News Article
Willa Radford: The Importance of Mental Health
"For my own well-being, I needed a reset.
I needed to get away from the movie industry and take an extended vacation," Radford explained when I sat down with her upon her return to Los Angeles this week.
"I'm quickly approaching thirty. My friends and family members are settling down and starting families.
Some are jump-starting new careers or phasing into retirement.
I looked back on the last decade and realized how much I've missed out on because I was shooting a movie or on a promotional tour.
I didn't want to be a bystander in my life anymore. "
So, with the blessing of her new management team, Radford set off on what was supposed to be a year-long sabbatical far away from the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.
Via social media, fans have followed along on Radford's travels, everywhere from a small village in India, to scenic Naples, Italy, and the Australian Outback.
Radford has explored and relaxed and learned and grown.
"I spent much of my time away focusing on self-exploration.
Finding new hobbies. Volunteering my time with charities.
Learning healthier ways to combat stress.
Practicing gratitude. For close to a decade, I stayed so busy working, immersing myself in my film roles, that I lost sight of myself.
With the ongoing support of my therapist, I'm learning how to get back in touch with my inner self.
Previously, I lacked balance, but my time away has reinforced how imperative it is to maintain a healthy work-life balance. "
When asked about her early return, the actress laughed and replied, "I'm still a work in progress! I didn't make it a whole year, but the seven months I had off were revitalizing. I feel healthy and ready to get back to work."
What does Radford have lined up next? When asked, she played coy, but word on the street is that she's set to play the titular role in the Princess Mila biopic, Mila of Monaco .