"25th of Feb": Recent Episodes
Alanna Smith
Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? I, personally, am a firm believer that every. single. thing. transpires with a purpose. Since before I can remember, I have lived with perpetual anxious energy. My heart would thump in my chest if I had failed, underachieved or I had let someone else down. I believed that I had to be perfect and if I wasn't reaching that, I was not doing well enough. I made up worst case scenarios in my head and my palms would sweat, if I felt as though someone was even remotely upset with me. I over think minuscule details and obsess compulsively about almost everything. I had a permanent cloud fogging my brain, almost reminding me that I would never be enough. I had battled momentary bouts of depression on a minor scale and encountered challenges and obstacles, like anybody else, but amidst all of this chaos going on in my mind, my life was good. Fast forward to the 25th of February 2016, when the rug was pulled out from underneath me. This was my “definitive” moment. This is my “story”. My life was moving in one direction & then all of a sudden, it wasn’t. This change of direction, this sense of destruction and debilitation, being entirely out of my control, was incredibly confronting for a “control freak” like myself and forced me to embark on a raw journey of self discovery. Whilst onboard this, I hit rock bottom. Metaphorically, I lost everything but most significantly, I lost myself. Upon discovery it became apparent that most individuals have a moment in time that has been definitive in the evolution of their own story. This amalgamation of discussions will endeavour to open up the conversation on other people’s journeys, their fork in the road, their battle, their struggles, their lows & how it ultimately defined them and how they finally got to where they are now. My name is Alanna Smith & this is my Podcast "25th of Feb." Thanks for coming on this journey with me and so many others, as I try my best to destimgatise the battle of mental illness.
This episode has been a while in the making. But I promise you the wait was worthwhile. After taking a bit of a pause on this project, because of my own mental health and depression battles, it feels really beautiful to be able to share this incredibly vulnerable, powerful and astronomically important conversation with you. Megs is such a strong, resilient and kind-hearted woman and not only is that prevalent through the woman she has become but through the daughter she is raising. I admire her strength so much and thank her for the beauty that she brings in to the world and the positivity she radiates, shines through her beautiful smile and bubbly energy. It is almost unimaginable to believe from the outside, that she is someone who went through hell and back, given her optimism that she approaches life with. This woman is the true definition of a warrior and the true definition of an on earth angel. This conversation is both raw and compelling. I owe Megs for her vulnerability and openness to being so honest with me, for the purpose of everything that I am aspiring to achieve through this podcast. It is because of conversations like this one, that I am so grateful that I started this.
This episode felt like talking in to the mirror. Some of the words that came out of Mikayla's mouth sounded like words that would have come out of my own. It blew me away... The gratitude that I have for her coming on and sharing her story and being vulnerable with me, for not only the cause of this Podcast, but the benefit of people's lives that this story will touch, is magnanimous. She is so unbelievably strong, powerful , resilient and brave and I know that her journey is one that so many people will be able to relate to. If you have ever had your heart broken, I am sure you will be able to sit in a space of understanding, empathy but also accomplishment that you made it through it, as you listen to this. Also, if you don't know what a Toddy is, you will after this episode. You are welcome.
This episode means the world to me, not only because the audio works (this is take two of recording this one...), but because the guest is one that I love with my whole heart. If you don't know what the acronym TPWK means - go look it up. These four letters bound us in to a beautiful relationship. She started out as a client, she remains as a friend. I have to express utmost gratitude for Alicia (it's pronounced "Ah-Lee-See-Ya") for coming on and sharing her story. It is important and it is powerful. Her strength & resilience absolutely shines through her and I know that she has a bright and prosperous future ahead of her. Her ability to recognise that by opening up the conversation around her previous trauma, she has the potential to help someone else who may be struggling. This is why we do this. I hope this hits you as deeply as it hit me.
This episode is very close to my heart. A woman I feel so unbelievably grateful to have collided universes with. She started out as a friend, but has transformed into a sister. Natassia is mature beyond her years & wise beyond her age. She is someone I lean on when I am facing mental challenges & someone that I know will always be there for me, no matter what. This conversation discusses Natassia's personal history with her own mental health struggles, particularly honing in on one specific circumstance, that she believes has been definitive in her journey and has made her the strong, powerful runner and woman she is today. I hope you love it, as much as I do.
An introduction as to why I chose to embark on this journey. Why this is such a passion project of mine & a small indicator of the implications of my "pivotal" moment and how it ultimately defined my mental health journey and how it has lead me to where I am and who I am today.