Broken, scared, worried, and stubborn. An emotional mess with few surprises to offer.  I’m a woman with anxiety well past my physical height. Living off doubts and fears of the future; terrified of the unknown.  I’ve got a heart full of cracks and a body that makes me cringe every time I look in the mirror.  Voices in my head whisper that my life means nothing, trying to drown me in waves of despair. Some days ...

Some find peace within silence, enjoying time alone with their thoughts to appreciate all that reminds them about the beauty of life. That contentment is like a calm breeze dancing by during a warm summer night. It feels safe, grounding you when the world feels just a little too wild. On the other hand, my ...

My stomach contorted into knots, my legs trembled like a champaign flute caught in vibrato, and my heart nearly beat out of my chest. My body wound up in a whirlwind of anxiety as I took the first steps from one career to another. I found myself transitioning out of education, all the way to ...

Content warnings: Contains thoughts of suicide and discussions of severe depression The doctor leaned across the desk that separated us. “After learning a bit more about your symptoms and behavioral track record, it seems to me that you show signs of having severe depression.” There was a brief moment of silence before I finally spoke ...

What is a protest? Most know it as taking to the streets with your community to advocate for human rights or other global issues. It includes holding up handmade signs and chanting empowering sayings that draw the attention of onlookers, spreading the message until it reaches our leaders directly: the same leaders who have failed ...

New words for a broken heartOld words for the soulLong words for adventureShort words to make a goal Messy words to vent the rageClean words to say goodbyeSmooth words to make amendsRagged words to soothe a cry Loud words to pack a punchQuiet words to make one thinkEmpty words with no rewardFull words that one ...

I hold a belief: faith in my capabilities and self-worth, a deep-seated trust in my skills which empowers me, inspires me to persevere, gives me the strength to overcome the challenges of the day, motivates me to keep pressing onward, to strive toward my goals and write toward my future even though I fail, even ...

“No matter where I am, I feel lost. As if I don’t have a purpose. How am I supposed to continue on when it feels as if I’ll never find my way?” I asked my friend Quinn. There was a beat of silence before she sat up on the bed and spoke. Quinn smiled and ...

They say challenges are meant to help you grow emotionally and mentally. They show strength beneath pain and mark the growth of character. I remind myself of this whenever I confront the cracked wall deep within my mind – A barrier of depression traps me in past mistakes and regrets, as if they are proof ...

To the young woman who’s going to do amazing things, How can I express my pride in you? Nineteen years ago, I never imagined the baby I held would have such a profound impact on  me. With each passing year, I have seen your creative spirit blossom as you found your voice, passion, and identity. ...