Dance in The Rain

Every morning before leaving my home, I make it a habit to read a meaningful quote that unexpectedly came into my life through a silent auction. It was on large musical notes that hang on the wall, featuring the beautifully etched words, "Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." This quote has become a guiding light for me, hanging above the mirror in my room.

The essence of this quote is in reminding us that moments of darkness do not always equate to sadness. It serves as a profound reflection on our resilience in tough times, urging us to embrace life's challenges and allow ourselves to fully experience the emotions that come with them. By persevering through difficulties, we nurture inner strength and courage.

This inner strength empowers us to face life's storms with unwavering determination, enabling us to confront even the darkest times. By acknowledging and embracing challenges, we open the door to growth, resilience, and the eventual discovery of happiness beyond adversity. The quote gently yet powerfully reminds us that by confronting our challenges directly, we emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to find joy and light even in difficult times.

In 2019, amidst the onset of COVID affecting our schools, a high school student approached me for assistance in raising awareness about a hidden issue that had affected our school systems without alerting parents. Due to restrictions on physical interaction among children, they resorted to social media for social connections. Regrettably, this led to a rise in cyberbullying, resulting in a significant increase in suicide attempts, including actual suicides. The young lady's friend did not fall victim to cyberbullying but rather faced harassment due to her sexual orientation, which tragically led to her taking her own life.

As per the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas, "suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24." Upon delving deeper into the topic of teenage suicide and exploring ways to contribute to raising awareness, we devised a plan. There are six primary factors that drive young adults to take their own lives: depression, alcohol or substance abuse (either personally or witnessing it in a family member), grappling with sexual orientation, bullying (including cyberbullying), low self-esteem or lack of support, and experiencing abuse (either self-inflicted or witnessing it in others). Often, these situations can go unnoticed, but there are indicators to watch for, which I will discuss later on.

In 2019, Bethannie and I introduced "Teens Against Suicide," with her being the first model to focus on addiction. The main goal of "Teens Against Suicide" is to empower youths to express their stories through photography, with the aim of increasing awareness. This initiative allows participants to contemplate their journey and recognize the bravery needed to pursue transformation and forge a new path.

Each time I engage in a collaborative effort with a young adult to assist them in narrating their personal story, I am met with a sense of intrigue as to where they currently stand in their journey through life. My role in this dynamic is to adopt a supportive stance, lending an empathetic ear and providing guidance to help them structure a session that may initially revolve around their struggles and hurdles, but ultimately culminates in a transformative moment of self-discovery and renewed hope.

Throughout this process, I firmly believe that the individuals I work with traverse a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from vulnerability and apprehension to resilience and optimism. It is within these intricate layers of feelings that we are able to capture poignant moments of awe and introspection, enabling us to authentically depict the reality of the unseen battles they face due to illness. By delving deep into their narratives and allowing them the space to express themselves freely, we uncover profound insights and unveil the strength that lies within their stories.

As we navigate through the complexities of their experiences, my goal remains steadfast – to foster a safe and nurturing environment where their voices can be heard, their struggles acknowledged, and their triumphs celebrated. Each interaction serves as a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for healing and empowerment, illuminating the path towards self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. Through our collaborative efforts, we not only shed light on the challenges posed by their conditions but also shed light on the resilience and courage that define their unique journeys.

I know a lot of these can be a typical teenager but as stated above there are a few warning signs that you can look out for.

• Change in eating & sleeping habits.

• Loss of interest in normal activities.

• Withdrawal from friends & family.

• Acting out behaviors & running away.

• Alcohol or drug use.

• Neglecting their personal appearance.

• Unnecessary risk taking.

• Obsession with death or dying.

• More physical complaints often linked to emotional distress, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue.

• Loss of interest of school.

• Feeling bored.

• Problem focusing.

• Feeling they want tot die.

• Lack of response to praise.

Being parents, it's tough to see our children in pain, but getting an unforeseen phone call is even harder. It's true that bringing up a child needs the backing of a community, and we are all here to help the younger ones. So, the next time it rains, embrace it, feel the drops, and let the rain wash away the sadness, allowing you to embrace the sunshine again.

Take a look below at a shoot titled "Behind the Mask". The shoot took place both in an old abandoned church and in a studio. The church's interior was in a state of disrepair due to vandalism, which I felt symbolized our struggle with identity. We often grapple internally with our sense of self, wearing various masks to conform, yet ultimately causing self-destruction while silently observing from within. The studio was a great touch to represent inside of her head and how she felt.

As you move through the pictures you start to see color and her fighting to break free from her own strings and throwing the mask away. Trying to find a way out to somewhere that she can heal herself.