# healing trauma

As a mother, I stand with ALL children. There is literally no justification for even one child to have to suffer, live in fear, or die in violence.

I spent most of my life thinking I was fine - independent, strong, so accepting of my mom's "condition." When I became a mother and realized that I had never had and would never have a mother I could rely on, it broke me. Pain must be seen and held - with love. Then, space is created for healing.

Spending time with Ruby reminds you that there is magic everywhere. Postpartum depression pulled her to rock bottom where she excavated joy and rediscovered her connection to her true self. Her heartfelt candor is liberating, reassuring, and she'll connect you to your angels to boot.

Sarah's unapologetic honesty is empowering and healing, not only for herself but for anyone wanting to learn to truly love themselves as they are. She is infectiously funny, lovable, and I love knowing that she is in the world raising her two little boys.

The words we say to ourselves and to each other are so important. As we all become more informed about mental illness, we can all learn to be a source of validation and comfort. It starts simply with listening and discarding harmful platitudes.