Skip to main content

Skin Deep

     I am the manifestation of the broken and beautiful things; stitched together with tatters of the girl who has remained through my journey, along with the scraps gathered along the way. It isn't perfect, and it may be a little broken- but it is still good.
     Beneath my smile is a shade of colors and textures I struggle to convey. While the smile is not only skin deep, it does not eliminate the invasive thoughts waging war within my mind. The smile is the mask of absence from this realm as I turn inward to wage war, and question the morals, values, and beliefs around which I function.
     My biggest struggle as of lately has been my return to school. I struggle to be authentic in my emotions, and convey that I am not always fine or "well!" no, of course I am not always well, and I am not going to be right away. It is a gradual process. I question myself in why I continue to say this. I think my problem is that I feel others expect me to be "fixed," and I am trying to act "fixed." But as I am quickly discovering, the harder I try to hold together the perfect life, meal plan, and smile... the more rapidly things will come unwound.
    I often feel as though I walk on a tight rope that is unfraying, and I am simply waiting for the moment in which the last thread snaps- leaving me to fall without the safety of the net beneath me. In this, I scramble to try and assure everything is perfect so nothing can go wrong, and that no one knows when there is a struggle. I create this monster that cannot survive on her own. I create myself- and she is destructive.
     I struggle to communicate to others when I need their help, and at times I sit in silence because the times in which I have tried to ask- I've been silenced or shut out. I've learned the only thing that leaves me feeling more empty than my starvation is the deep sense of loneliness that lingers over in long stretches where you question everything about yourself and your worth. However, I have also learned the beauty in the little things so many people take for granted, and the people who do take the time along the way.
     Life is a journey, and everyday is a new chance to explore your own strengths and abilities. It is the mountains we climb, bumps and bruises from falls, trails traversed and conquered, and even the journeys that have taken us astray- for finding the way home is a chapter in and of itself. I know there is work to be done, and I am learning that I must accept my flaws for what they are. "Fixed" is more of a daily healing process. A work in progress one could say- and I will do my best- what more can anyone ask?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Blessings in Disguise

     I was drowning under the weight of my own thoughts. Those who have ever felt the burden of their mind as it takes off beneath their body, and chains them to their worst nightmare from which they feel they will never escape may understand exactly the intruding emotions that inhabit the space I must live- known as my mind. To be gasping for air, and unable to draw in the breath essential to life. To look around trying so hard to find the break in the storm clouds, and only seeing the bundles of dismal gray without a glimmer of sun.       I never thought I would say it, but having to take medical leave this semester might be one of the best things that has happened to me. Initially, I was angry, hurting, cold, and lonely.. but lonely because I had become not only physically malnourished, but spiritually. It was never that I had doubted God existed, or he had a plan.. but I know I put it on the backburner- and I did certainly feel as thoug...

Open Letter to The Girl Who Wishes She Had an Eating Disorder

     To the girl who wishes she had an eating disorder:  Oh, words. There are so many things I would like to tell you in this moment, but all too quickly the time passes. My heart shatters in watching your eyes grow dark in the pain, as I watch you belittle yourself, and absorb the pointed and loaded remarks of society. I am sorry that society has made you feel so inadequate that you have the overwhelming urge to turn against yourself in your quest to find peace and self satisfaction. The satisfaction that society will never give you, and I guarantee you will never get.      I am sorry that society has told you your worth in life is based off your size, or how many calories you can deprive yourself, rather than the overflowing compassion that flows from your soul, or the beauty of your free and passionate fiery spirit. I am sorry that society has become the fragile layers of ice upon which we traverse, when they offer no support, and we s...

I Said "I Do"

     One year ago today I said I do . Damn --  I really didn't know what I was getting myself into, did I??      No- I didn't get married, nor did I say yes to the dress, or get engaged to the man of my dreams (although if someone figures out when those can happen, can you let me know? Thanks!) I said I do, but I definitely had no idea what this past year would entail as I flipped through and spent two hours initialing my life away, or telling my story, or crying a river to a few complete and utter strangers who I had entrusted with my care, and chosen over my professors, and college.     I sure as hell wanted out of it by 6pm that first night as I sat down to dinner. As I peered at the Mount Everest of food that had been laid before my eyes, and I said to them, "Oh there is no f******* way I can eat all of that" cue the tears, the panic attack, you name it... I probably did it. I was ready to run. I think of those funny...