I shared some of what I had been doing recently with a friend that he encouraged me to make a post about. It was a part of my journey in mental health healing and this picture showed him just how far I had come since I first heard his voice. May was Mental Health Awareness Month, so although I was planning to, the month rolled by without me doing it. Sometimes it’s procrastination, sometimes it’s the stuff on the plate that just doesn’t get touched, sometimes the Universe says wait. This was a combination of all three.

Sometimes suffering from mental health challenges like PTSD and Anxiety can keep us from stepping outside our comfort zone. But that’s where healing starts. The first time I met Peter, I was in a green room hyperventilating with fear, but I knew there was more in my future. I had no idea just how much at the time, or what it would be.

Now I speak out about my mental health journey. Every pancake in my “pancake pile of traumas” has become a powerful event instead. They have led me to my passion and purpose of sharing the reality that there is hope of healing. I’m living proof of that.

But May has gone by, and it is now PRIDE Month for the LGBTQ+ Community, which stands for Personal Rights In Defense and Education. A challenge of its own for people who just want to be valued for who they are. To not bend to the judgements of others, and simply be proud of who they are. So for them, it is a part of their mental health. The courage it takes to embrace your uniqueness and stand up and speak out to tell your story, is something that we need to encourage as a society, not condemn.

When June is over, their journey doesn’t end just because we’ve moved on to the next month’s title. No more that mental health awareness has for me. I’ve given keynote speeches to The Department of Mental Health, Congressmen and Senators. I’ve spoken up about the journey life has given to me to give hope to others, and I’ve only just begun.

The Pride Community will continue to bring awareness in June and, carry on the mission when it’s past. Embracing who we are is how we inspire and encourage others. And that is a beautiful thing.

So be curious, and listen to understand who they are, and what they go through. Because in some part of your life, you will ask the same of others. True connection can only be made when there is compassion and vulnerability on both sides. So do your part and be kind out there. “Just be kind out there!” as Peter Clarke often says.

Written by Melody Belliveau