There’s something special about birthdays. They mark time, growth, and transformation—moments to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. This year, I, Dina Palma, am celebrating not just my own birthday but also the fifth birthday of START Creative Arts Therapy. Five years ago, I took a leap—one that required me to rewrite the story I had been telling myself for far too long.

Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, carefully curating the image you project? Online, it’s easy to shape who we are, highlight our best moments, and filter out the rest. In real life, we do something similar—we wear masks that protect us from judgment, disappointment, or rejection. But how much of what we show, whether online or in person, is truly us?