Open Letter: You Can Be Both.

A personal letter from Laura, our Community and Brand Manager. Written to connect, reflect, and remind us that wellbeing isn’t about perfection, but being real with ourselves and each other.

Lately, I have been hearing a lot of public figures and celebrities speak openly about their mental health. People we often admire, with money, fame, and success, admitting that despite having what looks like everything, they are still struggling inside.

It really struck me how deeply this mirrors conversations I have had in my own life. Just the other day, my brother said something that stayed with me: "I look at people and think, how are you so confident? Why cannot I be like that?"

What he does not realise is that even the people who seem the most confident, the ones who walk into a room smiling and laughing, are often the ones carrying the heaviest weight. I know, because sometimes, I am that person.

I have always been quite open. Maybe too open, some might say. I talk about the highs and the lows of life - being a mother, a wife, a friend. But over the years, the thing I have found most comforting is when others meet me in that space. When someone says, "Yes, me too." When someone shares their struggles, even if I do not fully relate, it is like a little crack of light comes in. Because being raw and honest is a kind of strength all on its own.

For me, anxiety has always been a quiet companion. It shows up even when life looks perfect on paper. I have a beautiful, healthy family, a job I am proud of, a lovely home, and incredible friends. And still, I find myself asking, "What is wrong with me? Why am I anxious?"

But here is the thing I have come to learn:

You can be both.
You can be strong and still struggling.
You can feel deep joy and still feel overwhelmed.
You can appear confident and still question everything you say.
You can have everything, and still not feel ok.

And that does not mean you are broken. It means you are human.

Perhaps what has been hardest of all is watching my brother, this incredibly talented, thoughtful, sensitive soul battle his own anxiety. It is a different kind of pain, watching someone you love suffer. I often wish he could see himself through my eyes. Or through the eyes of our parents, who have been endlessly loving and supportive all our lives.

If I could have one wish, it would not be for me. It would be for him. For the fog to lift, even just a little. For him to feel the light he brings into every room, even when he cannot see it himself.

So why am I writing this?

Because I want to remind anyone reading that you are not alone. What you are feeling is valid. Having a good life does not mean your mind always follows suit. And it is completely OK to not feel OK, even when everything seems fine.

What helps me?

Fresh air. Movement. Music. Laughing with friends. Family dinners. Letting myself cry when I need to. And most importantly, having someone I can talk to without judgement, someone who just listens.

If you are reading this and silently nodding along, I see you. And if you are not, but someone in your life is struggling, I hope this reminds you how far love, empathy, and simply showing up can go.

You are not alone.

Thanks for reading, Laura.