Light Out of Darkness

The outpouring of compassion, support, and love that I've received since my first blog post has been beyond not just anything that I had hoped for, it's been beyond anything I dared imagine. I am deeply moved by everyone who has reached out to me, and I am grateful for every one of you.

I've had many people tell me that they were touched by what I shared. Some have told me about their own struggles, and said they wished they could be more open. I understand completely. A vital part of my journey has been taking courage from blog posts, podcasts, books, and talks where people shared their own pain, shame, and fear. I was in such a dark place that I couldn't find my way out, but they were like lighthouses, sending out rays of hope to show me the way and assure me that I was not alone. They lifted my head above the water and gave me a chance to breathe. I don't think I could have made it without them. 

That was one reason why I became passionate about being open. I know what their courage meant to me, and if I can do that for even one other person, everything I went through will have meaning. All of that pain and suffering will finally have a purpose. 

But there is another reason too, which I only recently discovered. Being vulnerable is terrifying, and for most of my life, I couldn't do it at all. There was a barrier of fear that I couldn't get through. But once I started to heal, I was able to do it bit by bit. I wasn't a lighthouse, but I could send out a single ray of light to one person at a time. To my great surprise, nothing bad happened.

In fact, those acts of vulnerability turned out to be among the most healing and empowering actions I've ever taken. I was afraid of having my vulnerabilities seen - afraid that it might result in even more pain. Instead, having them brought into the open has taken away their power over me. It turns out that being vulnerable feels like freedom.

So, those people who lifted me up along the way - they were lifting themselves up as well. And as I try to lift up other people, I'm lifting myself in the process. We can carry each other, even when we can't carry ourselves. In the darkest of night, we can light the way, and be a beacon for someone else. Every one of us has the power to create light out of darkness. When we do it together, we shine like the sun.

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Jason's journey began in the upper midwest and has taken him through Arizona and Florida, before finally finding a home in Virginia where he has lived for 20 years. He lives in Ashburn and enjoys music, art, exercise, cooking, movies, and spending time with his two sons. He has a passion for wellness, and is excited to see where this new stage of life will lead.

Jason is leading our Wellness Loudoun Out of the Darkness Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, September 20th at One Loudoun. Join us in raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health awareness!

About the event

What: Loudoun American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk

Team Name: "An Unlimited Welcome"

Team Link: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/team/welcome

When: September 20, 2025. Check in at 11:00 am, walk begins at 12:30 pm

Where: One Loudoun, Ashburn VA

Why: To raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention

How far: 1-3 miles