I truly appreciate the power of platforms. The power of creating a space to say, “This is who I am; here’s what I have been through; I have made it through, and I want you to know you can, too.”  In some ways, that platform was provided to me, but in many ways, I was forced to create it myself. Either way, the most critical moment came when I decided to use it.

Now, through Live Breathe, LLC and my non-profit, I Am Acceptance, Inc,, we create platforms to ensure mutual well-being by promoting community, wellness, acceptance and joy.  Our platforms include the I Am Acceptance College Tour, the Student Ambassadors Program, and the Breaking Through Stigma Curriculum as well as related activities designed to empower and enlighten people about the nature of mental wellness.

Resources such as books, blog posts and social media, and the platforms they provide, help us to create a space for voices to be heard and experiences shared. It is okay to struggle with mental illness: there is no shame, and there is hope in our common humanity.

We are fostering the limitless opportunities from accepting yourself and discarding the paralyzing shame of ignorant and accusatory voices; when you discover the benefits of community and adopt love instead of loneliness. When you embrace wellness and joy, you will find the road to lead a whole, healthy and satisfying life.

The battle for wellness is an ongoing process as we all seek to become true to ourselves through a lifetime of revelations and acquired wisdom, I have not reached my ultimate destination yet, but we all struggle as we seek the truth and fight to attain wisdom.  However, if we use platforms to face our pain, ask for help and embrace ways to live in wellness, we can find purpose, community, wellness, acceptance and joy.