'I'm grateful' - Self help author credits Longford folk for helping her find her passion

A former Longford resident has said she will always be "grateful" for the county as it is where she found her passion to help people. 

Michelle Hadad, who now lives in Kerry, has released the second edition of her book series 'The Secret Box.' 

'The Secret Box: What We Hide' reflects on different countries' behaviour post-pandemic. 

In Ireland, Michelle feels that before Covid hit people were more conservative, but that now people are a lot more open. 

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"We are living in a time where people are more connected than ever, yet many feel deeply isolated. Conversations around mental health, identity and emotional honesty are becoming more important," Michelle said.

It invites you to "peel back the layers, to question your choices, your silences, and the carefully constructed masks worn day after day. 

"It represents the emotional content we all have. The place where we store memories, pain, shame, unspoken truth," Michelle said. 

"I realised that behind almost every person is a story that is not well shared. And I wanted to create a space where those feel seen and understood, and where readers feel less alone," she added. 

Before moving to Kerry to advance in her studies, Michelle had a business in Longford called 'Ultimate Wellbeing' where she carried out beauty treatments while also listening to her clients' problems. 

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She believes people opened up to her because she wasn't from the town, and therefore, people felt they could be honest with her about their feelings and struggles.

It is these conversations that she had while working that pushed her to pursue a Practitioner and Life and Business Coach certificate.

She then went on to study a Diploma in Adult Psychology. 

As she continued to hear people's stories and help them heal, Michelle became inspired to write the self-help book 'The Secret Book: Convex and Concave.' 

"I never thought helping them was a gift for myself, but I found part of myself. I never thought I would have the talent to help people to feel safe to talk, to feel protected, to change life," she explained. 

"I'm grateful for Longford. I found my passion. I could not have imagined how amazing it is," Michelle continued.

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After moving to Kerry, Michelle noticed how people behave differently depending on where they are based. 

While in Longford, she wanted to expand her business from Water Street to Main Street, but many of her clients said they would not return to her if she did. 

"In Longford, they are more introverted; they are not really open. They do not like to show themselves. Then in Kerry, they don't care. I was in a medical centre, where you have to sit down. They can see on my door was Ultimate Wellbeing. They do not care what the others are going to think. They don't have this kind of overthinking," she explained. 

Reflecting on her time in Longford, Michelle says her clients from her time in the town hold a special place in her heart and that everything she achieved started in that clinic. 

"I think they still inspire my path in such beautiful ways. I remember them all," she said. 

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Michelle is currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology Degree at the University of Swansea and says her lectures have been a huge support and inspiration to her career as an author. 

She decided to study in Swansea after experiencing discrimination in Ireland.

"In order to progress academically and protect my mental health, I chose to study at Swansea University. Both Dr Heather Watkins (Psychology) and Dr Jordan Dawson (Criminology) have inspired me, not only through their academic work but also through my own personal and professional life journey," she said.

Michelle will host a book launch in Swansea in the next few weeks before launching it again in a number of other countries across the world.

'The Secret Box: What We Hide' is available for purchase in English and Portuguese as an e-book or paperback on Amazon and on Michelle's website mh-ultimatewellbeing.com.