"How do I stay afloat in this tossing ocean that is life?" His life, on paper, should appear ordinary. However, after being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in 2021, author Levi Santha began to reflect on his past experiences of growing up amidst the confusions of constant over-analyzing, attachments to bitter memories, and increasing self-doubts of his own identity.
Despite having access to nearby mental health supports, it took years (and influence from others) to finally come to terms with his anxiety-induced trauma. This collection of stories can be interpreted as his healing process in action.
I have only ever cried because of one or two pieces of literature before, and yet this book had me in tears. It is a stunning exploration of personhood and learning to become comfortable with oneself. This memoir was thought-provoking and prompted me to dwell on the themes of growth and change despite struggle. One thing that especially stuck with me was the author's writing about longing for a true home, and the grief that followed when he realized the place he considered "home" was not quite the same as in memory. His learning to overcome anxiety was also extremely inspiring to see, and the way he writes about his life is personal, eloquent, and emotional. Overall, a beautiful book, one that profoundly impacted me. Highly recommend.