I originally posted this article on the Art of Being Human’s website at the invitation of a colleague, Jeremy Lambert, who runs the site. He asked if I would share an inspiring story from my life as he had turned his blog into a community effort with stories to inspire others. The first and only story that I wanted to share and hadn’t yet done so beyond my close circle of friends was about my stay in a Colorado mental health hospital for a month that happened almost 19 years ago. It remains one of the defining stories of my life and I wouldn’t be doing the work I’m doing today professionally or personally without this experience. If you find a glimmer or more of personal truth in this story and if you are encouraged about the shadow aspects of your past being among the best parts of you then I am doubly blessed for sharing it with you.