Photo taken by contributor Carrie Hilgert, a photographer, painter, and healer from Northeast Kansas. Carrie is on an evolving journey. In her past, she was affected by chronic physical and mental illnesses, including depression. Photography, especially self-portraiture, was a tool that helped her throughout those challenging times, and allowed her to process her dark feelings. Carrie believes that her experiences with mental illness were a catalyst for her to discover her creative and spiritual gifts. She is now on a positive journey of wonder and change, using those gifts to help others.

About this photo: “The Muse said to me, ‘Photograph yourself every day for the next year.’ I’ve been astounded and amazed and so damn excited for each moment of discovery. All the dark and light and the beauty of the raw self exposed. 

Find more from Carrie at her website

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