Daily Inspiration: Meet Sam Mills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Mills

Hi Sam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in Florida, where I was born and raised. My early days aren’t anything out of the ordinary, and like most kids, I got to college and was so confused on what do choose for my major. I filtered through many options that my parents didn’t seem thrilled about, so I finally landed on one we could all agreed on, Psychology. Once I graduated, I moved to Atlanta to be with my partner, who I stayed with for the next 8 years.

Over the course of those 8 years, life had many ups and downs, but the biggest down came in the form of completely losing myself in my relationship. We were not happy but we continued to coexist until I started to have panic attacks out of nowhere (around year 7) and could not get them to let up. After I found the right therapist, I realized that I would never heal fully in this relationship, so I bit the bullet and ended things. And just like that, the panic attacks and crippling anxiety were gone.

Once I got out, life was great, until the realization hit me that I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted. So over the last three years, I have gotten to know myself in ways that I can only thank the universe for allowing me to do. I have truly felt guided through so much and feel so resilient, thanks to everything I was given the opportunity to learn from.

How does this lead up to my mission with social media? When Instagram first came around, I loved to post about life, the meals I made and health, without really being serious about where that could lead. And in the nature of imposter syndrome, I stopped for a while, just posting for myself.

But in the last 4-6 months, I realized that I do love social media. I love being a student, learning things, and sharing those findings! I have also always wanted to help others, as I believe it is tied to my greater purpose here, and to create community. So now I focus on doing just that!

I don’t really have a niche, as I believe I am the niche. I am the brand!

I am just your average girly who tries things and fails, is focused on keeping her body and mind healthy, and loves to explore new ways to become the best version of myself. I also love to give other people the tools to do the same, or make things more digestible so they can adapt things to their lives.

A few other things of note: I am obsessed with Pilates, weight training and dance. I write poetry and do film photography. I love to cook. I have an amazing partner who I’m so grateful for. I have the pleasure of having absolutely phenomenal friends. My cat’s name is Grandma.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For many years, I think struggle was my middle name. I think the panic attacks set off a journey that was beautiful, but tough. From crippling anxiety to indulging in vices a bit too much, i definitely hit some road blocks.

But when I look back in the rear view, I see those moments as obstacles I had to get through to truly find an inner peace and understanding that I never knew existed. And through all of these challenges, I would retreat off social media because I felt like I couldn’t show my failures.

But I now realize that this is a part of the community I want to build. I have to show all of the sides of me to relate to others. It’s not just about the highlights. We all go through tough things and we aren’t meant to face them alone.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe that my general specialty is wellness, if we sum it up into one word. Because I do post a ton on how we can work with our bodies and minds to become the best version of ourselves. But wellness also comes in the form of hobbies, our community and how we relate to each other, being open about the hard things we are facing and showing up as we are on any given day.

I get tons of messages from people often talking about my “light” and it’s always made me feel so seen but also, so scared. I want to be a light in a dark world but I am always struggling with whether I’m “bright” enough. But I believe that’s what sets me apart, because without prompting, I am told this all of the time. I’m working on embracing this, and not letting my imposter syndrome win! And I am so proud I haven’t totally let it yet, because I love spreading kindness. It warms my heart!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I find the best way to network is to get into local events and places where people gather. I love being in gyms and at local events! I also love to find friends on social media.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Samsortof
• Other: Poetry/film Instagram: wordsby.sem

Image Credits
Imperialoptics