Wider Style

On the first day of Women's History Month, I'd like to share some of my own recent history.
This photo was recently taken on the day I decided to get treatment for depression.

The smile you see on my face was because I could finally see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

For the past few months I thought that my constant exhaustion, lack of motivation and emotional numbness was purely the result of grief, getting sick with Covid, work burnout or pure laziness.

I kept thinking I could pray, meditate and work my way back to myself. And while those practices helped, it wasn't enough.

When a friend directly asked me if my exhaustion and emotional numbness could be depression, I was finally able to put a name to the relentless darkness I was experiencing. I saw a doctor the very next day and I am now feeling SO much better.

The worst part about depressive episodes is that you think that you're the only one who has ever experienced these feelings. But as I have begun sharing my recent challenges Ive learned that so many people are having a tough time navigating the world right now.

So if you're going through a dark time, I encourage you to speak up and seek the help you need. There's absolutely nothing "wrong with you" and you're worthy of whatever it takes to be your best self.

PS: thank you to everyone who has checked on me, and those who have given me grace and patience for missed messages and delayed responses. I promise Ill get back to you soon!

Dear ,
Oh what a difference a year makes indeed.

I have to be honest, the idea of celebrating this birthday without you had me weeping for weeks.

I knew I needed to be out of Atlanta today because so many places remind me of you...of us.

I used to always tell you that you "be doing the most" but now I know why you were: you had lots of life to live, lots of laughs to have, lots of love to share.

On my birthday, my one wish is that I make you proud by trying to live the same as you did.

I miss you so very much and I love you more than words.