Having struggled with depression for many years, I have hoped and wondered what life would be like outside this snow globe known as depression. I compare depression to a snow globe, because it completely encapsulates someone and makes them see things only within a certain bubble. And I was always wondering if there is life on the other side of this snow globe. It's been countless days since I have first landed myself in the snow globe and I have been starting to get sick of the snowy, chilly weather that has surrounded me since.

Although life outside the known seems scary, it also seemed exhilarating and exciting to experience new things, a new life outside the norm. I realized I started getting sick of the daily routine of living inside the same place and wondered when it will be time for me to venture out. I have always dreamed of warmer weather, a ray of sunshine coming across my face, and endless fulfillment in my actions, meaning no head turning double takes and no hesitation for being vulnerable. Just pure positivity and feeling warmth.

I remember trying to break out of the snow globe countless times. I have used just about everything inside this snow globe and was hoping to be able to reach for the tools outside of the snowglobe, or at least the ones surrounding it. But every time I tried to break the glass of the snow globe, there was always a tiny mark, but not a full encapsulated break. Sometimes it was the distractions coming from outside the snow globe, but also a sense of fear of what life would be like outside the snow globe. I was becoming more and more desperate for the warm weather outside, so I would try different things to make it easier to break out of the snow globe. I remember one time, asking my friends to lend me a shovel, that I still keep to this day. This shovel that my friends lent me is what I call loyalty. It is something I value in friendship and something that I know is worth holding on to. I have kept this shovel in a safe place within the snow globe, but sometimes it has gotten dirty. Whenever it gets dirty, I just ask my friends for another one. Sometimes, it's loud outside the snow globe and they can't hear what I'm saying but other times, they do and I am able to get another shovel.

Although the snow globe has become a familiar home to me, I do not see it as the place I want to be in forever, or as my final destination. I long for a place where there are more people, more sunshine, and more brightness. Because I have been in the snow globe for such a long time, I become overly excited whenever I see a ray of sunlight coming through the snow globe. Everytime I see this ray of sunlight, I always hope that it won't be my last. A tiny part of me knows that this might just be the beginning of more to come.

I want to say hello and goodbye to this snow globe, also known as my depression. It has given me a place to stay but I have realized it wasn't the place for me anymore. I seek for a brighter life and a brighter future. A place where I don't have to be alone in a bubble anymore. A place where I can see the friends who have lent me the shovel or shovels and a place filled with tons of clean shovels. I want to say hello and goodbye to my past and present, but not my future…