these poems were born of phone-note journal entries from a period of struggle with mental health struggles including an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. they are raw and intensely emotional, and many are filled with a lot of pain. however, in these words, you can see a story of growth; not the neat, linear kind, but the kind that is messy and difficult but happens nonetheless. because journeys aren't linear. growth can be hard to see. in the midst of a difficult time, it can be hard to see anything but darkness. but with a little bit of hope, guidance, and resilience, it is possible to grow regardless. these are just a few points in my story, but you can see that in these words. through it all, i've always found that the light always wins. and i believe anyone reading this can find that light too.