Have you encountered that look in someone’s eyes who is fascinated about the world around them, eager to experience it? The look when nothing is too difficult to overcome, nothing too overwhelming to divert their joy. It’s often the look that a child has. I know I did when I was that age. 

I was quiet yet attentive as a young girl, eyes wide open to everything around me. I was so hopeful about my future and everything that it would bring.

And then at age 19, I lost that perspective when I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. While there have been times of trial in the 15 years since then, I’ve discovered how to have a thriving and beautiful life despite my disorder. Now knowing that it is in no way my identity, I manage it and provide support to others.

It’s interesting, the minute I open my mouth about my experience and struggles, it opens the door for others to be vocal about the fact that they’ve also been there or know someone else with mental health issues. It’s far more prevalent than we know. Authenticity and transparency are desperately needed in a world where mental illness is so common, yet so misunderstood. 

It’s critical to know that seemingly destructive illnesses can be manageable with the right tools and support. I want to be a resource for those that have been affected by mental illness, or any adversity for that matter. I want to help change perceptions about some of the things that many feel are better keep hidden. We need voices that pierce the darkness and provide hope to overcome.

That’s what this blog is for. To share stories, hear a variety of voices, and provide insight and grace that comes from a reliance on faith and on others. The hard stuff will inevitably be discussed here, but my hope is that this might be the small amount of light that we need to overcome even the greatest amount of darkness. The desire is that despite our past or present hardships, we can flourish. We can help each other see the beauty that comes with obstacles, be bold with our stories, and experience real breakthroughs through transparency and connection. We can provide hope, and remain bright-eyed.