Photo taken by contributor Lori Goodwin, a woman who has suffered most of her life with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Three of Lori’s four children also struggle with mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. 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: “Much of the time my life seems messy and chaotic, and it’s easy to beat myself up or tear myself down for the apparent disorder. But really, it’s in the chaos that beauty is born. I remind myself that no matter how things look on the outside or feel on the inside, I am an unfolding work of great beauty. One step at a time, often walking in the dark, I keep feeling my way toward healing and love. Right here, right now, at this moment, I’m ok. I breathe deeply and will myself to keep going – in the face of crushing depression alternating with, and often co-existing with, terrifying anxiety.”

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