Writing saved my life

Growing up I had a lot of challenges; trying to fit in with my peers, battling with body image issues and trying to build relationships with my relatives. I smiled and laughed the hardest when I was around people, because I had to convince them that i was happy. When a person is battling mental illness or depression they tend to do the most; we have the widest smile, the loudest laugh and do everything to hide the pain.

I remember standing in front of the mirror at the age of thirteen and thinking of how I could change the way I looked. I hated how I looked. But I didn't always feel this way. I never used to pay attention to how I looked, I was carefree and loved life. So why is it that I started feeling insecure about my body? The answer is very simple..... People and their perception of me made me sit up and pay attention to my physical appearance. We allow people into our heads, we allow their distorted opinion of us mess with our minds. We give people power over us. I love my body; every stretch mark, scar and curve. I no longer pay attention to people and what they think of me. I'm excelling at being happy and focusing on myself.

I received a diary from my neighbour for my 14th birthday. I didn't really understand why she was giving me a diary. What on earth was I to do with this book? So one day I got home from school, I was very upset and needed something to calm me down. I reached for my diary and started writing. It was the most exhilarating experience. I got so lost in the pages, the words came to me naturally. I looked up and two hours had passed, i didn't want to stop. I had been bottling up my feelings the entire time when all I had to do was write down what was on my mind. Writing helped me cope with a lot of things, I was able to express myself without actually saying anything; my words spoke for me.

Once I took total control of my life, let go of all the negativity and surrounded myself with like-minded people I started to see the beauty of life. Getting rid of people who were constantly criticizing me and always reminding me of my flaws, such people are toxic and will set you back in life. I took a moment to appreciate life. I want to go out into the world and meet new people.

Remember that we only live once, live your best life