@KIANNAKOSSOWAN

What’s your favourite color?

Forest green.

What self-care habits do you intertwine into your daily routine?

I try and do things daily that allow me to feel in touch with. myself. For example, reading a book on self love (I’m reading “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin) or my intentions for the day. I always make sure to make body movement- whether it’s yoga, pilates, or a walk.

What's your favourite book?

I don't actually have a favourite book as of right now but I've been trying to read more often so I'll update you when I have an answer!

Who can you go to when you need to get something off your chest?

I always go to my best friend first and foremost. I trust her with my life and I know that she will always be honest with me in terms of feedback in return.

What’s your safe place?

This may be cliche, but my safe place is wherever I am with my boyfriend. I believe that “home” can be a person and that’s the case for me.

Have you ever dealt with anxiety? If so, how do you calm your mind?

Anxiety and I have become all too familiar with each other in the past few years. I struggle specifically with social anxiety. When I have anxiety, I try to stay as centred and aware of my thoughts as possible. I believe that if you try to avoid or ignore your feelings and thoughts, it will only make things worse. I also find that it helps to remove yourself from situations that heighten your anxiety. You should never be ashamed to put yourself first, whenever and wherever.

Have you ever gotten yourself out of a dark place? Or have you ever needed to help someone else out? If so, how?

This question hits very close to home. For many years now I’ve been battling bulimia nervosa and it has been an absolute roller coaster. Despite multiple therapists and group counselling sessions, I’ve found that in order to get out of my darkest point in my eating disorder I needed to rely on being in touch with myself first. However, I have so many amazing people in my life who care for me and keep me grounded and I could not be more grateful. I try to remind myself that recovery and healing are not linear and this gives me hope. 

Do you think social media affects your mental health or has any other negative impacts on you? If so, how do you best deal with it?

Most definitely. Social media is such a powerful tool in today's society that it has the ability to empower you yet tear you down at the same time. I think that social media has enabled a lot of unrealistic expectations we tend to hold ourselves accountable to- especially those of beauty ideas, body image, and illusions of happiness. I think that taking breaks from social media is one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself. It isn’t natural for us to be so absorbed by and obsessed with these “perfect images” we see daily. Tip: unfollow any accounts that cause you to feel or think negatively about yourself.

What’s your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is growing old and feeling as if I hadn’t lived my life to its greatest potential. That's why I always push myself to continue working towards my dreams. I hope to one day be sitting on the porch of my house, looking over the sunset, and just have the feeling of complete satisfaction with how I’ve lived my life.

What’s the biggest change you can identify within yourself in the past year?

I would have to say my independence and self-confidence. Over the past year, I’ve placed a heavy emphasis on getting in touch with myself and growing as an individual. I’ve been working extremely hard to break down any self-depleting habits I have so that I can flourish and become the best possible version of myself.

What’s one of the hardest things you’ve had to go through in life? How did you get through it?

The hardest thing I’ve had to go through is my eating disorder. It’s burdened me for many years now and although at this moment I’m unable to say I’ve overcome it, I know that one day I will...and that alone shows me that I’m winning the battle.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

“You are not responsible to live up to the expectations that others have set for you.”

If you could change one thing within society, what would that be?

I would abolish the idea that there is a perfect image to live up to. It is so extremely unrealistic for us to wish to look like one another.