This episode begins a series of episodes chronicling my time living in New York City. It was only three years and yet, it was quite full. The people I met, the adventures I had, the lessons I learned, all helped to shape who I am today. First, though, I had to survive them! Thanks for listening.

Welcome back for Season Two! In this episode, we begin the journey into "The Valley of the Shadow." Life changes, lessons learned, the awakening of a new voice, and the revelation that the voice gifted me. Thank you, as always, for listening.

We all are faced with making choices, decisions, every day. While living with depression, I have not always thought through some of those decisions. That has, on occasion, put me into some precarious positions. Each of those moments, however, offered me the opportunity to learn that I am here for a reason. I just needed to stick around long enough to find out what it was.

This is the final episode of my first season of this podcast. I will return with season two in a couple of weeks. Thank you for listening.

Having a plan is a great thing. Especially for folks living with depression. However, this whole podcasting adventure has taught me that, sometimes, it's best to pay attention to changes, and to take the detour. Reflecting on how depression is viewed, "assessed," and forced into being one thing. And finding ways to understand that. And still be our unique selves. Thank you for listening! www.revrachelhollander.com

Learning how to navigate the world - while living with depression - requires some creativity. I figured that out when I was around 14. It is still true today! We can use that skill - creativity - to help stay alive. Thanks for listening!

It is not always easy to describe the experience of depression. As a child, it was difficult to define it, since I didn't really understand what was happening. Discovering "the hum" helped me not only gain clarity on what I was experiencing, it also helped me in learning how to explain it to others. In this episode: the discovery and explanation of "the hum."

The concept of "starting at the beginning" is tricky when it comes to living with depression. The journey, at least for me, is not necessarily linear.

With that, today, I start with where I am now before I head back into my "then." 

And a debt of Gratitude to the Brilliant wordsmith, Victoria Price (#imvictoriaprice) for the creation of a new word: Surthrival!

Welcome to episode 2!