To the untrained eye this may look like a bad picture of a sidewalk. And you would be right. However, the importance of this picture is not in the quality of the light, the setup of the frame, or the object being captured. The meaning of this image is important to me in that this is the place on the sidewalk where much has happened inside my head where nobody else could see. Nobody else would know this place on the sidewalk was important to me.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I stopped only because I had no reason to keep walking.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I stopped and tears were streaming down my face because I was so unhappy, confused, and frustrated.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I stopped walking and questioned why I was walking anywhere.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I felt so lost in this world I couldn’t even formulate full thoughts in my own head.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I began the descent into one of my worst depressive episodes.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I knew that I could no longer live in this constant state of depression and anxiety that was controlling my life.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I realized I am not ok.

This is also the place on the sidewalk where, less than 6 months later, I walked through listening to my favorite song back from the library after a good session of homework.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I realized how far I have come.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I was happy and proud of who I was in the moment

This is the place on the sidewalk where I acknowledged the journey of the sharp, jagged mountains and treacherous valleys of my mental health that I have endured.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I knew that my journey is not over. I am merely in the soft rolling hills.

This is the place on the sidewalk where I smiled because I am strong, I am proud, and I am happy.