Depression Talks

Failing is a cheat code to success.

It shows you over and over again where you can improve and get better. It’s up to you to notice the patterns and make those changes and improvements as needed.

This isn’t the first moment… and it hurts to see. I do feel pain, I do get frustrated. I even feel anger.

But I refuse to let hatred take away my empathy.

I still care. I still choose love.

Don’t get it twisted; I will always defend and protect what’s right. Having empathy doesn’t mean ignoring injustice or staying silent when people are being hurt.

But I refuse to let hate in this world determine who I choose to be.

Love matters.
Kindness matters.
Empathy matters.

We don’t have to be talking about anything. You physically being there, willing to be next to me, is more than enough.

Thank you to Chelsea Reed (Sparrow Reed Communications), the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and KIPP Indy Public Schools for inviting me to join the storytelling panel for the Indianapolis Recorder’s Journalism Academy for Writing and Storytelling (JAWS) Fellowship program for high school students. Smiling and learning was had!

Having the opportunity to share my story with these five gifted students at KIPP Indy was amazing. We talked about building a community through social media, sharing your life using digital platforms, and how to use your art and voice to help others. We even talked about how taking care of your mental health impacts how healthily and powerfully you can share your story.

I learned so much from each panelist! Thank you to Dennis Jarrett (), Karen Vaughn (RADIO ONE), and Jeana Ouattra (Indianapolis Recorder) for sharing your passion and helping this community with years of expertise and impact.

I’m looking forward to the next speaking opportunity to help others know your voice does matter, taking care of your mental health can change your life, and sharing your story can make a positive difference.

This JAWS Fellowship program is truly helping each student grow, learn, and smile.

(My dad was there too😁)

‘Feeling Broken’ | 04.23.26

Feeling broken
Yet still I try

Feeling broken
My mind asks why

Feeling broken
Where is the hope

Feeling broken
Am I a joke

Feeling broken
It’s getting worse

Feeling broken
It’s not rehearsed

Feeling broken
I tried to speak

Feeling broken
Now I’m just weak

Feeling broken
Like I’m just numb

Feeling broken
What have I done

Feeling broken…

Mental clarity not only helps your mind be more at peace, but it helps you see your life more clearly.

Have you ever experienced being confused on what next step you should take? What path should you walk down next? Felt like your mind was constricted because you were unsure of what decision you should choose? During those tough mental moments, it’s like you’re looking at your life through a lens that’s blurry.

If you currently feel stuck, on the fence, not knowing for sure what next step you should take in your life, here are a few practical tips that will help you gain mental clarity so you can look through your eyes and see more clearly:

1. Talk out loud to yourself. Yes, out loud. Self-talk, especially positive self-talk, can help you gain mental clarity.

2. If you can, talk with a friend, family member—most importantly someone who is willing to listen and ask you questions about what you’re sharing. That feedback and mirroring can give you a new and clearer perspective.

3. Understand that it’s okay to take time to think. There is a pressure we can put on ourselves to feel like we have to have everything figured out. Allow yourself time to think, process, and reflect.

4. Take a step, A STEP! You do not need to have everything figured out to make progress. That small step will help show you something new.

5. Know that you are not alone. Teens, adults, seniors, many people are thinking about what their next step should be (in their career, relationships, health, spiritually, financially, even what they are going to do today). Give yourself grace—you are not alone.

If you made it this far, remember to keep striving forward and keep breathing. Feeling stuck and unsure can be stressful. But try these tips. They can help you gain clarity and see your life more clearly.