Who Am I?
Welcome to Dum Amo Vivo.
This began as a pipe dream that I had as an 17-19 year old when my mental health difficulties were at their worst.
I hoped that one day through my experiences with my own mental health I could help others to not go through what I did or at the very least find some peace and hope in knowing that they aren't alone, because none of us are.
Now, I am 24 and very soon I will reach my five year mental health stability mark - my life day is April 11th.
I still struggle. I think for a long time I hoped that there would come a time when I wouldn't have to take my mental health into consideration but after two acute psychotic episodes about 18 months apart, time spent in a psychiatric ward after my relapse and about four years worth of weekly therapy I've realised that just isn't ever going to be an option for me.
So here I am. And here are you.
One of my all time favourite quotes is 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I believe this space could be the start of a community I wish I had had in my darkest moments.
Every thing I have ever read about community and a coming together of people always had one fundamental thing in common-a shared vision of what could be.
So on this page here are the hopes and dreams I had and still have for me, for you, for us all.
1) Live our Lives According to Our Own Light
2) Seek out Joy rather than pain
3) Never give up
4) Stay persistent in pursuit of what sets our souls on fire
5) Love the being we see when we look in the mirror, every damn day.
So there you have it. I hope you read, enjoy this space, think about what I have to say and add to this space because God knows I do not have all the answers.
Here is to us, on this day and always.
All my love, Jess x