Mike Posner's powerful message: Life can transform in 10 years

News24

3 days ago

Mike Posner marked the tenth anniversary of his hit song I Took A Pill In Ibiza by sharing how his life has transformed since writing it.
Reflecting on his journey in a heartfelt X thread, Posner unpacked key shifts in his mindset, including valuing self-love and overcoming harmful habits.
His reflections serve as a reminder of the power of personal growth, resonating with younger generations who are increasingly embracing healthier living.
In 2015, you couldn't escape the audio earworm I Took A Pill In Ibiza. The club hit dominated radio and TV airwaves and blared over speakers at nightclubs worldwide.
Ten years after the song topped the charts, Mike Posner, the man behind the hit, reflected on what he has learned since he first penned it and how his well-being has improved.
In an X thread, he wrote, 'On my 26th birthday, I wrote I Took A Pill in Ibiza…10 years ago. The song became popular several years after I wrote it. Yesterday, I celebrated my 36th birthday. I feel proud to look at the song lyrics and know that NONE of them are true anymore. I've grown into a completely new man … one that I'm proud of.'
Zoning in on a few specific lines in the song, he compared where he was back then and how different life is for him now.
'26: I took a pill in Ibiza to show Avicii I was cool, and when I finally got sober, felt 10 years older, but f*** it, it was something to do.'
He said he now loves himself more and therefore doesn't do things that harm his body to try to get people to like him.
26: You don't wanna ride the bus like this
Never knowing who to trust like this
You don't wanna be stuck up on that stage singing
All I know are sad songs, sad songs
36: i am the happiest i have ever been in my life and have sustained faith love and joy mindset for over a year…
— Mike Posner (@MikePosner) February 14, 2024
Regarding the lyrics about living in LA, driving a sports car and spending large amounts of money on girls and shoes, he announced that he had recently donated several pairs of shoes to a charity drive. He added that he no longer feels the need 'to prove anything to anyone other than God, love myself.'
'If I buy myself something nice, it's because I love myself and I deserve it, not because I'm trying to prove to others I'm good enough.'
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He likened fleeting highs to 'coming off a roller coaster all alone' but now celebrates his community.
In addition to bonding with his friends, he says he made a 'massive investment into [my] relationship with my mom and sister… best it's ever been. Relationship with God is on a whole new level.'
Among his many revelations, Posner expressed pride in overcoming his fear of intimacy and breaking old avoidant patterns. He faced the deep pain of his past relationship's end, identified unhelpful behaviours, and recognised the importance of having a wife and family. With the guidance of top coaches and therapists, whose advice he diligently followed, he now finds himself in the most beautiful relationship of his life.
He ended the thread by writing:
'I know sadness and pain very well, I also know how I overcame/ overcome it. It is my duty to teach others to do the same. I know sad songs, but I also know redemption songs, songs of freedom, songs of faith, and songs of devotion,' and explained that he shared all this to remind people that it's possible for things to change for the better.
'I love you. If you're going through sh** right now, keep going, you have no idea how good your life may be in 10 years.'
His reflections were well received by his Millennial and Gen Z followers, two generations whose lifestyle habits have been studied at length, showing a global shift away from alcohol and drug consumption towards a healthier, more mindful way of living.
According to a recent Statista survey, 59% of South Africans between 25 and 40 say they are actively trying to reduce their alcohol intake. More than 1 in 3 report choosing early-morning fitness or wellness activities over nightlife.