There have been many moments in my life where I think to myself how I wish I knew then what I know now.
Where I so desperately wished time travel was real, and I could go back to give past me a hint or clue of how to prevent something from happening.
When I was a freshman in high school my best friend committed suicide. To this day it is one of the most painful experiences I have ever been through, and one I am still learning to heal from every day. Justice Goodwin was the most vibrant person in my life. I was always so afraid of heights; he taught me how to climb trees.
He had two left feet, but he always danced right by my side. His laugh was infectious, smile contagious, and he loved harder than anyone I knew. For so long I blamed myself for not being able to see his pain. I was furious with myself for not paying more attention to the changes in his behavior but we were just kids trying to figure out where we fit, where we belonged.
High school is hard and can be really isolating when kids don't know how to effectively communicate what they're feeling. That follows into college and for a lot of people even into there adult lives. It wasn't my fault and I know that now. There was no way for me to identify the signs of his pain, I simply just didn't know them. But, I hope that what I've learned since helps at least one person, stranger, or friend.
Denise Hernandez
It starts with a connection, meaningful connections with pure intentions. Let your friends and family into your life. When you see someone isolating themselves check in, you can't "fix" their pain, but you can offer your support in a way that you're able to give it.
Tell the people you love that you love them, care for them, and are there for them. Eradicate the toxic belief that expressing your emotions is weak or uncool. For whatever reason you're reading this, whether this resonates with you or not, know that you are worthy of a beautiful life and have the ability to make others feel the same.
Let's be kind and take care of one another... life is too precious not to.
