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FeedThe Road to Enlightenment
It took a rough road, a pilgrimage and a 9-year-old’s fondness for chocolate milk to show Ashley Jansen the way out of depression. Now she’s here to tell you that every day is a special occasion.
(page 4 of 4)
If anybody recognizes the gift, it’s Jansen. Each breath carries meaning, and for her, that meaning is the truth. Most of us barrel through the day, looking for success, gratification, happiness. Jansen wants to know—to know what she’s about and where she fits, to know how she can help others, to know how much she doesn’t know.
“I want to share my story to empower others,” she says. “If someone says to me that they’re bipolar and that’s who they are and what they do and that’s their story—I know there’s a big stigma around mental illness in this country. For me, being bipolar was an incredible teaching experience and a gift. It put me on the path of self-discovery.”
She’s still going, and still making plenty of stops along the way. Ashley Jansen may never reach her destination, but you can bet she’s going to enjoy the ride.
Finally.
