Since I was a child, I’ve always gotten lost in stories; they pulled me out of my own world that was often painful and chaotic. I quickly fell in love with books, visual media, and particularly, the written word as well as sharing my story with others face-to-face while others shared theirs. Despite the courage it can sometimes take for me to share, there’s something cathartic about being vulnerable with others, and I consider it an honor when other people reciprocate and are vulnerable with me in return.

That’s why for World Mental Health Month, I’m writing this article. Through all of my experiences, I’ve been able to turn to words, and I truly believe that storytelling, especially through platforms like this one, has the power to heal. I continue to be inspired by what we’ve created here on Channel Kindness and the stories that are submitted, and would encourage all of you to join us, if your’e ready! Don’t know where to start?  Here are some examples of topic ideas that you can use for a Channel Kindness piece:

• Kind acts performed for yourself and others in your community
• Organizations doing great work that you want to highlight
• Mental health awareness and/or your personal journey with mental health

If you still need ideas, check out the Kindness Map which highlights some of the stories that have been submitted to us from around the globe. Remember to review the submission guidelines here before submitting, and our fabulous Channel Kindness team will work with you to create a piece that is kind, brave, and uses the power of your voice to inspire and connect with others.

Happy World Mental Health Month, and we look forward to hearing from you!