I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard and or used this expression. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps might be the most common phrase out there when it comes to managing depression. It’s the call to action that we all believe will get us through our days.

The snow crunched under my feet as we hiked in towards the harbor.

I looked down at my boots, picking my way around tree roots and patches of ice as we make our way towards the water.

I stood at the podium at center stage and surveyed the auditorium.

The balcony was empty, as were most of the first floor seats, save for my 20 or so eighth grade classmates.

“O.Henry,” I began. “Who was he?”