How It All Began
Minded Boggle began just like most things do
Determined to bridge the gap of mental health, the creators of Minded Boggle set out to develop a platform that would educate and support individuals in their journey towards better mental well-being.
The initial vision was simple: to create a space where people could come together, share experiences, and gain insights into their mental health in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
As the project evolved, it became a community-driven initiative, with contributions from mental health advisors, educators, and everyday individuals who are passionate about spreading awareness and understanding.
Our hope for the future:
Minded Boggle has many plans for future expansions and services, however, as with everything, it takes time for us to get there. One day we hope to be able to offer a wide range of different wellness practices and services for you to choose from. Whether it is to boost your productivity or to improve your way of thinking, we hope you’ll be able find just what you’re looking for.
But we can’t do it by ourselves – for us to be able to tailor our services to you, we need your feedback! By providing us with your opinions, feedback and ideas we can ensure the content we deliver is the type of content you’re looking for!
Eventually, we will offer mini-courses, memberships, and so much more!
Why is Minded Boggle important to you?
Minded Boggle is a personal endeavour, focused solely on you and your mental health. For me it became one of the most significant things in my life, mainly because I adopted a lifelong passion of self-improvement. The process of engaging with Minded Boggle has allowed me to explore different facets of my mental well-being, encouraging growth and resilience. This has not only equipped me with tools and resources to navigate life’s challenges but has also connected me with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
My Journey
Through my Minded Boggle Journey, I have discovered the power of shared experiences and the importance of empathy and understanding. It has taught me that mental health is not a solitary journey but one that flourishes with support and collaboration. Each story shared and each piece of wisdom gained has contributed to my personal development, making me more mindful, compassionate, and open-minded.
As I continue to be part of this journey, I am inspired by the collective strength and courage of others who, like me, are striving for a better understanding of themselves and their mental health. Minded Boggle is more than just a resource; it is a community, a safe space, and a source of endless encouragement and inspiration.
Why did you start this journey?
I believe that time is the most valuable resource we have. Unlike money, time can’t be earned back. I embarked on this journey because I didn’t want to waste any more precious time dwelling on past pains.
When my grandfather passed away, it was a stark reminder that we only have one life. I didn’t want to waste it stuck in the past. Yes, I went through traumatic experiences, but what mattered was how I let it affect my present. Wallowing in self-pity and regret won’t change the past, but changing my response to those memories might alter their impact on me.
In the middle of a mental breakdown, I realised it was time to stop feeling sorry for myself. It was up to me to decide to move on. But how? I learned to stop focusing on harmful thoughts and instead channelled my energy into constructive actions. I returned to journaling, an old habit from my childhood, to manage my thoughts.
Day by day, I wrote about whatever was overwhelming me and turned negative thoughts into positive motivators. By doing this, I wasn’t just stuck in my head, I was actively addressing my issues. It was like putting my life in order.
How did you know you needed to start self-improvements?
For nearly 20 years, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Have you ever felt alone in a crowd? That was me as a child, feeling isolated amidst billions. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But, it was also the start of my journey towards self-improvement.
I had a tough upbringing, so by the time I was a young adult, I’d get lost in having the power to make my own choices – or mistakes as it were. Over time, I began to see how my actions affected others. After a cascade of mistakes, I learned the power of empathy. Have you ever noticed how our actions can push people away? That was my reality – my impulsive behaviours were pushing people away.
But, instead of acting on impulse, I began to consider others. This shift in perspective led me to strive for better. Have you ever wanted to change toxic behaviours? That’s just what I did.
By considering the impact of my actions, I started to become the person I wanted to be, not the person my past experiences shaped me into. I embraced the idea that change was possible, and that my past didn’t have to define my future. I sought out new experiences, surrounded myself with positive influences, and actively worked on my communication skills. It wasn’t easy—there are still moments of frustration and setbacks that made me question my progress. But each stumble is a lesson, a stepping stone rather than a barrier.
How did you start?
I began to engage in meaningful conversations, learning to truly listen more. I discovered that by opening my heart and mind, I could connect with others on a deeper level.
Have you ever felt the warmth of genuine connection? That feeling became my motivation. I realised that vulnerability, while scary, could lead to profound relationships and understanding.
