What does being mind-strong mean to you? 

Being mind-strong includes the ability to reflect, understand, and overcome what’s happening around you with compassion for yourself and others. When we experience negative emotions, it’s important to talk about them and find out what helps you to overcome them. In heart-wrenching situations, it’s important to be especially kind to yourself while you’re healing. Overwhelming emotions are temporary—they eventually pass. Later, we can retell some stories with strength and sometimes humour. 

Never lying or never gossiping again? 

 
If gossiping is on the table, it makes me feel uncomfortable—it’s a waste of time. Part of me feels concerned for the person being gossiped about; they might be going through difficulties or a worrying situation. 

As for lying, let’s put this into context. If my mother asks me, “Have you had a cigarette?!”, I lie and say no because the cigarette is associated with shame and disrespect. However, I need to say yes one time to hear her concerns. 

Lying that hurts and impacts someone is awful. It starts a terrible snowball effect on the person lying and others. Lies are usually born out of fear or insecurity. Transparency helps to build trusting relationships. 

What have you discovered about yourself in the last year? 

I did my second solo trip in Pakistan, explored the Amazon rainforest, and revisited Morocco. It reminded me how confident I am navigating new places, meeting new people, tackling physically challenging landscapes, and embracing the unknown. I take risks and listen to my intuition. I’ve learned about the value of communities and kindness in a different way. Travelling makes me feel free and inspired. 

If your thoughts made noises, what would they be? 

 
If my thoughts made noises when I’m overwhelmed, they would sound like the hustle and bustle of London. I avoid cycling through the busy main roads—it consumes so much mental energy. I quickly find quieter routes. 

When I’m calm, my thoughts would make the relaxed sounds of a cat meowing in conversation. 

Sometimes, my thoughts are my own voice advising me to rise nice and easy in the morning. Or, if I’m not feeling great: “What am I going to do to change this feeling?” 

What change would you want the world to focus on? 

In historical and current contexts, I would like to see a focus on overcoming colonial mindsets and practices. These choices are extractive and destructive.