Dear Younger Self

We live in a society where instant gratification is a norm however we need to change our mindset to think long term. The only way to do so is by practicing patience. Investing time and energy in skills will lead to opportunity and that turns to success in the long run. The key to the long lasting success is patience. In this note to myself, I talk about the mango farmer analogy and how we can learn from the years of efforts of a farmer, apply that to our careers and life to achieve success. 

TRIGGER WARNING:

In this episode, I talk to Alan Stuart about his son and what resulted into a mental health nightmare for him and his family.

Alan currently works in senior management within Higher Education – however his background has predominantly focused around start-up businesses – ranging from complimentary health products to software development and digital media agency initiatives. 

In January 2021 – he lost his son Cal (23yrs old) to suicide. He and his family were devastated as they were very tight and close as a family of four. In his own words, ‘Cal is my best friend, he is my hero – he is also my son’. Soon after Cal’s passing he and his family launched The Calzy Foundation – to campaign for increased and accessible peer-to-peer support for young adults suffering trauma or crisis in their mental health; to de-stigmatise the conversation in young people around mental health and to work towards reducing the suicide rates in young people. 

They also campaign for the establishment of a distinct three-digit emergency mental health number – similar to 111. Alan is committed to encouraging more open; honest and transparent dialogue around mental health in young adults and especially in those who have been impacted by peer suicide.

Website: https://www.calzy.foundation/