What does being mind-strong mean to you?

To me, being mind-strong means having the ability to maintain clarity, resilience, and focus even in challenging situations. It’s about recognising when emotions or thoughts become overwhelming and then grounding yourself to regain balance.

I tend to challenge my thoughts, as our minds often try to convince us they are 'facts.' However, our thoughts are not facts! For example, we might have negative thoughts such as "I can’t do it." But the fact is, you don’t know until you try! This mindset helps me step back and observe my thoughts instead of being consumed by them.

Never lying or never gossiping again?

If I had to choose one to give up forever, it would be gossiping. Lying can sometimes be morally complex—for example, protecting someone’s feelings or safety might require a small white lie.

Gossiping, however, rarely has positive outcomes. It often stems from insecurity or boredom and can harm relationships or reputations. Giving it up would promote kindness and integrity in interactions.

What have you discovered about yourself in the last year?

Over the last year, I’ve discovered that I’m more adaptable than I thought. Unexpected challenges taught me that I am more resilient than I had believed. I was surprised by how much my perspective shifted after actively seeking personal growth.

For instance, I learned to embrace vulnerability as a strength instead of fearing it as a weakness. If we acknowledge difficult emotions and are kind to ourselves—allowing ourselves to feel them—we gain the strength to overcome future challenges.

If your thoughts made noises, what would they be?

On a typical day, my mind would sound like a mix of overlapping melodies—some calm, others fast-paced. The busyness would resemble a soft hum of activity, with occasional bursts of a lively beat.

When I am overwhelmed, it might feel like clanging cymbals, static, or a lot of ‘chatter’ all at once. However, I strive to return to a peaceful rhythm.

What change would you want the world to focus on?

IIf I could choose one area to focus on, it would be mental health awareness and access. As someone who works in education, I see how important a healthy mind is for young people to thrive.

A healthier mind leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and overall societal well-being. Normalising conversations about mental health and providing equitable access to resources would help millions lead more fulfilling lives and foster compassion globally.