We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Chase recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I’ve been navigating mental health issues since I was a child, and my journey towards healing has been anything but linear. In fact, I’ve come to see it as a spiralic journey, one that requires immense courage to even embark upon. Most recently, I faced a significant challenge as I battled depression and anxiety, stemming from a multitude of factors including hormonal imbalances like fibroids, cysts, and adenoymosis, as well as the lingering effects of PTSD.
For several months, I found myself in an incredibly dark place, and it began to seep into every aspect of my life – physically, mentally, spiritually, personally, relationally, and professionally. It was a turning point when I mustered the courage to be vulnerable with my family and admit that I needed help. I took the first step by returning to therapy, and from there, I sought out the guidance of a nutritionist. I also reached out to friends who had faced similar challenges with their hormonal journeys, finding solace in their shared experiences.
I’ve since made several positive lifestyle changes to support my mental health. Prioritizing quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, pursuing activities that bring me joy, and adopting a nutritious diet were key components. Additionally, I made the decision to remove alcohol from my life, recognizing its potential negative impact.
To further support my healing, I began sessions with a somatic healer to address the impact on my nervous system. Regularly meeting with my therapist in a safe and supportive space has been instrumental in navigating my emotions and feelings.
I firmly believe that the first step toward healing is the ability to admit when we need support, even though it can be an incredibly challenging step to take. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-care, and the power of seeking help when it’s needed most. I’m committed to continuing this journey, both for my own well-being and to serve as an example that healing is possible, even in the face of formidable challenges.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Substance, a platform for visionary women creating the life of the dreams and arriving fulfilled. What we do at Substance is truly a passion project that I’ve been dedicated to since I was 18 years old. At its core, Substance is all about curating a perspective on life that’s centered on creating substance and meaning.
What excites me the most about our work is the opportunity to inspire and empower visionary women to embark on their own journeys towards a life of substance. We’re not just a platform; we’re a supportive community that offers both engaging content and coaching to help these women achieve their dreams and find fulfillment along the way.
What sets Substance apart is our holistic approach. We integrate holistic modalities, conscious practices rooted in nature, and world-class creative direction into everything we do. It’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit to help individuals unlock their full potential and create a life that’s rich in purpose and authenticity.
As for what’s new, we’re always looking for innovative ways to serve our community better — we’re currently in the process of creating a bi-annual print magazine, hosting immersive workshops and retreats around the world, and creating a global community of visionary women. We’re committed to continually evolving and providing valuable resources for those who share our vision of living a life of substance.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were most impactful in my path: Curiosity, Doing the Work, and Following my intuition.
1. **Curiosity**: I’ve always had an insatiable curiosity to understand the intricacies of how the world operates. This quality has been instrumental in my journey. My advice to those early in their journey is to nurture your curiosity. Never stop asking questions, seeking to understand, and exploring new horizons. Curiosity fuels learning and growth, opening doors to opportunities you might not have imagined.
2. **Doing the Work**: Achieving my dream of becoming an Editor-in-Chief required more than just aspirations; it demanded dedication and hard work. I spent my entire 20s and early 30s wholeheartedly committed to my career, gaining hands-on experience, and honing my skills. My advice is simple: put in the work. Success often requires long hours, persistence, and continuous effort. Don’t shy away from the grind; embrace it as a vital part of your journey.
3. **Following my Intuition**: One of the most valuable skills I developed was my connection to my intuition, body, and inner knowing. Trusting my instincts guided me towards greater alignment in both my personal and professional life. To those starting out, I’d say, cultivate your intuition. Take time to listen to your inner voice, pay attention to your gut feelings, and trust your instincts. It can be your most reliable compass on your journey.
In summary, curiosity, hard work, and intuition have played pivotal roles in my journey. Embrace your curiosity, put in the effort, and learn to trust your inner guidance. These qualities and skills can be your guiding stars as you navigate your own unique path towards your dreams and aspirations.
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?
Absolutely, we are actively seeking collaborations and partnerships with like-minded individuals and businesses who share our vision and are committed to revolutionizing the advertising and marketing landscape in a unique way.
We are particularly interested in collaborating with aligned female-owned businesses and visionary founders who are passionate about making a difference through their content. Whether you’re an investor, an advertiser, or someone who believes in the ethos and mission of Substance, we welcome you to join us in our global movement dedicated to empowering women to achieve their dreams and find deep fulfillment.
If you resonate with our mission and would like to explore collaboration opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with us by visiting our website or contacting us through our social media channels. We’re excited to hear from you and work together to create a positive impact in the world of women’s empowerment and content creation. Let’s make a substantial difference together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wearesubstance.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/substanceplatform/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/substance-platform/
Image Credits
Laine Saccuzzo – https://lainesaccuzzo.com Chelsea Sherman – https://natelier.co/
