Money, Mental Health & Authenticity: A Real Conversation with Michael About Living on His Own Terms

**What if the only thing standing between you and your true potential is the fear of being your true self?**In this episode of **Free & Open Mind**, we sit down with **Michael S.**, who grew up with a learning disability, speech challenges, and constant bullying — and still chose to build a life based on **authenticity, courage, and compassion**.Michael spent his early years in special ed classes, working with speech therapists and navigating labels that tried to define him. As a teen, he began sitting in on his own **IEP (Individualized Education Plan)** meetings and advocating to move into mainstream classes. That empowered him, proving to others — and to himself — that he was capable of far more than the system expected.Today, Michael has stepped into roles of **leadership and responsibility**, including working as a **shift leader**, managing staff, handling customer issues, and becoming an active member and club officer in **Toastmasters International**.In this conversation, we explore:**Authenticity in real life** What it actually means to be your true self in daily decisions and difficult moments.**Disability, labels, & bullying** Growing up with a learning disability and speech issues, being picked on, and realizing other people’s judgments say more about *them* than about you.**From “special ed kid” to leader** How Michael moved from special education to mainstream classes, then into leadership roles at work and in Toastmasters.**Finding his voice with Toastmasters** Using public speaking to build confidence and see himself as a speaker and leader, not just someone with a diagnosis.**Letting go of people-pleasing** The journey from trying not to disappoint anyone to saying,“I’m not here to please them. I’m here to please myself,” and what that actually looks like in practice.**Compassion, check-ins, & mental health** • Why simple “How are you really?” messages matter. • How check-ins, especially with friends, family, and club members, support mental health and authenticity.**Money, stress, & happiness** Michael’s honest view: money can create happiness through experiences and security — and it can also create real stress. We talk about bills, budgeting, paying yourself first, and still allowing joy.**Daily self-care & staying grounded** From morning coffee and time with nieces and nephews to Toastmasters meetings and occasional “scream therapy” behind a closed door, Michael shares how he keeps himself grounded and real.**Message to parents**Michael closes with a message for **parents of kids with disabilities** — and anyone facing big challenges: don’t overthink every obstacle. Do your best, keep moving, and remember that one day you may look back and realize it didn’t deserve as much of your worry as it got.---### 👤 About the Hosts**Hardy Brooklyn** is a life and business coach based in Brooklyn, New York. Hardy helps individuals who feel something’s “just not right” in their lives redirect their path towards a healthier, happier, more rewarding life.- Website & Newsletter: https://boxofrain.com - Link: https://www.bor.bz - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hardybrooklyn **Stan Nelson** is a moving forward and goal success coach from Perth, Western Australia. Stan helps people who feel stuck start living extraordinary lives with clarity, momentum, and aligned goals.- Website & Blog: https://coachingwithstan.com.au ---**If this episode resonates with you**, hit **Subscribe**, share your biggest takeaway about authenticity or labels in the comments, and pass this along to someone who needs to be reminded that they can write their own story.