Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine

Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine continues the theme of Journey into the Dark and the Light, the first book by Annabel Harz. Disarmingly honest words and images reveal more of her personal experiences: the deep shadows of loneliness and depression; the recognition of the value of survival at her lowest point of feeling unworthy; the importance of mental and physical space in creating a safe place for personal exploration and growth; and ultimately the sunshine of wellbeing when-through sheer grit and endurance-her personal demons had been conquered and set free. Sustained effort is required to rise out of depression once it is established as a daily state of being. The poetry and artwork in this collection exemplify the resilience required to rise above the despair of mental ill-health, and with candour and sincerity depict the internal strength which facilitates reaching a place of well-being. When words so incisively and uniquely capture the experiences of pain, misery, shame and heartache, it gives the mind and soul a new way of understanding these events. And perhaps, these words then help to heal. Annabel's words reflect the experiences of so many who span the wide spectrums of gender, age and neurodiversity. As painful as these words might be for some of us to read, these words also give hope-a pathway out of a dark place.-Sonia Street, Senior Psychologist, private practice; Psychology Board-approved psychology supervisor; teaching associate, Monash University, Victoria It would be difficult not to feel moved by Annabel's raw and personal work. The beauty of this book is the transition from emotions of her feeling hopeless and powerless to understanding, that to enable healing, strength and love always needs to come from within. Thank you, Annabel, for openly sharing your emotional journey, I'm sure it will give hope to many.-Christa Green, Intuitive Guidance and BodyTalk Practitioner, Sydney