Freedom of Being

I’m sitting opposite the lovely Greta Cobalchini, having a cup of coffee at our favourite cafe in town. We’re outside and the air is humid. She’s smiling as she talks to me passionately and I’m doing my best to write down all the inspirational things she’s saying. “People are often criticised for changing their minds,” she’s smiling as she nibbles a forkful of cake, “but change means you’re growing. You’re LIVING.”

Greta has always had a huge passion for creativity, literature, performance, authenticity and life. I first met her in sixth form college, when she moved to the UK from Italy. Although we’ve not always kept in touch, whenever I see her it’s truly a pleasure; her positivity and lust for life is infectious. We lost ourselves in conversation and after our 3-hour discussion, I realised it was the lift I needed during these troubling times.

Recently a series she made for YouTube called ‘Tall Girl Problems’ (she is 6’4”) hit 1 million views. It’s a humorous series, initially set up as a fun video diary of her life in the UK, which she would report to her Italian friends. She sits back in her chair laughing when I ask her about it. “My editing skills were terrible”, she says, “but I was pleasantly surprised when people commented saying how the videos made them feel better about their own height, that melted my heart!” She giggles, adding: “My height is particularly striking as most people in Italy are rather small.” She says she’s lucky to not have had any confidence issues or insecurities about her body or height, but she loves that she can help and encourage others. “Enjoy and embrace who you are, you can’t be anybody else.”

In September, she plans to study a PGCE to teach English and Drama in schools, and her desire to inspire and encourage others is so heartwarming. She describes poetry and literature as her “saviours”. Words are “little miracles and when we put some together in a particular way, they cast a magic spell. The concept of writing words in a certain order...that could potentially save someone’s life - blows my mind.”

Greta has always kept diaries and loves the personal quality of handwritten letters. The power words can create is so inspiring. She explains how she loves the musicality of poetry. The flow, the rhyme...it’s hypnotising.

As well as poetry and literature, Greta has another passion. “There’s something about movement, dance and theatre that bonds people”, she says. “I’ve learnt so much about myself through theatre”. One of her favourite subjects at university was drama therapy and how this practice can be used to project real fears into an imaginary world. It creates the ability to escape reality, to be someone else. In her experience people who take up drama therapy flourish. They are no longer shy, they externalise their emotions and speak English more confidently when they might not have before. When it comes to dance, Greta has done street dance classes and enjoys its liberating freedom. She values dance as a sport, and also as a way of letting go. “I’m always watching hip hop choreographies and doing routines...often by myself with headphones on,” she says, smiling.

One thing Greta has always loved about the UK is the open-mindedness. “I feel so much more comfortable expressing myself fully”, she says. “You can talk more openly about mental health, love, sexuality, etc, and people encourage you to do that.” She explains why it’s important to always be true to yourself, and stay open. “I want everyone to be different, and enjoy being different. That’s the freedom of being. Human lives and experiences are so fascinating,” she smiles. We talk about how incredible it is that people can go through so much and then transform it into something you can give to others, such as music, writing and poetry. “When other people are open you learn so much and you can often relate. In this respect, using social media can be really great to talk about real issues and experience from a sociological view. I’m not afraid to share my story or to talk about my own issues with anxiety. Sometimes I worry that I’m too public, but then I think to myself: ‘If I read that I’d be happy.’ It makes you think.”

The next series Greta is working on is focused around anxiety and mental health. She says she’s already written the first script, a short film format with narration. As someone who has suffered with derealisation, a dissociative disorder, Greta is really looking forward to explaining to people what it is. “It’s so nice to share and let people know they are not alone.” Greta has also been creating her own zero waste series, where she shares ideas on how to live a more eco-friendly life. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been a big eco warrior. I just love the world and this planet and want to inspire people. Anyone. Even if I only reach one person. It’s all about staying positive.”

A lovely catch up with a lovely girl. I’m so glad she has allowed me to share a glimpse into her story.

Follow Greta here:

Instagram: @greta_elizabeth94

YouTube: Greta Cobalchini

Until next time!