Noah Vale

I’m a “writer” living somewhere between breaking and becoming. For a long time I moved through life on autopilot. Doing what I thought I should do, keeping it together on the outside while quietly fraying on the inside.

Anxiety, burnout, and a growing distance between who I was and who I wanted to be finally caught up with me. I had a dramatic “rock bottom” story followed by a slow realization: I couldn’t keep ignoring myself and still expect to feel alive.

I started The Violin in Me as a way to stay honest with myself.

Why a violin?

I don’t actually play the violin (yet), but I’ve always been drawn to it. There’s something about the way a violin can sound raw, fragile, beautiful, and almost broken—all at the same time. It feels like the closest instrument to a human voice. Some days I feel in tune; other days every note comes out wrong. Either way, the instrument is the same. I’m the one learning how to play it.

This space is where I try to listen to that inner instrument a little more closely.

A few important notes about this space

I write anonymously not because I’m ashamed of what I share, but because putting a bit of distance between my offline life and this space gives me the freedom to be more honest. Along the way, I sometimes change names, timelines, or identifying details, and occasionally blend experiences together to protect the privacy of the people in my life. What you read here is my perspective, not a complete record of anyone else’s story.

AI plays an important role in my life and my day job, and it also supports how I write here. I often use AI tools to help me think more clearly, shape drafts, and find better words. But every idea starts with me and every piece is guided, edited, and approved by me. If something resonates with you (or doesn’t), that’s on me, not the machine.

I’m not a therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or doctor. I don’t have formal training in mental health. I’m simply someone navigating my own inner world and writing about what I’ve learned, what I’ve broken, and what I’m trying to rebuild. Nothing here is medical, psychological, or legal advice, and it shouldn’t be used to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. If something you read raises questions about your own health or safety, please talk to a qualified professional who knows you and your situation.

This site also isn’t designed for crisis support and it isn’t monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate distress or feel unsafe, please contact your local emergency number or a trusted crisis hotline in your area. You deserve real-time, human help—more than a blog post or stranger on the internet can give.

Finally, what works for me may not work for you. These are personal reflections, not prescriptions. Take what’s helpful, leave what’s not, and—above all—be gentle with yourself as you read.

Start Where You Are

Honest essays and reflections on mental health, relationships, and the strange work of trying to become yourself. No steps, no program—just one person telling the truth, one string at a time.

Why I Write

I started The Violin in Me to give myself a place to be honest about what’s happening inside my head and heart. If any of it sounds familiar, I hope it helps you feel a little less alone.

What you’ll find here…

  • Personal stories that might sound a little like your own
  • Reflections on anxiety, therapy, love and loss
  • Questions for self-reflection, not quick fixes
  • A quiet place to remember you’re not the only one