Abbie personally suffers from Anxiety and Depression, and has done so since her teens. When things were at their worst, Abbie didn’t know if that dark feeling would ever really pass.
Inspired by her own journey, Abbie founded the mental health charity Letters of Hope, sending handwritten letters to people globally who are going through a tough time in the hope of turning things around.
Abbie is a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor and was 1 of 5 Australian delegates selected for the A2ELP Emerging Leaders program for social entrepreneurs.
Thank you for joining us here at The Corporate Escapists. Please introduce yourself to our reader. They love to know about you, your passion, and how you came to find and follow your passion.
I have always struggled with my mental health in some way. I moved to Australia from the UK in 2017 and after becoming my grandparents’ pen pals, I realised the positive impact of a handwritten letter. I wanted to give that feeling to other people who were struggling.
Bob Proctor once quoted ‘To believe in the things you can see and touch is no belief at all. But to believe in the unseen is both a triumph and a blessing”. How important is it to you to have the belief within one’s self?
Life is a journey full of ups and downs, and it is so important to treat yourself with kindness and be gentle with yourself through all of those ups and downs. I think self belief is accepting yourself, flaws and all.
Tell us what the word “Entrepreneur” means to you?
For me, it embodies passion, purpose and vision. every entrepreneur I meet has a story of passion and why they do what they do.
What has been one of the biggest business ideas you have had and how did you have the trust and hope within yourself to implement it?
Starting my charity was definitely my biggest leap. My passion and desire to help others helped me to take that leap! I am still surprised at myself for doing it and wish I could tell younger Abbie all about it.
It can be really easy to feel like giving up on the tougher days, but it is so important to remember why you started. Believing in your why helps others to believe in it, too.
What is your favourite quote about inspiration?
“Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase” – it can be very easy to become overwhelmed when we have so much on our plates, so it is always helpful to focus on the here and now, and what you want to achieve next.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
My advice is to take care of yourself. it can be so easy to wear all hats and burn yourself out, so remember to take a breath and put your wellbeing before anything else. You can’t pour from an empty cup and you will do your best work when you feel at your best.
