Josh Seiter from “The Bachelorette” and mental health advocate chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his latest endeavors.
What have you been up to lately?
I lost my father last year, and I have really been focusing on staying grounded and taking care of my mental health and well-being. The gym has been my saving grace. I recently lost 40 lbs and have been dialed in on eating healthier and becoming the best version of myself that I can be. I have been making headlines lately for a relationship I was in that I recently left, and I’m grateful that I’ve been in a glad place mentally and physically because being the focus of media attention can be taxing if you aren’t mentally grounded.
What motivates you each day?
My dad’s passing motivates me to make the most of every day. After he passed I realized so much of the day-to-day drivel we concern ourselves with is inconsequential. Money. Cars. Adoration from strangers. His death taught me that what matters most is the family I have and the people in my life and that I should be creating memories with them. Their presence in my life motivates me to wake up and make the most of each day.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for 2023 are to continue to be an outspoken mental health advocate on Instagram, something I have been doing since 2016. I will also begin writing my second book and will finally sit for the Bar Exam late next year. I graduated from law school in 2013 and after much soul-searching believe I am finally ready to begin practicing law. As concerns my new book, I authored a memoir two years ago that was based on my life as an exotic dancer and law student, but this book will be a break from my non-fiction past. It’s a fictional thriller that weaves bits and pieces from my real life. I’m extremely excited to cozy up to my fireplace and begin putting pen to paper this winter.
What are some of your favorite mottos to live by?
My favorite motto to live by is “No event or circumstance can upset us, only our emotional reaction to it can.” It’s such an empowering motto because it drives home the point that we have the power to choose our attitude every day, and nothing can make us a victim, other than our own perception of that event. This was extremely helpful during my dad’s passing. Another motto I find useful is “stubbornly refuse to make yourself miserable about anything, yes anything.” It’s a quote from psychotherapist Albert Ellis, and I find it instructive and relevant to my everyday life.
If you were to have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower it would be to not care what anyone thinks about me. I practice possessing this ability every day, but it’s tough. We are trained from early childhood to value society’s and other people’s opinions about us, and I don’t think that’s productive or healthy. So in short. I wish I had the superpower of not giving a f***.
Is there anything else that you would like to say or add that we did not cover?
To anyone battling mental health challenges or going through a tough time, I encourage you to follow my Instagram page where I share my mental health journey and offer advice and inspiration on overcoming life’s many challenges.
To learn more about Josh Seiter, follow him on Instagram.
