Ever feel like life is one long road trip? You've got your starting point, a vague idea of a destination somewhere way off in the distance, and a whole lot of highway in between. As the legendary rock band Aerosmith wisely put it, "Life is a journey, not a destination." It’s a powerful reminder that resonates deeply when we think about our own path.

I will include a trigger warning for mentions of molestation, sexual assault, bullying, alcoholism, and self-harm. This may be a long read, ...