Everyone has a story to tell, but for most, it is too painful to revisit the past. So, we drink, take drugs, or tell lies to make ourselves feel better. What we are really doing is trying to numb the pain that we still experience. Pain that sneaks up out of nowhere to remind us, it never really went away. These things only work for a little while until we end up needing more and more. What we are craving is a past that doesn’t continue to threaten our future. A future where we can come to terms with our past. Mostly, we just want this very moment where our past and present intersect, to be one of peace.

— Nicole Barden 2/15/2022