The Day Elon Musk Followed Me
Startup life is relentless.
The challenges are overwhelming, the sacrifices endless, and at times, the vision you’re fighting for can feel distant. But for me, that vision has always been about bold thinking—challenging the status quo and empowering people to take control of their digestive health.
Every so often, something unexpected reminds you why you’re (still) on this path. For me, that moment came when I saw the notification: Elon Musk followed you.
At first, I refreshed my screen to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Then I clicked on his profile to confirm it was indeed the Elon Musk. And then it hit me—this small moment felt like a spark of encouragement, a nudge from the universe to keep going.
Elon Musk is someone who embodies bold, visionary thinking—someone who reshapes industries and turns impossible ideas into reality. That follow reminded me that maybe, just maybe, big ideas really do matter, even when they make you feel like the odd one out.
Being Called “Crazy” for Thinking Big
Let’s be honest: thinking big isn’t always glamorous or popular.
Over the years, I’ve been called “crazy,” “too ambitious,” and accused of living in “fantasy land.” People told me I was in “la-la land” for believing that healthcare—an industry so fragmented and entrenched in the status quo—could be disrupted. My ideas for innovation were often dismissed as “interesting” but “aspirational” and “not practical.”
But here’s the thing about big ideas: they’re supposed to feel impossible at first. They’re supposed to challenge the way things have always been done. And yes, they’re supposed to scare you (and everyone else) a little bit.
At times, the criticism got to me. I spent sleepless nights wondering: What if I’m wrong? What if I’m chasing something that can’t be achieved? Were we too early? But even in those moments of doubt, I held onto one truth: bold thinking is the only way to create meaningful change.
Why That Follow Meant So Much
Elon Musk’s follow wasn’t just a fun moment—it was a powerful reminder that thinking big isn’t just okay, it’s essential. It validated that even when people think you’re crazy, there’s strength in staying true to your vision.
For me, that follow felt like a nod from one visionary to another—a spark of encouragement to keep dreaming big and believing that what seems impossible today can become reality tomorrow.
Lessons From Losing Focus
But staying true to that bold vision hasn’t always been easy. Watching Gastro Girl drift from its original purpose was heartbreaking. Over time, decisions and directions began to shift, leaving me disconnected from the mission I had worked so hard to create.
There were moments of crushing doubt: What if the naysayers were right? What if the vision was too big, too bold to ever become reality? Those thoughts made me question everything I had poured my heart into. But even in those moments, I realized something profound: bold ideas are supposed to challenge us. That’s exactly why they matter.
That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: staying fiercely aligned with your mission is the only way to make a true impact. I came to understand that no one knows the heart of Gastro Girl better than I do. Reclaiming that vision wasn’t just a decision—it was a responsibility.
This clarity has fueled every decision since. It’s a reminder that when things fall apart, you don’t give up—you pick yourself up, rally with your team, and forge ahead with even more determination. I’m incredibly grateful to the Gastro Girl team, who believe in the mission as much as I do and refused to give up, even when the path forward wasn’t clear. Together, we found a way to keep moving forward.
Something Big Is Coming
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, seeking better guidance, or simply striving to live a healthier life, Gastro Girl’s mission has always been to support you with tools and resources you can trust.
In just a few weeks, we’ll be announcing a groundbreaking solution that’s been years in the making. This isn’t just another product or tool—it’s the culmination of everything we’ve learned, every challenge we’ve overcome, and every lesson that has shaped us to empower patients, create access to trusted resources, and revolutionize how people take control of their well-being.
Looking Ahead
Elon Musk’s follow felt like a small moment of recognition for our journey so far, but it’s also a reminder to keep pushing for the bold future I know is possible.
To My Fellow Founders and Dreamers
If you’re a founder, a dreamer, or someone with a vision, let this be your reminder: stay aligned with your mission, even when the path is tough. Every setback is a lesson, and every challenge is a step closer to your goals.
And to everyone who believes in transforming healthcare—stay tuned.
Something big is coming, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
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Startup life is relentless. The challenges are overwhelming, the sacrifices endless, and at times, the vision you’re fighting for can feel distant. But for me, that vision has always been about bold thinking—challenging the status quo and empowering people to take control of their digestive health.
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