Dear Middle School Self
2015
Dear 6th Grade self,
Its okay to be afraid, it's okay to be ill, it's okay to be disabled. Your dad might call you lazy, and your mom may say it’s your own fault but you know better. Your limp doesn't define you, your pain doesn't define you, your choices define you. Its okay to not wear makeup, it’s okay to wear the same sweatshirt every other day. If wearing football jerseys and camo pants makes you happy, wear them. If being loud makes you feel alive, be loud. Make memories, try to be happy. Don't let others force gender roles on you. You are not required to fit in a box.
Dear 7th Grade self,
Its still okay to be afraid. Read all the books you like, watch all the shows you like, binge watch movies if that’s what makes you happy. Stick with the friends you trust. Don't trust or forgive too easily, these things are earned. Wheelchairs are okay, casts are okay, crutches are okay, splints are okay, doctors are okay, the way people treated you during this journey was not okay. Those who are not your friends don't get the privilege to know you. Trying to improve yourself was a good thing to try and you can recover from the damage you did to yourself.
Dear 8th grade self,
Learn to say no. Find love in your heart for yourself. Not liking yourself and others doesn’t make you unique. Art is a good thing, surround yourself with more and more of it. Try to get out of bed a little more often, be truthful with those trying to help you. Don’t let your mom force anything on you. Don’t let your mom make you feel worthless. Embrace your individuality. Stop hating women, learn to love them alongside yourself. Speak more with the positive people in your life and make exciting plans for the future.
Its okay to be afraid, it's okay to be ill, it's okay to be disabled. Your dad might call you lazy, and your mom may say it’s your own fault but you know better. Your limp doesn't define you, your pain doesn't define you, your choices define you. Its okay to not wear makeup, it’s okay to wear the same sweatshirt every other day. If wearing football jerseys and camo pants makes you happy, wear them. If being loud makes you feel alive, be loud. Make memories, try to be happy. Don't let others force gender roles on you. You are not required to fit in a box.
Dear 7th Grade self,
Its still okay to be afraid. Read all the books you like, watch all the shows you like, binge watch movies if that’s what makes you happy. Stick with the friends you trust. Don't trust or forgive too easily, these things are earned. Wheelchairs are okay, casts are okay, crutches are okay, splints are okay, doctors are okay, the way people treated you during this journey was not okay. Those who are not your friends don't get the privilege to know you. Trying to improve yourself was a good thing to try and you can recover from the damage you did to yourself.
Dear 8th grade self,
Learn to say no. Find love in your heart for yourself. Not liking yourself and others doesn’t make you unique. Art is a good thing, surround yourself with more and more of it. Try to get out of bed a little more often, be truthful with those trying to help you. Don’t let your mom force anything on you. Don’t let your mom make you feel worthless. Embrace your individuality. Stop hating women, learn to love them alongside yourself. Speak more with the positive people in your life and make exciting plans for the future.