Its reach is sometimes so pervasive I fail to see the signs of depression — I am depressed. I have been depressed for… Months? Years? My whole life? I don’t even know anymore. I thought I was okay this time—as in the time after I last succumbed to depression. I always think I’m okay this time. Then, slowly, I stop sleeping and showering. Stop eating…

Writing personal essays will put you through the emotional ringer, but it doesn’t have to be draining — Before I started writing publicly about my childhood trauma, I journaled extensively for years and sat in countless therapy sessions. I have always wanted to be a writer, but I have kept my writing to myself for decades because I am not a fiction writer. …

There is what people say you “should” do vs. what works for you — Can you imagine your childhood? Whether you wanted to or not, most of you had a memory flash through your mind after reading my question. When I think of my childhood, one of the memories that often comes up is me sitting in front of my parents and them peppering…

A poem

An interactive poetry experience, but only if you read — In the sweet silence of night, you surrender Your heart is his forever Whether you wish it were so or not You think you have control in your life Love is your only master Answers for you your heart’s desire Considers not the reality of a tomorrow When all you have is each other Love will never be…

Acceptance has taught me to let go of regret — A painted image of my soul could be The figure of a gnarled grand oak tree With roots planted in sordid history I am alive but barren and broken The past has secrets we’ve never spoken Knowing the truth is a lucky token For those who wander, unafraid to ask Questions to answers…

Fat-shame a kid enough, and there will be lifelong consequences — Looking through my childhood photo albums usually raises two emotions: sadness and longing. There is sadness for the little girl whose father made her run laps on hot New Mexico summer afternoons. When she threw up, he said she was lazy. I long to explain it’s not her fault he’s…

Like in the Land of Oz, the only way out of a nightmare is to face your fears — Dorothy: Weren’t you frightened? Wizard of Oz: Frightened? Child, you’re talking to a man who’s laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe… I was petrified. One of the nice things about Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, TX (near Dallas) is that there are…

My last trip cost more than I wanted to pay — “What time’s the pizza going to be ready?” “I dunno…” “I’m just saying, you can call me when that pizza’s done.” I’m not tryin’ to engage here. “Oh. She don’t think I’m funny.” “No. I don’t. I didn’t ask you to speak to me.” “Oh. I gotta ask her to…