Millennial Success Stories: An Interview with Yasmeen Farah, founder of The Mappy Place

Yasmeen Farah and myself crossed paths during some classes in my Bachelors years at the American University of Beirut. One of the main reasons I celebrate this friendship is because during a certain difficult time in my life that was filled with panic attacks, I got to know her sister who was creating a music center in Beirut called KeysNChords. The support I got from her sister Zalfa felt very familiar and family like. When I was actually getting donations for a Down Syndrome foundation during my birthday, the biggest donation was done by these more than humane sisters.

Recently, I saw an update on my Instagram for an account called The Mappy Place and I wanted to see what Yasmeen was up to. Apparently and not to my surprise given her very human nature, she was struggling through some difficult times as well. Once she felt better, she decided to share her experience and hopefully relieve some pain from people going through similar enigmas.

Below is our interview. Enjoy!

Q1) So Yasmeen, could you please introduce us to Yasmeen Farah?

My name is Yasmeen Farah and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. I’ve always been an athlete, so I love playing sports and I typically work out almost every day. Whether its walking, biking, HIIT classes, pilates or yoga, I just try to keep myself active. Working out is essential for me, it just makes me feel so good! Also, I love to sing and I simply love good music (opera, jazz, classical, blues, broadway songs). Good music makes me a happy person.

 I was educated in an American system my whole life. I went to the American Community School at Beirut for my elementary, middle school and high school. Then I attended the American University of Beirut where I graduated with a BBA in Finance.

Q2) Great, so what is the Mappy Place, and what was it that got you to start this initiative?

Thankfully, I was not working a 9 to 5 job so I had plenty of time on my plate to work on this project.

The Mappy Place is a wellness blog. Why Mappy? A simple combination of being mindful & happy. I constantly put the effort to incorporate both of these elements in my life. Believe me, it works wonders.

First and foremost, I am not a licensed therapist nor am I a life coach. I am simply someone who has a great passion for wellness. It all started 5 years ago, August 2015, where obsessional anxiety hit me hard (also known as Pure OCD). Long story short, after a drastic change of lifestyle and years of top-notch therapy from the OCD Centre of LA, I am more than proud of where I am today. Why a change in lifestyle? I used to get sick quite often, whether it was due to my low immunity, kidney stones, joint issues, fatigue or my general high anxiety level. It was a vicious cycle of doses of antibiotics one after the other.

I finally made the switch to holistic / functional medicine. After visiting several holistic doctors 4 years ago, one specifically made a great impact on my life. I had to undergo numerous amounts of tests. After my results came back, they realized I had several vitamin deficiencies, low serotonin (the happy chemical), several living bacteria in my gut, high intolerance towards certain food components including gluten & dairy, and my overall levels of other certain essential elements were low. Just like many people, I never knew that the food I consume, medicines I take, and the surrounding energy can really impact one’s mood. I later figured out that anxiety stems from the gut. So, to sum this up, I made great changes to my life and will continue to do so.

5 years later, I am stronger than ever and there is nothing more I am passionate about than this space. I continue to grow, I continue to learn and I continue to focus on my well being. I decided to look at my anxiety experience as a blessing instead of anything else, because I truly believe God trusted I was strong enough to take this on as a great opportunity; to learn from it and to help others from the many things I have learned! So, the whole point of this page is not about me, it’s simply about helping people. I started The Mappy Place hoping that people can benefit from my experiences, my go-to’s, my tips etc, and hopefully incorporate them in their daily life.

Q3) Follow up question: What would you advise people with OCD, anxiety and PTSD.

1. It is okay to feel what you are feeling.
2. Accept your feelings, don’t resist.
3. Don’t be in denial. You are not the first person to feel this way, and you are definitely not the last.
4. Seek help and let it out. Talk to people about your feelings. (Your parents, friends, therapist, etc.)
5. Don’t be discouraged if your first therapeutic experience does not help. Life is about trial and error.
6. It will all be okay eventually. Nothing is ever permanent.

Q4) What is your Secret Sauce?

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy which teaches one how to embrace / accept one’s thoughts and feelings. It teaches you how to stop resisting your unwanted thoughts.
2. Surrounding myself with positive and happy energy. Surrounding myself with people that pull me up instead of people that bring me down.
3. A drastic change in lifestyle. A change in food, workouts, outings.

Q5) What would you advise people that want to follow their passion? Would you advise them to quit their day time job?

I say, definitely follow your passion! There is no doubt in that. However, I don’t think that directly quitting your daily job is necessary. Start with an idea, start strategizing, work on it on the side. Until you feel like it needs 100 percent of your time and it continues to be fulfilling then you can quite your job.

Q6) Who is your biggest inspiration?

My father. My father had a rough childhood, with no guidance, no family, and no financial support. He is where he is today because of his passion, motivation, drive, positivity and hard work. I aspire to be like him. His famous line is: “Stay positive, kick ass, and move forward”. I repeat that to myself every day.

Q7) Could you tell us what skills people need to have to be where you are?

1. Learn how to be mindful. Focus more on current moments and focus less on the worries of the future. Always remind yourself, “This is where you need to be, right here, right now”.
2. Be patient. Trust the process, things will work out eventually.
3. Drive is super important, as drive allows you to follow your heart and your passion.
4. Listen to your inner soul. What is it seeking? Connect with your inner self, be TRUE to yourself!

Q8) If you would go back at high school & college today what would you do different that would help you in your career right now?

Firstly, I wouldn’t change anything because I believe all my experiences led me to where I am today. It definitely taught me what I don’t like and what I love. I am very grateful for all my experiences.

But looking back I would definitely add a few things:

1. I would’ve taken on internships in fields outside of finance.
2. I would’ve loved to learn about mindfulness and acceptance at a much earlier stage.
3. I would’ve gotten into meditation much earlier.
4. I would’ve studied abroad, outside of Lebanon and moved out of my comfort zone.

You can follow The Mappy place on Instagram here!

Support Yasmeen in her effort to make the world a better place, one human at a time!