Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Moses.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you, I’m so honored to be here with you all today. I am a Los Angeles native who’s passionate about making the integration around mental health, faith, and holistic wellness a part of the international conversation in a way that’s accessible. For me, much of that started through serving in the church, in my local community and youth non-profits which gave me the opportunity to sit with people’s stories and struggles. It was here that mental health crises became prevalent to me in those I’d encountered and through my own experience with severe anxiety and depressive episode as well. As I got curious about mental health I had the opportunity to go back to school as a graduate of psychology at UCLA and research assisting at Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Additionally, through becoming NAMI Certified Recovery support group facilitator for those living with a mental illness, speaking publicly, podcasting and creating accessible and relatable content online. I’m so grateful to have been able to create a growing platform around what I believe in, and that’s that everyone is worthy of freedom through positive support and practical resources that lead to real solutions in their lives.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I’m certainly still learning along the way, even as we speak. But one of the general challenges for me was definitely navigating going back to school as a single mom while working and building a platform I was passionate about on the side. While it all felt very daunting and intimidating at first, I challenged myself to just show up for one step at a time, each day at a time, and be faithful to the process. Whether that be one class at a time, one blog at a time, one post at a time, etc., I understood that in time everything would add up to where I ultimately wanted to be-and thankfully with the positive support of my family, friends, and now fiance. It also came with its mental challenges. I struggled a lot with anxiety when I became a newly single mom, and feeling this constant state of dread as if it was only so long before something would go wrong. I did end up going to therapy which was incredibly helpful alongside finding support in my church community, exercising and making some nutritional changes in my life. My own experience is part of why I’m so passionate about seeing others integrate holistic care into their lives for their overall well-being.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
These days most of what I do revolves around creating accessible online content to help bring people a relatable, evidence-based, and faith-informed approach to mental health awareness. That takes place mainly through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and my blog. Also I recently got to partner with WeShare by UHSM to host our first RESET 2021 Faith, Mental Health and Wellness Summit where we got to have amazing speakers like Michelle Williams from Destiney’s Child, Morgan Harper Nichols, Jamie Grace, Dr. Uma Naidoo and many others to have a holistic conversation about mental health with practical tips and takeaways for attendees. We definitely plan on doing more events like this and ideally in-person in the future. Additionally, I host the Faith & Mental Wellness Podcast where we have both mental health professionals and those with lived experience share their stories and expertise. Most of all, I love that this space is all about community rather than competition and the idea that we are better for our shared wisdom.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I would say get curious and commit to action. I truly believe the best success comes from being learning-oriented in our process. That’s being willing to continuously learn more about your craft or expertise, being curious about what’s working and what’s not working and being willing to turn what you learn into action. Sometimes we get stuck in the idea phase or struggle with perfectionism and imposter syndrome when really you have to act in order to learn what works and build on that along the way. So be willing to approach ideas with curiosity, to learn from those around you, to learn from your own mistakes and step out by starting somewhere! Also being kind in general goes a long way in making meaningful connections that could be mutually beneficial in the long run.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success has always seemed more internal than external. Because you can have all of the external things but if you don’t have peace in your soul, then it doesn’t seem worth it. For me, it’s having a wholesome life. That means creating a life that doesn’t just look good on the outside but feels good on the inside. Where you are satisfied with who you are and what you’ve built when no one is watching. That means prioritizing relationships as the pillar of love and support in our lives. It’s treating people with fairness and empathy. It means being aligned with your convictions and values so you can make choices of integrity that you can sleep with at night. I think it’s a general sense of being rooted and grounded in who you are and what you feel called to do.
What’s next for you?
I think the possibilities are endless honestly. I have a lot of hope for the many paths my future could take but for now, I could definitely see myself authoring more books around mental and emotional health. I’d love to continue speaking or hosting workshops building on the fruitful work of raising mental health awareness and resources in our communities. I’ll likely continue my studies in academia and research around clinical psychology, as the whole goal is to continue learning and share what I know along the way. There are so many areas of need on this topic and my goal is just finding the best way to help meet or understand those needs in a way that’s accessible to the everyday person.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I always love meeting new friends so come by and say hello! I’m on all the things:
Website: BrittneyMoses.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/brittneymoses
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittneyAMoses/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brittney_Moses
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrittneyMoses
