3 Things I’m Taking Into 2024

January 11, 2024

Meera is a mental health activist from Los Angeles, CA. Her struggles with mental health cast a dark shadow over many of her experiences as a teenager and were compounded by the cultural shame she faced when seeking treatment as an Asian-Indian woman. The cultural stigma she endured is what fueled her passion for activism at the age of 14. Meera’s work focuses on mental health education, suicide awareness and prevention, and mental health policy. Her work has been recognized at a national level, when she was invited by President Biden and his administration to discuss the disparities in our nation’s mental healthcare system. On a grassroots level, Meera has spoken at mental health panels, conferences, seminars, and to members of government to share her story and propose new initiatives in mental health policy. Currently, Meera is a graduate student at UCLA studying mental health and public health. Meera’s mission is to change the narrative surrounding mental health and encourage people of all communities to get the help they need and deserve. She hopes to be a voice of hope to those who are struggling in silence. Meera wants you to remember: the world needs you here and it’s okay to not be okay.

This story took place in United States

Pledge to Take Action

Approaching a new year is an opportunity for me to reflect on the lessons that I have learned. Here are 3 things I am bringing with me into 2024, and I invite you to join me in thinking about what energy, lessons, and affirmations you’re bringing into your own life this year! 

1) Protecting my peace and living in the present.
Taking care of my mind has always been a priority in my life. Protecting my peace means to live in the present moment and focus on the joys of every day that I am able to live. I want to get better at “seeing the good” each day. When things inevitably become overwhelming, I want to get better at taking things one day at a time. 

2) Embracing discomfort.
I am very much a creature of habit – I can eat the same breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and be content. However, I do believe that in order for me to grow as a person, I have to do things that are out of my comfort zone and be comfortable in the “uncomfortable.” This past year, I was able to grow because of experiences I had that forced me to step past my security blanket of predictability. Even though it felt intimidating and overwhelming initially, I was able to get through it and more importantly, learn from these experiences. This upcoming year, I want to say “yes” to embracing change. 

3) Staying rooted in my purpose.
For 10 years now, mental health activism has been my “why.” Publicly speaking about mental health and suicide prevention is deeply important to me. Embracing my vulnerability and speaking my truth has led me to incredible opportunities, but more importantly, has allowed me to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with the people in my life. When things inevitably get overwhelming in the new year, it’s important for me to stay rooted in my life’s purpose.

Learn more about me at meera-varma.com and follow along at @meeravarma.

Pledge to Take Action