As I continued to grow, I also became more aware of my passions. I explored different interests, from art & craft to volunteering, and each new endeavour taught me something valuable. I found joy in helping others, and that joy became a vital part of my identity. Have you ever experienced the fulfillment that comes from giving back? It was a revelation that ignited a fire within me.
Over the years, I learned to celebrate my successes, no matter how small. Each victory, whether it was overcoming a fear or making a new friend, reinforced my belief that I was capable of change. I began to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome.
What does your progress look like to you?
Looking back, I can see how far I’ve come. The lonely child in the crowd transformed into someone who not only understands the importance of connection but seeks it out. My journey is ongoing, and while I still face challenges, I now approach them with a mindset of resilience and hope.
Have you ever considered how far you’ve come on your own journey? It’s a reminder that growth is a continuous process, one that requires patience and self-compassion.
As I share my story, I hope to inspire others who may feel lost or alone. We all have the potential to change and grow, to become the best versions of ourselves. It takes courage, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the journey. So, if you ever find yourself feeling adrift, remember that you are not alone, and the path to self-discovery is just beyond the first step.
What was the biggest hurdle when you started your journey?
The toughest hurdle during the start of my journey was recognising and accepting my own mistakes. I would often justify my actions instead of learning from them. This moment of self-realisation was like a punch in the gut.
Negative self-talk was my go-to reaction, but it only made things worse. The more I put myself down for the mistakes I made, the worse I felt. The solution? Practicing self-compassion and forgiving myself.
Although it was a challenging process, I learned to not just say I forgive myself, but to truly accept forgiveness, actively change how I respond to my own mistakes and shortcomings and as a result the way I respond to others. It was a lonely road, with no guidance or clear path to follow, only examples of what not to do. But my determination to make changes to myself, and inspire change in others, is what brought me here today, guiding you to take that first step.
Have you been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
While I’ve been diagnosed with Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I don’t think it completely fits my situation. I don’t necessarily experience irrational fears or see fabricated dangers. I am a self-aware person who can distinguish between reality and imagination. However, I am prone to panic attacks when faced with uncontrollable emotional triggers and tend to be hyper-vigilant and hyper-aware, traits consistent with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among other things.
Although my symptoms might be extensive, I don’t believe a diagnosis is always necessary. I’ve sought medical and professional advice and engaged in various therapies and treatments. But I’ve also done my own extensive research and understand myself well enough to manage without the need for high-risk services. By educating myself on how the mind works, it is like I have unlocked the ability to tap into my mental super-power and write my own story.
I think the crucial thing is that you know what you struggle with and you can take the advice that best suits you.
I, personally, do not believe that mental health is about categorising yourself or labelling you as a ‘type’. ADHD, ASD, BPD, NPD, OCD – OMG! All these acronyms just make it seem like we must belong to one of these categories, especially as it’s become so easy to scroll through social media platforms and ‘diagnose yourself’ based on the experiences of others.
What if we all had a bit of each of these conditions inside of us, and how we chose to spend energy on those issues determines whether it effects us or how it effects us – its quite a dangerous process really, we can invertedly ramp up certain disorders by focusing on them AND by believing we have them we can essentially fabricate them.
Our take away: Diagnosing is best left to the professionals!
Are self-help books worth it?
Self-help books are not for everyone, because finding the right one for you can be like navigating a maze with no exit, but there is some very valuable insights to be taken from each one. Imagine asking for advice from 5 different people with different walks of life, you’ll get a wide range of different suggestions – this is what it’s like when you read self-help books. They are written in the perception of the author and normally regarding personal experience in dealing with the chosen topic.
Reading in general is so beneficial to the mind – every bit of new information you learn gives you more to work with! From the hidden messages packed into fictional stories to the information learned in a non-fiction read, your brain soaks it all up!
I’ve gained such a better understanding of the world and the people in it. While I might not be clued up on all of the customs, cultures and walks of life around the world, I am open-minded and willing to learn from the experiences I have. Self-help books have helped me to adopt an understanding nature, which has greatly reduced any emotional outbursts.
There is always room to grow!
