We were lucky to catch up with Kristi Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose has evolved throughout my life, shaped by years of pain and experience.
At 19, I became a teenage mom and eventually married my children’s father. After nine years, we divorced for several reasons, including abuse. During that time, my purpose was to overcome my depression.
Later, I decided to compete as a bodybuilder, proving to myself that I could lose over 100 pounds and develop better eating habits through motivation and determination. This journey led me to learn a new skill, and I eventually became a personal health trainer.
In early 2023, I faced the devastating loss of my son to suicide. In the wake of this tragedy, my purpose shifted to using my grief for personal healing and supporting young adults who suffer in silence due to mental health issues. Recently, I became certified as a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line.
These experiences have taught me to transform my pain into purpose, hold onto hope, and cherish life’s small glimmers of light.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My focus has been on advocating for those who suffer in silence, particularly individuals facing mental health challenges, depression, grief, or suicidal ideation.
Over the past year, and as I transition into the new year, I will continue to participate in community events aimed at raising awareness about our foundation and the resources we provide. My goal is to build connections with other organizations, foundations, and mental healthcare providers that share our mission.
A key highlight of the foundation’s efforts is our annual event, which showcases holistic approaches to therapy and self-care. This includes traditional therapy with a licensed counselor, as well as alternatives such as music therapy, art therapy, fitness therapy, pet therapy, journaling, and poetry or spoken word.
These approaches offer unique pathways for healing, self-expression, and emotional well-being. Our goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to continue fostering open, honest conversations that encourage healing and support.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities or skills that have had the most significant impact on my life are perseverance, optimism, and prioritizing self-care.
Perseverance is crucial because it enables me to keep moving forward when I encounter challenges along life’s journey. Overcoming obstacles requires determination and faith. I continually remind myself to trust the process and recognize that there is a reason for delays or setbacks.
Optimism is equally important. A positive mindset helps me navigate difficulties with grace and focus on possibilities rather than limitations. I find strength in believing that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.
Self-care has been a transformative practice for me. I’ve learned to slow down, take time for inward reflection, and redirect my focus away from unnecessary distractions. This has been essential for protecting my mental health, reminding me that I cannot pour into others when my cup is empty. Self-care serves as a powerful reminder that my well-being matters.
For individuals early in their journey, I recommend developing skills and seeking knowledge that helps navigate the various transitions in life. If you feel stuck, start by cultivating the qualities that have helped me stay grounded and focused on my purpose.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am seeking opportunities to partner and collaborate with mental health organizations, healthcare providers, and nonprofit foundations that share a common vision or mission.
By working together, we can amplify our impact and extend our reach, promoting mental health awareness, increasing access to essential resources, and developing innovative programs to address the pressing challenges of mental well-being.
If your organization is dedicated to mental health, suicide prevention, or holistic approaches to well-being, I would love to connect and explore how we can support individuals in need of these critical services. Together, we can continue the vital work of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behindthesmilesfoundation.org
- Instagram: behindthesmilesfoundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindthesmilesfoundation
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
