Have you ever been in a car accident or known someone who has?  Have you ever experienced another type of accident that either injured you or left you fearful?  Have you ever had, or know someone whose had a serious health condition or one that scared you?  Most of us can identify with one of these situations.  By definition, you’ve lived through trauma, which is defined as a wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury or an experience that produces psychological injury or pain. When you hear the word “trauma”, what comes to your mind?  Most people would picture […]

Freelance Photographer, Ilona Berzups, had been spending time at Tent City 3, one of three Seattle area homeless encampments. Ilona said, “I’m a photographer and my storytelling tool is my camera. I have a deep interest in humanizing those who are beaten down and marginalized in society, a deep interest in re-sensitizing people to their less fortunate neighbors by making it personal.” Matt had been homeless for much of his adult life and living in a tent at this camp for the past three. Although Ilona had been visually documenting the camp and getting to know the residents for about a year, […]

“I can’t do this anymore.” “What?? You have to keep going. You can’t quit. You’re needed. You’re fantastic at what you do.” “No, it’s too hard. I’m exhausted. There’s too much to do and never enough time. I’m fighting on every front and I have no more fight left. I’m tired of being responsible, tired of doing it all and doing it well. Really, there’s barely time even to do a lousy job at the required basics.” My friend was struggling in her job and at home. I didn’t like what I was hearing, but I understood. I’d previously slid […]