Dear Younger Self

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Two nights ago, I had an eye-opening experience. I couldn’t sleep so I decided to read through my old diary, and what I found shocked me. I used vague language and failed to mention most of the significant events from my childhood. There was no substance! I am a writer; when the need arises, I express myself through words to vent and heal. In my poetry journals, I was completely open about what was going on around me and how I was feeling. However, those poems were written within the last five years. My diary was started four years prior to my discovery of poetry. Perhaps I’ve been watching too much “Criminal Minds” because I have an analysis. I wont give explicit details, but I went through a lot mentally and emotionally. My memories are crystal clear, but, based on my diary, I was not aware of how I was being affected. I brushed aside contributing factors as minor annoyances. I believe that repression is why, years later, I react so explosively; I am overcompensating for my silence in the past. I don’t want to drag on so I will end with these words, a note to my younger self and girls who have gone through/are going through similar struggles:

“You feel ugly, fat, alone, and hopeless. You have given up on yourself because no matter how desperate you are to speak up, you are afraid. Let go of your emotions; allow yourself to scream and cry. When you feel better, pick yourself up and start anew with your head held high. It may feel impossible now, but you make it farther than your young mind can imagine. Do not lose the fire inside of you. Never stop fighting!”

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“And all those things I didn’t say, wrecking balls inside my brain. I will scream them loud tonight. Can you hear my voice this time? This is my fight song, take back my life song, prove I’m alright song. My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song. And I don’t really care if nobody else believes ’cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc

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“In the midst of deep sorrow, I see Your light is breaking through. The dark of night will not overtake me. I am pressing into You. Lord, You fight my every battle. And I will not fear. I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.”

“I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfveawSAHJA

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