And yet, unlike when I was a mouse, or badger, or weasel, I don't feel a strong connection to my character OC. It is no longer a mask that I wear to keep me safe, it's just me.

I think, ultimately, this is why I've dipped my toes into the werewolf sphere. I *have transformed.* I am different. It was painful as hell, but I become something better, stronger, and most importantly more *naturally me.*

Now that I've healed and grown and put down roots, there's no more need to escape. I'm not running from who I am anymore. I'm not scared of being seen.

To be clear, every fursona I've had prior was based off of a fleeting hyper fixation or a desperate need to express a specific aspect of my being that didn't have another outlet.

Magzz drew this for me and dubbed him "Rawr XD" mango scene coyote!!

I know I do.

But I'm trying to fight it. And I believe that I can. I believe that we all can.

No matter how broken and tired, no matter how long 'surviving one day at a time' is all that we can do, we can still find joy and passion and inspiration.