Introduction: A Journey from Struggle to Strength

For a decade in my early twenties, I lived in the shadow of anxiety and stress. The symptoms were relentless—insomnia, fatigue, and psychosomatic pain became a daily reality. Beneath the surface, powerful emotions churned, leaving me feeling trapped in a cycle that conventional strategies struggled to break. Despite trying different approaches, I still longed for lasting peace, resilience, and a deeper sense of happiness.

In 2013, everything changed.

I embarked on a transformative journey that began with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) under the guidance of Dr. Russ Harris. I discovered mindfulness techniques that grounded me, and later, found profound inner calm through the practice of Kriya breathing, taught by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. These practices didn’t just help me cope—they began to shape a stronger, more centred version of myself.

Fueled by my lived experience and driven by a desire to support others, I pursued a PhD in Sports Psychology, focusing on building mental strength to optimise performance and wellbeing. Working alongside respected mentors like Professor Herb Marsh and Associate Professor Jisei Guo, I developed a specialised mental training program and a condensed version of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS 2S). This work has since informed mental health and performance practices across sectors, from sports and education to defence.

Now, as an experienced psychologist, life coach, and performance consultant, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others rise above adversity and build sustainable wellbeing. My journey has reinforced one undeniable truth: mental health is not just about treating illness—it’s about cultivating strength, balance, and purpose through a holistic approach that honours the mind, body, and spirit.

This blog series, "Building Mental Strength for Peace and Happiness", is an invitation to walk this path with me. Whether you’re a high performer, a frontline worker, a student, or simply someone seeking more peace in a demanding world, this series will offer practical insights, tools, and reflections to help you transform your mental health from surviving… to thriving.

Let’s begin the journey—towards peace, purpose, and true inner strength.