Wow, reading all of these responses has actually gotten me a bit emotional. I haven't worked at SANE for that long, but I'm always in ABSOLUTE awe of this community. I've never been in an online space that is so vulnerable, authentic and supportive.
Looking back, 2014 was a pretty dark year for me. It was the year that the black dog took hold. I felt so alone and insecure, but I didn't know that's what I was feeling at the time.
The journey (I hate that word, personally) I've had over the last 10 years has gotten me to a point where I think my fundamental mantra and belief in life is "Don't forget your humanity". I say this to the community members, participants and colleagues I work with, but I say it mostly for myself. It's a reminder that everything that I experience; every dark thought, low moment, sting of pain, is part of my human experience. I try to remind myself that it is only possible for me to know the brightness that I have now because of the contrast of the darkness.
In the next 10 years, I'm looking forward to the ups and down. I want to learn more about myself and others. I want to connect more. I want to experience more of this hectic life.
(Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. Imma go back to lurking now, and crawl back into my box 📦)
