Growing up I was a pretty outgoing child. I was the one to play with anyone in the neighborhood, always up for a bike ride, even with the boys. Or should I say especially the boys - they were more adventurous.

Over time, a series of random events shall we say occurred, making me more self-conscious and feeling less safe, especially at school. By the time I was in high school, bullying took on a new level and I began to withdraw more from my peers and life. On the surface, I looked ok. I had activities. I hung out with a group of girls. But inside, I was a mountain of insecurities and fears, feeling out of place, wondering if I would ever fit in, if I would ever feel safe and a sense of belonging. Not so unusual for teenagers of course, but this was more than just usual teenage angst. This was life angst.

CONTINUE READING HERE:

https://buymeacoffee.com/v...

You write very well! Thank you for this, and many will resonate with how you felt then!

thank you. to be honest i am so weary doing this for free. i've been sharing my heart out with my writing works asking for $5/month from those who regularly read - which is doable for anyone unless you're on the streets. i'm disabled and this is what i do and what i am best at.

You can also do a substack!