Meet Shandy Shafer

We were lucky to catch up with Shandy Shafer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shandy, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. 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.
Challenges have been a part of my life ever since I was first born. I was born with a hematoma of the brain, and literally looked like I had a cone shaped head. As a child, I was in and out of the hospital with problems with my ears…from there at a young age of 12 was informed (just as many other family members) that I carry Mental Illness in my genes. I suffer from bi-polar, Major Depression Disorder, possible Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, and Migraines. Two weeks after my 18th birthday I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I KNOW that sounds like A LOT, because let’s face it, it is, especially for someone at such a young age. The struggle to fit in or stay healthy will stick with me all my days. The good news is that I do not really want to fit in anywhere I love my uniqueness and the battle I was chosen to fight. Mental Illness has such an ugly stigmata and I would LOVE to see that change. I have learned to listen to myself, my gut, and own moral compass to get me through the tough times. I have developed thick skin over the years, and have an inner passion to help those who are struggling with the same disorders. Sometimes you just need someone to vent to and give solid advice from previous personal experiences.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am 35 years old and began my journey of publications around 8 years ago(NOT including when one of my poems was published for Mother’s Day in the church bulletin while in my 20’s). Suffering from MS (which there still is no cure & Mental Illness) I have MY STORY of HOPE to tell. My life is packed FULL w/ obstacles I had to endure while on my way to success. My PASSION is ART&DESIGN, but I am also a part time model, which I did just sign on to represent a Novelty Watch company under the name, “Hidden Hills Watch Co.” The watches are made out of Switzerland and have very high quality materials. My side hustle is my Notary-Public business, and of course my open advocacy work for MS/Mental Illness & Medical Marijuana. I have my very own brand Goodolshandy where I sell my own designs, lighters, and hats. I have a solid group of friends and family members who are ALWAYS there to help and support my brand.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) NEVER be afraid to invest in yourself and your dreams

2) It is okay to take RISK in LIFE

3) The fighter inside you can ALWAYS handle more then you give yourself credit for.

-STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND YOUR BELIEFS!!

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When you are feeling overwhelmed try and understand that we are ALL a grain of sand in this BIG galaxy. No problem is TOO BIG or too serious to hold you back from accomplishing your dreams.

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