On this episode of The Secrets of Being, I’m joined by the radiant Rachel Kaplan—an author, recovery support specialist, and mental health advocate whose story is rooted in honesty, healing, and hope.Rachel takes us back to her teenage years, where her struggles with mental health began. By 16, she already knew she wanted to become a therapist. But life had its own lessons in store. During grad school, everything seemed to fall apart—and yet, that’s where her deeper journey began.She shares what inspired her to write How to Find Happiness in a Crazy World, and how she uses social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), to uplift others through her own lived experience. Rachel reminds us that alignment isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about finding the right community, the people who see you.We explore the complexity of healing—from medication to mindfulness to learning how to hold space for tough emotions like anger. Rachel works with individuals facing long-term mental wellness challenges and reminds us that love sometimes looks like patience, and sometimes like tough love.We also talk about embracing discomfort, investing in joy, and showing up fully even when life gets messy. Rachel is a living example that our past doesn't define us—but what we choose to do with it can.This conversation is for anyone navigating mental health challenges, feeling isolated in their journey, or searching for meaning in the midst of it all. It’s a reminder that healing is never wasted, and every step counts.With love,
DawnP.S. You can connect with Rachel here: https://x.com/rachelkaplan4