Invictus is for Mental Health

Invictus is for Mental Health
Written by Invictus Member Irene Tobias

This Thursday will mark the culmination of nearly six years of graduate school for me as I will be defending my thesis. Working towards my PhD has been the longest, biggest, marathon-like challenge of my life thus far, filled with plenty of highs, lows, and periods of self doubt (as is common for many in grad school). I’ve been to a dark place a number of times and nearly quit in the middle of my third year, but somehow found the courage to start a new research project all over again from scratch.

Scientific research can often be a fruitless endeavor no matter how much effort you put into it, and the feeling of “getting nowhere” was a sizable mental battle for me. Having fitness goals that I could set and achieve with some diligence and thoughtful planning was really important to me when other more larger parts of my life were getting particularly frustrating. I am quite truthful when I often tell people that I go to Invictus more for my mental health as well as for my physical health and I can say quite surely that I don’t think I would be completing my degree without having had the strength and support of the Invictus Sea of Green. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon Invictus near the beginning of my second year back in 2011. The Invictus message and mindset is such a powerful tool against adversity that I’m not sure I would have found as accessible anywhere else.

Thank you dearly for all the past years of support and friendship. And big thanks to CJ and his family for creating such a special, life-changing place and community for all, especially for weathering all the stresses and uncertainties of starting and running a small business that contributes such a priceless gift to all of our lives. I’ve met so many incredible people from different backgrounds and professions that I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, and I am so proud to have them as part of my life. I am especially grateful for the Invictus Endurance community and the consistent, close-knit group of friends I’ve met there- I can always rely on Wednesday night to be my favorite of the week!

Even though this year marks a big life transition for me, I’m not planning to relocate anywhere as luckily the jobs at all the companies I’d want to work for are right here in San Diego! I am excited for the new future of Invictus as well and to continue meeting incredible people through this very special place.

All the best,
Irene

Editor’s Note: Irene is a longtime member and integral part of the Invictus community. Her hard work, enthusiasm, sense of humor and dedication to bettering herself in every area of her life is an inspiration to all she meets. We are honored to receive this letter from her highlighting her personal journey and wish her many congratulations on all of her accomplishments, past and future!