What can happen if you choose being brave over being liked….

I want to share with you about a book I read recently, Jamie Kern Lima’s “Believe It”. Jamie is the founder of IT cosmetics. She tells a heartbreaking and relatable story of facing rejection and self-doubt on her journey to building this billion dollar cosmetic brand and changing the beauty industry to expand its definition of beauty and celebrate imperfections. 

Despite SO many obstacles (often how I feel), she trusted her instincts, embraced her own imperfections, and remained committed to her vision. She reminded me that we have to be relentless in our pursuit of goals despite being subjected to the “court of public opinion”. If you are doing anything great everyone seems to have something to say about it.  She says that being underestimated by others doesn't matter if you are following your truth.

Like Jamie and the beauty industry, our LGA team is paving a new path for mental health treatment, proactively and accessible to all people, because #weallstrugle at times, there is nothing wrong with you. 

I related to her vision for change and tenacity so much and was reminded once again of our common humanity regardless of level of success. She is a billion dollar brand creator and I am a social worker with a few mental health clinics; we are both still learning to trust our instincts, embrace our imperfections, and stay committed to our vision and mission despite the nearly daily obstacles.

She is an inspiration to me as an entrepreneur highlighting the transformative impact of resilience, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of a dream. In the book she talks about her conscious decision to prioritize bravery over being liked. She says "I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not" and I was stunned because I wrote this in my grade 12 yearbook write up, long before I had and plans for this practice. I am living this as truth now, I am here to call out things that aren’t working and challenge change for mental health rather than accepting the status quo and its working.

I am so proud of my team for our cumulative impact on our community and to all those working, and who have worked in our charity Just Us; We all Struggle. Collectively, we have provided over 51,000 sessions in Saint John & Fredericton since starting as a one woman show in 2018 and nearly 6,000 free/low cost sessions through Just Us to those with financial barriers.

"We aren't afraid to piss off a few people to inspire many and we are changing a culture around mental health by removing barriers."

Reach out to us if you would like to see one of our Therapists. Let's BE REAL TOGETHER

~ Laura, Clinical Therapist Call (506) 651-1239 or BOOK ONLINE