Hamish Blake: If Only I Knew... | Your Mental Health

Summary

In a heartfelt message, a future self reflects on the challenges of being a 14-year-old filled with insecurities, fears, and the struggle to fit in. Acknowledging the importance of mental health, the speaker emphasizes the journey of self-discovery and the necessity of embracing one's true self. They recount pivotal moments of feeling lost, making poor decisions, and ultimately finding support and friendship after taking risks. The message encourages young listeners to confront their fears, be authentic, and understand that failure and not fitting in can lead to joyful experiences and meaningful connections in life.

Takeaways

• 🎉 You've reached 38! Celebrate your journey and accomplishments.
• ⚠️ Be cautious about taking unnecessary risks; being invincible is a myth.
• 🧠 Mental health is just as important as physical health—everyone has it.
• 😟 At 14, feeling insecure and unsure is normal; you are not alone.
• 🤝 Finding your true friends is essential; don't change who you are to fit in.
• 😞 It's okay to struggle with identity and belonging during your teenage years.
• 📚 Bad decisions can lead to significant consequences; learn from them.
• 🆕 A change of environment can spark positive changes in your life.
• 💪 Being yourself can open doors to new opportunities and friendships.
• 😄 Embrace failures and feeling silly; they are part of enjoying life.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the future self's message?

The main purpose of the message is to address the importance of mental health and to encourage the younger self to be true to themselves despite feelings of insecurity and the pressure to fit in.

How does the future self describe their mental state at age 14?

At age 14, the future self describes being a 'swirling big wobbly mess' of insecurities, fears, and doubts, indicating a struggle with mental health and self-identity.

What does the future self mean by 'wearing a mask'?

'Wearing a mask' refers to the act of pretending to be someone else to fit in with peers, leading to a lack of authenticity and personal happiness.

What significant event does the future self mention regarding school?

The future self mentions being kicked out of school, which was a pivotal and painful experience that contributed to feelings of failure and being 'damaged goods'.

What insight does the future self gain after transferring to a new school?

After transferring, the future self realizes the importance of being themselves and takes a risk to embrace authenticity, leading to positive changes in their life.

How does the future self encourage the younger self to deal with feelings of fear and insecurity?

The future self encourages the younger self to take risks and make changes when feeling overwhelmed, suggesting that such moments are opportunities for growth rather than retreat.

What role does the concept of 'finding your people' play in the future self's narrative?

'Finding your people' represents the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends who accept and celebrate authenticity, which is a key factor in the future self's happiness.

What does the future self mean when they say 'failing is where all the fun of life is'?

This phrase emphasizes that making mistakes and experiencing failure can lead to personal growth, memorable experiences, and ultimately contribute to a fulfilling life.

What advice does the future self give regarding embracing vulnerability?

The future self advises that being vulnerable and allowing oneself to look silly or fail can lead to joy and meaningful experiences in life.

What humorous advice does the future self give at the end of the message?

At the end, the future self humorously advises to invest in Google shares early and warns against booking flights for the first half of 2020, hinting at future events without giving details.