In the depths of pain, there is light

Believe it or not, our most inspired moments are often found in the depths of our deepest pain.  As a child, I found myself at quite a very young age suffering from depression, sadness, and feeling isolated.  I could have very well become one of the statistics of childhood suicides that are presently increasing across the country since the pandemic.   A self-taught guitar player by the age of 6 and writing poetry and songs at 9 years old, I found great solace in words and music.  I found relief from the pain I was in through tapping into other sources that gave me a sense of inner happiness and freedom. 
      Since the pandemic, I have once again found myself dealing with bouts of depression and sadness and feelings of isolation, as I know many of you have too.  The CDC states that one in 4 adults have struggled with suicidal thoughts since the coronavirus hit.  So rather than just hide these feelings as I did as a child, I choose this time to speak out loud about it, speak out loud about it to you…. because there is no shame in exposing our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. At a most complicated and confusing time of our lives, I understand that several of you also suffer with the disillusion of our current reality. I know many of us still sit in disbelief as to whether this is real or just a really bad dream that we can’t wake up from. 
      Without even realizing it, I once again turned to poetry, words and music.  Through my sadness, I find inspiration to write, listen and hear my inner voice, and it once again gives me comfort in my time of need.  I even bought a beautiful Native Flute that I am learning to play and create sounds that calm and soothe me.  
      I share my story to let you know that you are never alone, even though at times you may feel as though you are. In the depths of your deepest pain, I challenge you to find what will inspire, ignite and awaken you to face the light and beauty of another day.
I love you all
Nameste  Nancy