The tide is turning and I'm seeing the perfection in all that has transpired throughout my 42 years. I am making my way towards the light as I shed layers of memories and traumas that I have previously just stuffed away or disconnected from.
Today with spring just around the corner I can see all the abuse, the trauma, all the choices and experiences were perfect and all led me to this point in my life. Everyone played their role perfectly and molded my character and stretched my soul towards compassion for those who have experienced trauma. My entire life has been leading me to be able to reach out and speak up and bring awareness to those who are suffering but are afraid to admit to themselves or others for fear of being viewed as weak or broken.
I spent a week with the Marines out at Camp Pendleton talking to them about their experiences in Iraq and how they were dealing with being back in the "real" world. This photo I took of a vacant motel off of Interstate 40 depicts the feelings I heard - all pretty on the outside, but feeling a bit empty and distant on the inside.
I want them to know that this is a normal reaction to an extraordinary circumstance.
