MILLENNIAL:
Dictionary.com definition: "Noun - A person born in the 1980s or 1990s, especially in the US; A member of Generation Y."
Meridian definition: A group of super-dope individuals, who were born in the 80s and 90s; Young adults attempting to figure this whole life thing out; destroyers of the casual dining industry, lovers of memes and bottomless brunch.
I am writing this blog, restarting for the seventh time. Not figuratively, but literally, the seventh time. I sat down on multiple occasions with the idea that I was going to create the most amazing, mind-blowing initial blog post the world has ever seen (Ahh perfectionism, good to see you, old friend). I was going to mesh a bunch of important facts and statistics in with cool terminology and show just how smart and witty I can be. But after deleting it for the sixth time, I realized; that was dumb. It was ego based and not first impression that I wanted to make.
I want to make you feel seen, heard and understood. So, here’s the last attempt. Let’s see if I can do the ideas in my head justice.
This is blog post for those who feel like they are silently drowning. Those who feel like they are imposters. Those who are have perfected the art of smiling through the pain. Those who are uncertain. I see you.
I am writing for those who have good jobs, but still feel unfulfilled. Those who struggle with the guilt of feeling unfulfilled; because things could be much worse, right? I am writing for those who feel guilty about using their PTO to take a mental health day. I hear you.
For those who are fighting the social clock that says, you should have more, do more and be in a different space then you are right now, I understand.
It’s my hope that my passion project can serve those who feel like their struggle is not real (pun only slightly intended). Too often are we inundated with messages that tell us that our issues are not valid and that we are simply ungrateful for all the opportunities that we have been afforded. What if I told you that you can be depressed and still appreciate having a nice place to live? Would you believe me if I said that it is okay to miss out on an event with friends because anxiety is stopping you from leaving home?
I see you. I hear you. I understand.
When I made the decision to open Meridian, I went back and forth with myself about what I wanted my mission to be. I was unsure of how to create an effective practice that would accurately speak to who I am, not only as a clinician, but also as a human. Imposter syndrome took over and I told myself that it would not be possible to be an effective business owner and maintain my personal values. Doubt said that I was not meant to do this. Taking a step back, I’m so glad that I allowed myself to surf through the uncomfortable process of hesitation, because it led me to slow down and do less. Less stressing, less comparing, less stutter-stepping.
It is with complete vulnerability and transparency that I offer to you my baby: Meridian Wellness Platform. An agency that is designed to support those who believe they must support others instead of themselves. A platform for those who feel overlooked in the conversation about mental wellness. An establishment that encourages you to do less to gain more (<-- mission statement, yay!).
I stand firm in the belief that there is more to life than working, paying student loans, and pretending to have fun when you are secretly miserable. It’s my hope that you will find my words as a reminder that you are not alone, and your struggles are valid. I will work to ensure that you are seen, heard, and understood. That is a pinky promise.