Photo taken by contributor Lakesh, a woman in her thirties who serves as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Her first experience with depression came through a relationship. It was filled with ups and downs, and both pockets of joy and memorable disappointments. The relationship has since ended but that experience has changed her perspective on mental illness. She will forever be grateful for the lessons they taught each other.

About this photo: “This photo was taken at the Engine 9 firehouse in New York City. I was pondering my anxiety surrounding approaching four decades of walking and sometimes running on this astrological planet known as Earth. Now more than ever I’m confronted with societal norms of achievement and success. I’ve no idea what this new decade has in store for me- will I feel successful or will I continue to strive for success and fall short of being present? I’d like to think that knowing where I’m going is not important to where I end up. Hopefully, it is a brave space where my actions speak to my purpose. A brave space where I can rest the armor that protects me from people/places that hurt my soul. A brave space where the light always shines even when it is dark.”

_____

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

*Facebook & Twitter @BrokenLighCo & @DanielleHark. Follow for e-mail notifications.