It’s like I am constantly living with a raging fire inside my head. A fire that flames and smokes out every good thought, feeling and positive vibe. It cannot be quelled, tamed or simply put out, and it chokes me with the fumes of negativity, apprehension, fear and anxiety until I can’t breathe.

Everyone around me, every situation, every change stokes the flames and makes me feel as if I am about to explode. And I do want to. I want to burn completely and I want it to end. It’s killed the better part of me but I’m still smiling on the outside.

By letting myself be engulfed by the flames, I not only put myself out, I can put the world out… at least for myself anyway.