Many people know me as Miss Zion, but the road to get here has also had many obstacles. When I returned home from my church mission during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, everything was plunged into lockdown. Suddenly, I found myself navigating a new reality where school and work were confined within the walls of my house. The isolation took a toll on my mental well-being, leading to a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, which I had never experienced before in my life.

“The isolation took a toll on my mental well-being, …which I had never experienced before in my life.”

As someone who has always radiated joy and positivity, being trapped in a seemingly endless black hole for months on end was incredibly challenging. I felt like I could never escape its grasp. Even today, I continue to battle with anxiety and depression.

“I felt like I could never escape its grasp.”

However, amidst the darkness, I discovered the power of self-love and grace. There was a moment when my depression was so overwhelming that I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. It was in that moment that I realized I needed to be gentle with myself. I decided to take some time, set a specific deadline, and promised to get up and make myself breakfast.

From there, I took it moment by moment, task by task. I completed a homework assignment and then allowed myself to rest in bed. It was a gradual process of action and accomplishment that became my anchor in overcoming my struggles.

“amidst the darkness, I discovered the power of self-love and grace.”

I learned that sometimes, all you can do is focus on the present task at hand. By breaking down my journey into bite-sized actions, I was able to make progress and alleviate the weight of anxiety and depression.

Today, I embrace the beauty of small victories and the importance of extending grace to oneself. As I continue to navigate life's challenges, I hold on to the power of taking action, one step at a time, to reclaim my happiness and overcome the shadows of anxiety and depression. I have learned to embrace joy in the face of isolation and struggle, and I aspire to demonstrate to those enduring similar challenges that they too can cultivate this same sense of happiness in their own lives.

“I have learned to embrace joy in the face of isolation and struggle.”

My Incredible Journey as Miss Zion & Beyond.