I've honestly never thought of myself as a survivor. This is just the path I have to travel, and we all walk a different trail. Sometimes it's hard going and I wonder why others seem to have it so easy, but I like to think I've taken the road less traveled, the high road, the scenic route. I think my life has truly been more fulfilling for having gotten my boots muddy and seen more of life than the people who take the freeway will experience.

My husband is who I go to first when I need support - he just makes me feel better like nothing else can. Medications are clearly a lifesaver, but I wouldn't have made it far enough to find them without my husband.

But after that, I go outdoors. Preferably to the wilderness. It simplifies everything to the essentials: food, water, shelter, warmth, and putting one foot in front of the other. I gain a better sense of perspective - how small I am in the grand scheme of things, how exquisite every living thing truly is, and how important it is to pay attention to the things that really matter.