With the onset of Spring, I feel like my head is finally above water. For many of us who suffer, our exhausted bodies are waking up from an emotional hibernation caused by seasonal depression. The torrential downpour of sadness and anxiety is not a solitary storm. There are so many of us engulfed. Depression can utterly destroy self-esteem, but when the heaviness of my apathy begins to lift, I dare to break up and break free from it. It's time to make space for me again.
As terrifying as depression can be, it's also where I can process my suffering, recharge, and eventually move on. It can seem very selfish to others at the moment. I stayed behind the camera for years, but with encouragement and therapy, I stepped in front of the lens to hold myself accountable. I started getting out of bed and making it a point to show up for my life every day. Selflessness is acknowledging when someone needs you in their corner more than you need to hide in yours. It sounds easy, but nothing is ever easy when you have depression.
Humanity is the understanding that unpleasant feelings are part of the human experience and that suffering is universal. It is the key component that connects us. We are connected not only by the joys in our lives but also by our struggles, heartaches, and fears.
Compassion is, by definition, relational. Its emotion springs from recognizing that the human experience is imperfect and that we are all fallible. Why else would we say, "It's only human" to comfort someone who has made a mistake? When we're in touch with our common humanity, we remember that feelings of inadequacy and disappointment are shared emotions.
A human being is part of the universe, limited in time and space. And when you live on a round planet, there are no corners to hide in. And if you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence. We may not be in the same boat but in the same storm. Some have yachts, some have canoes, and some are drowning. Remember to keep your head above water when you feel the undertow dragging you down. And to those on dry land, today's small acts of kindness could be someone's life support tomorrow.
To truly love yourself is to hold yourself close through the darkest times, knowing you are enough. It is to find comfort in your company without needing external validation. View solitude as an opportunity to deepen your self-connection and emerge from every crisis more substantial and self-reverently than ever before.
Life is a love song you write for yourself, and the love of your life is the love you give yourself. I wish I could tell you everything will be okay, but I don't have all the answers. We are similar, but our vessels are not the same. If you feel lonely, you are not alone. No one is perfect; we are, by design, inherently flawed. We are simply doing the best we know how with what we know now. And if there are days when you feel like you're drowning, send out an S.O.S. My canoe is built for two.
Mediterranean Shrimp & White Bean Salad
INGREDIENTS
For the Shrimp
- 2 lemons, divided
- 1 cup white wine
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, shells and tails removed
For the Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill, divided
For the Salad
- 4 cups baby arugula leaves
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 (15-ounce) cans large white Northern or Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium-size pot, bring to a boil the juice of one lemon plus the reserved lemon halves, white wine, fresh dill sprigs, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, peppercorns, and just enough water to cover the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the pot and turn off the heat.
- Poach the shrimp in the liquid until they turn pink and are cooked through. Do not overcook. Strain and discard the lemons, bay leaves, peppercorns, and dill sprigs. Set aside to cool.
- For the dressing, combine the olive oil, the zest and juice of the second lemon, vinegar, garlic, whole grain mustard, half of the chopped dill, black pepper, and the remaining teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Whisk well.
- Add the shrimp and beans to the dressing. For best flavor, allow to marinate for 10 minutes or longer. Add the arugula, halved tomatoes, red onion and artichoke heart. Toss well. Season with more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and sprinkle with more fresh dill. Serve immediately or chilled.
Hint: For a less pungent red onion taste, soak in water for a few minutes after slicing. This salad gets better the longer it is allowed to marinate.
