that brighter days are ahead.
“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular.”
― Robin williams dead poets society
So, 2 years ago … I did it. After 30 years of sheer determination, I made Professor! (You may have heard about it in my other blogs, my social media, or just the fact two years in I still can’t shut up about it!) It was the ultimate life goal, the dream I’d chased for as long as I can remember. And while that dream came with a lot of amazing achievements, let me tell you, I didn’t quite get the memo on how much it would cost me along the way. Turns out, when you’re laser-focused on your career, other things ….. like, you know, …. life, have a way of slipping through the cracks.
“Humanity is so weird. If we’re not laughing, we’re crying or running for our lives because monsters are trying to eat us. And they don’t even have to be real monsters. They could be the ones we make up in our heads. Don’t you think that’s weird?”
― T.J. Klune, The House in the Cerulean Sea
I’ll admit, for a long time, my calendar was filled with work, work, and just a touch more work. I thought I had to do it, I thought that was the only way to make it. And now, as I look back (still under 40, by the way!), I’m realising that while my brain was crunching numbers and solving digital forensics mysteries, I was missing out on a bunch of other fun, like crafting, stand-up comedy, and, most importantly, time with friends and love. Oh, and let’s not forget the teddy bears, because I need *way* more of those in my life!
Now that I’ve reached the summit of my academic mountain, I’m trying to be all about balance. I’ve swapped all-night stress working for stand-up comedy gigs (yes, really!). I’ve swapped endless research hours for some time crafting, and I’m carving out space in my life to hang out with the people who make me smile. And love? Well, hopefully that’ll get a front-row seat too.
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Next year is my big birthday (**40**), and I’m going all in with multiple adventures to celebrate …. not just because it’s my birthday, but because I’m living the life I *want* to live, not the one I think I *should* be living. There’s something magical about stepping off the “have-to” train and jumping into the “want-to” pool. Trust me, the water’s warm! The more I embrace the things that make me happy, the better my mental health becomes. Plus, let’s be real, I’m way more fun when I’m not constantly buried in work (ok I hope I am anyway!!).
For so long, I didn’t make time for these things. I didn’t make time for me. I was always focused on the next goal, the next promotion, the next thing I had to do to be “successful.” But now? Now I’m making time for the people who matter, the hobbies that light me up, and the teddy bears who need homes (don’t we all?).
“I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.”
― Robin Williams
It’s funny how we can get so wrapped up in the life we think we’re supposed to live, that we forget to live the life we actually *want* to live. For anyone reading this who feels stuck, who feels like they’ve been living by someone else’s rules, maybe it’s time for a little shake-up. Maybe it’s time to think about what you *really* want and take that leap. You can’t live your life for other people no matter what your motivations. Trying to do what you feel impacted you, because it’s the right thing, may still have a negative impact on the future …. you just never know! After all, those around you will always be happier with you in their life if you’re happy yourself! You might just find that life is waiting for you on the other side, full of possibilities, full of joy, full of love. Life is too short to settle!!! And hey, if teddy bears can dream of a new home, so can you. 🧸
“What’s meant to be will always find a way”
― Trisha Yearwood
So … anyway, here’s to balance, to internal happiness, to adventures, to love, and to living a life that’s *ours* … not the one we think we’re supposed to have, but the one that makes our hearts sing. It’s never too late to start over, to take that leap, or to make space for the things (and people) that truly matter. Take it from someone who spent 30 years chasing a dream …. dreams are worth chasing, but so are moments, memories, and love.
For Digital Forensic Mental Well blogs, podcast, and links, check out https://www.forensicfocus.com/well-being/ !