Photo taken by contributor Lori Goodwin who has fought a lifelong battle with PTSD and Bipolar II (both of which were only recently diagnosed). She has had many people in her family also struggle with mental health challenges — including anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia. Three of Lori’s four children also suffer differing combinations of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and possible Bipolar. Lori is a long-time single mother who’s had very little in the way of resources except courage and resilience. Photography has become a therapeutic outlet, providing a valuable tool for coping and anchoring in the present moment.

About this photo: “As I recover from a lifetime of abuse and trauma, I work at finding beauty in the little things. When I find them, like this poppy, I breathe deeply and take in whatever positive energy I can. I remind myself that regardless of how I feel or what I’ve been told, I am uniquely beautiful. I don’t have to prove anything and I don’t have to earn the right to be here. I deserve love, and I can and will be that love for myself.”

Find more from Lori at her blog.

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