The past can bind us to depression and fear in subtle or, not so subtle ways. Often, these negative emotions stem from underlying issues including unmet needs, relationship problems, or poor coping skills. I struggled with a negative self view for a long time, that kept me from experiencing the forward momentum I envisioned. While some of the work I needed to do was internal, I soon realized that some doorways were kept shut deliberately. We'll discuss some of the hurdles that I encountered, lessons learned and how I broke free of some thick a** chains. You will meet Aari and, I'll explain why this identity became vital to my journey. The darkness of the past casts a long shadow but, let's find some light in a focus on today.