World Mental Health Day and frankly, I believe every day should be just that.

I’ve worked really, really hard on my mental health over the past four years. I still have days when I battle some pretty gnarly demons, including the day I took this photo. About a week ago, something shook me to my core. Sometimes when I’m triggered, I’m able to have a moment of crying and screaming and then life goes on. Other times, the demons like to stick around for a bit. I took this photo within the past week for a slideshow for This is My Brave. Y’all, I struggled so hard to take it. On the outside, I’m smiling, but it feels like I’m dying on the inside.

But what I wrote on that piece of paper is true. Sharing my story has been SO incredibly healing for me and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for that. But the part I struggle to share is when I’m in that dark place. It’s so much easier to share about what I went through versus what I’m going through. I’m trying to change that.

So, hi. Coming at you from smack dab in the middle of the darkness.👋

I share to let others know they’re not alone.
I share to let others know that the fight is totally worth it.
Because I know I’ll get back to the light one day.
And so will you.

For now, I’ll oil up, take a lot of baths, journal, be honest with my counselor, try not to eat too much junk food, take a walk, pray, and keep fighting the good fight.

For all of you fighting your own battles, be patient with yourself. If you broke a bone, it would be physically impossible to heal overnight. Give yourself the time you need to heal.

You are loved, friends. <3