I really appreciate your sincerity and honesty here @ssimkins9. I can relate to the emotional struggle that you've experienced. These depths, as much as they are very uncomfortable and painful at times, truly do lead to a greater awareness and sense of being. If it weren't for my own tribulations, I would not be anywhere near who I am today.
On another note, that chili over mashed looks simply delicious :)
Not sure how I missed your comment earlier, but thank you friend, that means a lot. I've enjoyed following your posts and learning more about the journey that brought you to where you are. Storytelling is an amazing art form.