We recently connected with Melina Farahani and have shared our conversation below.
Melina, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Life is full of obstacles, and it can sometimes feel like the whole world is against me. But it isn’t. It may only seem that way in moments of hardship. When I take a moment to be mindful of the situation, I realize how far I’ve come. I become grateful for my journey and acknowledge all the steps I’ve taken. I realize that the younger version of me never thought I would be here right now. She could never have imagined—or perhaps even hoped—to face the challenges that the present version of me is confronting.
I become aware that this, too, will eventually pass. I remember that I’ve figured things out before, and I believe in myself, knowing and trusting that I’ll be able to figure it out again.
I love looking at myself through the lens of a film, seeing the past me and the present me. In a way, it becomes easier to distance myself from the problem. I realize that I am not the problem; rather, it’s a plot twist in my journey that can help, enlighten, or teach me something. Now, this is all easier said than done, but baby steps: first, practice mindfulness, then gratitude, and finally, have faith—not just in a religious sense, but faith that you can do it. You are strong enough and worthy enough to fight.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a British-Persian actress, and my journey began at the Sylvia Young Theatre School before I auditioned for and joined the National Youth Theatre in London. There, I had the privilege of working with incredibly talented individuals who deepened my love for the craft. Although I pursued a degree in chemistry and a master’s in Environmental Systems Engineering, my heart always pulled me back to acting. It wasn’t until I booked my first film that I knew this was where I truly belonged.
Starting out in London theater, I found an agent and began pursuing the life of an artist. The pursuit, I’ve learned, never really ends, but that’s the beauty of it—there’s always something more to chase. Moving to LA has been a leap of faith, but I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries, telling stories, and building a legacy that inspires others. Doing what you love makes the chase worthwhile.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Trust your truth: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to trust ourselves. Taking time each day to ask, “What do I truly think?” about the challenges or desires we face is crucial. We’re often conditioned to act quickly, but true clarity comes from slowing down and listening to our inner voice.
2. Embrace the process: I constantly have to remind myself that the process is the work, and it’s the real success. It’s easy to focus on the end goal and feel like small steps aren’t enough, but every tiny accomplishment is a win, not a failure. The journey itself holds value.
3. Stay committed to your calling: If you were born to be an artist, no one can take that away from you. Whether you’re a writer, actor, or musician, the work itself brings joy and liberation. I breathe it and It makes me feel alive. It’s a gift to have the chance to do what I love.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has played a significant role in my development is *A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons from The School of Life* by Alain de Botton. It’s the kind of book I keep coming back to because of the valuable insights it offers.
One chapter I love discusses how art can be a tool to combat our mental struggles. It reminds us that “pretty things”—like flowers and blue skies—are essential, not because we might forget life’s difficulties, but because they offer hope. In a world full of challenges, these moments of beauty help prevent us from slipping into despair.
De Botton explains how art can be a companion in sadness. It shows us that pain is a normal part of the human condition, and rather than hiding our struggles, art helps us accept them. When we make our pain visible and shared, we are no longer alone, and this can provide profound comfort. Whether it’s serenity, tenderness, or even pain, engaging with art helps us find balance and become more rounded, sane individuals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinafarahani/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@melinafarahanii?lang=en
Image Credits
@HULLISBEAUTIFUL
@RAM0NMG
@kfowlernyc
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