It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my family and it’s been pretty tough.
Growing up in a broken home, Cian sought relief in music, listening to his Mum playing everything from Bach to Chopin.
Cian tells us, “Not Usually Like This’ was the first time that I really dug into my past and was able to go to a place and write a song about something that I previously wouldn’t have been able to put into words”
Read on as Cian shares the importance of feeling your feelings and the all encompassing role that creativity plays in his wellbeing.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
John Mayer, Jeremy Zucker, Harry Styles and honestly a good amount of Bieber!
I wish I could say that I read but sadly I never make the time.. hopefully soon when I get better at relaxing!
I have just started watching The Americans.. so far so good! I’m a huge Homeland Fan so been looking for something similar recently and this show has been recommended many times!
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome
it?
The constant battle to believe in myself..
I think I still try everyday to overcome it but definitely just self reassurance is key.
What have you learned about yourself over the past five or so years?
What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?
I don’t think I’d say anything honestly other than “keep it up you’re doing great”
What would constitute a perfect day for you?
A day spent with those I love and my family at the beach would be perfect.
It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my family and it’s been pretty tough.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
My Mom. She’s my hero and always will be. She is a superhero in my eyes just as many
single mothers are!
Complete this sentence: “Great mental health for me means…”
Feeling all the emotions of the human condition.
There’s too much focus on sadness and it being bad, but I believe all emotions are the key to the human condition.. also don’t overthink.
and to feel something you can’t explain.. there’s nothing wrong with you!
What are your favourite foods?
Sushi & seafood! I love everything but I don’t eat dairy or meat out of choice. Maybe the odd cheese with a glass of wine…..
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
At the moment no… I’ve been pretty bad the last month or so but usually I run most days and workout at the gym or at home every second day.
What role does creativity play in your wellbeing?
Everything… it is the biggest cause for my joy, but also my stress and frustration and sometimes even sadness.
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the
playground every day and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
I think my fondest memories of being a kid/teen would be all my days and hours spent at the skatepark, and afterwards going to a fancy hotel in town to play Chase and hide and seek!
What three songs lift your spirits?
ABC – Jackson 5, I Want You Back – Jackson 5 and, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson. Lol we obviously know who my favourite artist is .
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
I’d have to say this quote is something that really resonated with my from probably my favourite actor of all time:
“I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which, was that you can fail at what you don’t want so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love” – Jim Carrey
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Control the controllables, breathe, take a minute to acknowledge what’s bothering you and then let it go.