Brittian's story of growth and recovery may make your heart hang heavy, but it should also make you raise your head high. She shares a story of trauma and heartbreak and yet has come through to the other side strengthened and full of determined self-love. I find her - and her stories - to be stunningly inspirational, a reminder that no matter the struggle, no matter the pain, there is hope and beauty in life. There is peace to be had, if only we take the time and do the work,

A year from now I will be embarking on a physical journey— one that will send me over seas through numerous countries, far from home. In this next year, however, leading up to that trip, I want to focus on my mental health journey. It’s been a long - LONG - road getting to be as self-satisfied and stable as I am now, but I know that it’s still not reached its end. I know that every day develops individually as a step back or a step forward for in my ability to enjoy my life.

I work out much more for the mental results than the physical ones. I understand that being in good shape is good for my health and life expectancy, but if that was the only motivation I had to get myself to work out... I wouldn't. I work out for the sense of accomplishment-- that even if I did nothing else productive, at least the day wasn't a complete waste. I work out for the mood-lifting rush of adrenaline and endorphins, the calming, satisfying ache of well-used muscle

Self love, I truly believe, is the hardest love to master. Or at least, it has been for me. I don’t want to be selfish, greedy, or come off as entitled. I believe in kindness, care, and in serving others. And I hate saying “no”. Because of this, canceling plans makes me feel guilty, spending money on myself makes me feel egotistical, and resting - even when it’s truly, 100% necessary, makes me feel lazy. I never want to say no to helping someone out, I strain myself way past

When it's snowing and I don't have the energy to go play outside, my heart breaks a bit and the little girl inside me lets out a self-pitying wail. But that's how it goes... sometimes it doesn't matter how beautiful it is outside or what plans I have or what errands I need to run. Some really low days, it doesn't even matter what job I need to do... my body and mind say "no". Those days are spent balled up crying, full of self doubt and insecurity. Those days are spent ach