Dear past me,
I know things have changed drastically since 2023, but I want to take a moment to talk to you - the version of me who was struggling. Back then, you were carrying so much. You were struggling with body image, battling grief and depression, unaware of the ADHD that was influencing your world and turning to alcohol to numb the pain.
Life felt overwhelming didn’t it? But look at us now. I’m fitter, alcohol-free and healthier in every way. In fact, I don't think words can fully capture just how much better things are now. I remember not being able to run one kilometre. Now, here I am in 2024, having run four half marathons and training for a marathon. It’s amazing how much life can change isn’t it?
If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: Don't wait. Don’t wait for life to hit rock bottom before you start changing things. There’s no need to hit that low point before you embrace the Seven Universal Truths - something that’s been so helpful to my personal journey. All you need is a desire to grow and a willingness to try something new.
I’m not saying it’s easy and I’m not promising perfect mental health (because honestly, that doesn’t exist). What I am saying is that a life-changing shift is within reach. It starts with two things: a sense of direction and a willingness to trust the process. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. Let me tell you why.
Depression has a sneaky way of lying to you. It tells you to stay in bed, to isolate yourself, to avoid socialising, convincing you that your friends don’t want to hear about your struggles. The brain treats depression like a virus and its response is to pull away from everyone else.
But you know what the worst thing you can do when you're depressed is? Isolate yourself. Now whenever I feel a depressive episode creeping in, I ask myself “What would I do right now if I felt happy?” and then I do exactly that. I’ve learned not to trust my feelings or thoughts during those low moments. Instead, I lean into what I know works. I follow an up-to-date navigation system and trust the process and it works every time.
There’ll be days when finding motivation is hard. When all you feel like doing is sitting on the sofa, closed off from everything, but all the small changes will add up to make a big difference in your life. You’ll slowly build habits that help you cope a little better when the difficult days hit.
And all I ask of you, past me, is to make a commitment to unlearning old habits and replacing them with ones that will bring you real happiness and fulfillment. Take it from someone who’s been through the darkness - there is a new life waiting for you. All you need to do is trust the process.
You've got this.
With love and belief in you,
Your future self
– Dr Alex
