The Mental Well Community Connections: Allan Calica

In 3-5 sentences, tell us a little about you and your background. What is your name, where did you grow up, where are you now, any hobbies or other things about you that you’d like to share?

My name is Allan Calica pronounced “Ah Lon.” I grew up in the Washington DC area and currently live in Baltimore. My hobbies include traveling, yoga, hiking and dance. Things I like to share about myself with your readers is I am a photographer and love attending music concerts, shows, and festivals.

Do you prefer the mountains or beach? Why? 

As much as I enjoy the mountains and cabin retreats, I prefer the beach because of the soothing sounds of the waves. There is something truly healing about water.

What is a really good book you’ve read or movie you’ve seen recently?

One really good book that I have read is Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Who do you look up to in your life and, if they were to read this, is there anything you would like to tell them? 

In my life, I look up to my parents and grandparents. If they were to read this, I would just like to tell them how grateful and fortunate I am because of them.

What is it about “mental health” that you are passionate about? Why? Any experience you’d like to share that brought this passion out?  

When it comes to mental health, I am passionate about sharing my story, experiences, and journey in the hopes of letting others in need know they are not alone. Primarily because during one of my most difficult times in life, I felt alone and did not know where to go. Now I know fully what resources (people, places and things) are available to me.

What's a difficult situation you survived/came through/found resilience in? What did the experience teach you about yourself? 

A difficult situation that I have survived was the loss of a loved one.

If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be and why? 

I would tell my younger self to have a lot more fun, do not stress out and simply live life in the present. So, to my younger self, Allan, live your best life. Love unconditionally and laugh more. Go on all the adventures

What is one of your favorite quotes and why? 

One of my favorite quotes of all time is “All life is yoga” by Sri Aurobindo. I resonate with this quote because in all aspects of life, yoga is essential. Yoga is present in each and every moment of our life. Another famous quote by Sri Aurobindo is “True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become.”

Do you have any aspirations for yourself over the next year or two and how do you plan to reach those goals? 

My aspirations for the next year or two, is to become happier, healthier and wealthier in terms of meaningful connections, friendships, and partnerships. I plan to reach and attain these goals by surrounding myself with like-minded people, communicating with my mentors and networking with others within the industry and community in mental health and awareness.

Mental health priorities evolve with age and experience, what are one or two important pillars that make up the foundation of who you are today? 

The two important pillars that make up who I am today are integrity and loyalty.

How do you manage your mental health? 

I manage my mental health through a combination of the following 1.) yoga, meditation, and breath work 2.) movement such as dance, walking and or hiking 3.) mini getaways and vacations throughout the year 4.) Daily regular check-ins on myself including self-care, self-love, self-awareness and reaching out to others for additional resources and assistance and support 5.) community service, giving back to the community through random acts of kindness, and volunteer work.

In terms of “self-care” what do you do that a reader may be able to easily adopt into their life? 

In terms of self-care, what I do that a reader can easily adopt is breathwork. Through breath work, the practice of deep breathing, inhalation and exhalation, this may make times of stress more manageable.

It’s important to be supported, but how do you offer support to the people in your life? 

I offer support to the people in my life through my actions and pure intentions. My friends, family and colleagues know I will always be there for them no matter what the situation. It is my dependability, loyalty and dedication that I offer support

What is something you wish more people knew about Mental Health?

I wish more people knew that all the resources for mental health and wellness are readily available including counselors, professionals and others who may offer support to you in need.

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers? 

I would like to tell your readers that it is Ok to ask for help and assistance. One should not feel it is a sign of weakness. Never lose hope and keep the faith. There is always a way and an answer to every solution. With that said, always choose love. Always choose you first and foremost.