There was a time in my life when I was so small, yet already burdened with more than most kids my age. I was constantly falling sick — one illness after another — and it often felt like I was living in a hospital more than in my own home. Over time, the weight of it...
I’ve never been very fortunate when it came to love — parental or romantic. I’ve loved, and I’ve been loved, but never quite in the way I needed. As the oldest daughter, raising my three younger siblings became my responsibility. I was their protector, their guide,...
In my experience with depression, I would compare the mental state to a sudden onslaught of rolling, dark clouds and thunder — with a downpour of thick, heavy rain. This storm sharply contrasts the sky that was, only moments before, a beautiful blue full of bright,...
Experiencing trauma can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. Having gone through an intense and extreme situation where I felt “less than” or “not enough” on a daily basis, I realized I had to start practicing what I preach. My body and mind were...
My father never said “I love you” out loud. But he didn’t have to—he made sure we always felt it. Every gesture, every wordless connection, every silent presence—it all spoke volumes. He was a good father. No, he was a wonderful one. We are four sisters, and he gave...
When I was growing up, I had an absent father and mother. My father died when I was just 1 year old, and my mother abandoned me when I was 2. I lived with my mother’s father after that. I just turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, and looking back, my childhood wasn’t...
Hi, my name is Jill, and I feel very grateful and blessed to have found this app. I have gone through many dark times in my life. I’ve suffered from major depression and anxiety since I was a teenager, navigating years of ups and downs. I was raised as a Jehovah’s...
Life hasn’t always been easy, but as I look back, I see countless reasons to be grateful. My story is one of growth, resilience, and grace. I was born in Lagos, into a family that has shaped me in more ways than I can count. Being the third-born, I’ve always found...
I was only fifteen when they dressed me in red, wrapped my hair in flowers, and told me I was ready. Ready for what? They didn’t ask. I didn’t answer. I was a girl with a soft voice and a heavy heart, too young to carry the weight of a title like wife — but it was...
A long time ago, I met a very special person who introduced me to another amazing human being who taught me the true concept of freedom. Coincidentally, the three of us shared the same rare blood type, O-. Though years passed and we didn’t interact often, the magic of...