the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group.

The descent into the bleakness of depression can happen both gradually and suddenly. For me, the entirety of December becomes a month long test of my fortitude and strength as well as a great opportunity to exercise the tools I’ve learned over my thirty-plus years in therapy. I’ve yet to encounter a December that hasn’t kicked my ass despite all my tools, medications and training.

I changed my attitude and everything in my life was impacted.

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”

dark, wild, turbulent dreams that drip into the next day prompt inner reflection.

… If I talk a little louderIf I speak up when you're wrongIf I walk a little tallerI'd be known to you too longIf you noticed that I'm differentDon't take it personallyDon't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of meAnd it ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of free

I woke up in the TV room to the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen and P grunting as he did pushups next to me on the floor. Twisted in the couch like a pretzel with a big, thick purple blanket wedged between my knees for back support, I had slept alone on the first floor again.