We all go through periods in life when everything feels heavy – when stress, anxiety, or uncertainty seems to follow us everywhere. These moments can make us question ourselves, our choices, and even our worth. Personal growth and mental health are not just about achieving goals or “fixing” problems. They’re about understanding yourself, building resilience, and learning how to navigate life with care and intention.
Part of this journey is learning to show up for yourself, even when life feels difficult. One of the people who I went to for advice is Rachel Grae, one of my favorite people and my new therapist. She shared a perspective that has stayed with me: the only person you can fully rely on for your emotional well-being is yourself. While others can inspire or support us, true stability comes from developing trust in your own strength and capacity to handle life’s challenges.
This doesn’t mean you stop seeking connection or support from others. It means that your foundation isn’t dependent on anyone else. By learning to nurture your own needs, you give yourself the tools to face life with confidence. Small, deliberate actions – checking in with your emotions, facing fears you’ve been avoiding, or dedicating time to develop a skill – build trust in yourself over time. Growth comes from these consistent acts of care and courage.
Each person’s journey is unique. What brings peace to one person might not work for another. Rachel reminded me that the key is finding what genuinely helps you feel grounded, safe, and supported. For some, it’s journaling; for others, creative expression, movement, or simply sitting with their thoughts. Mental health and personal growth are not a one-size-fits-all process – they are about discovering what works for you and showing up for yourself day after day.
Music has been a powerful companion on this journey. It has the ability to make us feel seen, understood, and less alone. For me, Rachel’s unreleased song, Come a Day – part of her upcoming album Turned Into Me – has become an anthem for this period of self-discovery. Its message centers on self-belief and the understanding that even in moments of struggle, we have the capacity to grow and stand on our own. The song reflects a key part of mental health: trusting in yourself and your ability to navigate challenges, even when life feels uncertain.
Consistency is a crucial part of growth. Becoming a better version of yourself is not a single achievement – it’s a daily practice. Taking small steps each day to nurture your mind, body, and emotions gradually builds resilience and self-confidence. Over time, these steps accumulate, transforming how you relate to yourself and the world around you.
Vulnerability is another essential part of the journey. Acknowledging your emotions, facing discomfort, and practicing self-compassion are acts of strength, not weakness. Rachel’s guidance has helped me understand that embracing vulnerability while maintaining self-trust is at the heart of personal growth. It allows you to engage with life authentically, learn from challenges, and move forward with courage.
Ultimately, personal growth is about creating an inner foundation that is stable, resilient, and self-sustaining. Self-comfort, self-belief, and intentional care are all tools that support this foundation. Rachel’s song, Come a Day, embodies this message – reminding us that even when we feel lost or uncertain, we can trust in our ability to grow, heal, and become the people we want to be.
Taking ownership of your mental health is a lifelong journey. It requires patience, reflection, and compassion for yourself. By nurturing your mind and emotions, trusting yourself, and embracing growth even in difficult moments, you create a life rooted in resilience and self-belief. Personal growth is not about perfection – it’s about becoming stronger, wiser, and more present with yourself each day.
ROARA Magazine 