This is why we created A Place to Be Seen, a living art installation in our office anchored by a guiding poem. It invites everyone who steps inside to pause, reflect, and choose a small mirror to place on the wall. It’s not about labels or boxes. It’s about remembering yourself, every messy, bright, shadowed, still-changing part. The mirrors remind us that how we see ourselves, how others see us, and how we choose to show up all matter. Some days we glow alone. Some days we glow alongside others. It’s all part of being fully human.

Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, carefully curating the image you project? Online, it’s easy to shape who we are, highlight our best moments, and filter out the rest. In real life, we do something similar—we wear masks that protect us from judgment, disappointment, or rejection. But how much of what we show, whether online or in person, is truly us?

Life often presents us with challenges that shake the very foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, facing unexpected adversity, or adapting to significant changes in our communities, the road to healing can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these moments of hardship, we often find the opportunity for growth. This concept, known as Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), reflects how individuals and communities rebuild themselves in the face of adversity—emerging stronger, more resilient, and more connected.