Those words settled deep into me, because they were the truest description I had ever heard of what that year had taught me.

For a long time, I had thought the night of the empty plate was the most humiliating moment of my life.

I understand now that it was the greatest gift I was ever given.

Because I needed to see that plate completely empty to finally understand how much of myself I had been pouring into people who had no bottom.

If I paid one bill, another appeared.