Dear Readers,

It’s been a rough couple of days. I know that sometimes my social media makes it seem like things are happy & grand, but I think that’s the point of social media. Sometimes we just want to show the world the best of us. Because, honestly, I don’t think people always want to hear the bad stuff. They don’t want to have to pity us, or act like they care. It’s a harsh truth, but a truth if nothing else.

I recently posted a photo on my instagram of my boyfriend and I happy and smiling, and then countered it with a caption that was more truthful. I received a very special message from one of my readers that really got me thinking. I want to share what I wrote with all of you.

“A little late to the party today but this is my #mcm. You don’t see the hard times in a photograph. I was all smiles in this picture but later in the evening I was sobbing hysterically. Depression is a tough cookie. It likes to rear its ugly head at the worst times. I’m coping. I’m learning and navigating my way around this (hopefully temporary) illness. But some days are so hard. And I am so thankful to have this caring man in my life who puts up with my mood swings, who cares about my son, who immediately rubs my feet when we sit on the couch. He held me when I cried and wanted so badly to help. But sometimes you can’t help someone who has depression. It’s a lonely road. You just have to be there. That is what’s important. And he always is.”

I want to always be honest with you, my readers. I want you to know the real me, even if sometimes that is scary for me to share. And I want you to know that you have a safe space here. If you’re struggling with some of the same things as me, or if you’re just having a bad day, I want you to know that I am here, and if you comment, I will respond. You have my word that I am a friend, even in your darkest times. That I believe you can, and you will, get better. That if the world feels dark, that you don’t have to feel bad about it. That I’m here, and there are others here too. And we get it. And we won’t try to change you. We will just be here.

I am so thankful for all of you who loyally read this blog, and those of you who just discovered it. I blog about pretty much anything under the sun, but I have a soft spot for the hard times, because we don’t talk about them enough. And I promise I always will.

xoxo

Katie