March is always a weird time of year for me. It’s the anniversary of the last time I tried to take my own life — and nearly succeeded. It’s also the anniversary of my being hospitalized for said suicide attempt, which was ultimately the catalyst for my getting off drugs and alcohol once and for all, after 16 years of being stuck in a crack-fueled trauma cycle I just could not break out of by myself.

That was 12 years ago this month, and in the 4,380 days since, I have found a way to center my entire life around love, healing, and forgiveness. I’ve fought for myself and built a career that I am super grateful for and proud of. I have food in my fridge and a beautiful roof over my head that I never take for granted for even one moment, after struggling with housing and basic safety for most of my teens and 20s. And I have found ways of belonging in the world alongside the friends and family who made space for me to become this person all those years ago.

Thank you for believing I could and for holding me close. I realize it’s hard for some people to picture me this way. I am unrecognizably well, and you really just had to be there…but if you weren’t, I’m glad.

And if you are struggling right now, please know you can always reach out. Life will change if you stick around. I promise. It’s what life does. You should be here for it. 🖤

“Despite Native Americans accounting for nearly 2% (5.4 million) of the U.S. population, philanthropic funding for the population remains less than 0.5% of annual foundation grant dollars across the board. The majority of philanthropic efforts to improve people’s lives overlook the distinctive needs and issues facing Communities of Indigenous Peoples,” said PTM Foundation Director Logan Lynn. “We all need to be doing more.” ✊

Click HERE to check out the rest of this post from the Democratic Party, then join me, Portugal. The Man, Zia McCabe from The Dandy Warhols, Jillene Joseph from Native Wellness Institute, the Multnomah County Democrats, and community leaders from across the state 2 WEEKS FROM TONIGHT for the 2020 Celsi Celebration with PTM in Portland!

We will be announcing our new national grant program at #PTMFoundation at the party. Let’s do this thing together.💙