Living life with mental trauma resulting in feelings of depression, social anxiety, hopelessness, and an inability to engage in daily life, can be very debilitating. Add to that the consequence of improper thinking - body pain. I watched my mother go from an enthusiastic, passionate and happy spirit to a soul perplexed by sorrow, regrets, insecurities, and without desire to live. I love the words from this song that #maryjblige voiced out...a song that was dedicated to standing up for breast cancer - “you don’t got to be a prisoner in your mind, you can live your life, let your heart be your guide.” In her last days, the fear of my mothers breast cancer is what killed her. Not the cancer itself. Along with a life of struggle, it became too much fear and worry that led her even deeper into the feelings of depression, hopelessness, and mental trauma she held onto since she was young. Yet, she will always remain the strongest person I know till this day. I want to remind you, you do not need to remain a victim of your mind, your feelings, or emotions. I encourage us to keep on keeping on and to start pursuing the things that we used to love to do or want to explore. If we allow fear, we allow it to hold us back from the most amazing life that can be available to us. In honor of my mother, my fight will always remain strong and I hope the same for you. FIND. YOUR. INSPIRATION!! And dance to the beat of your drum.

Journeying together,

-Kari