A Poem:

To always be nervous of being called on in class

to never raise a hand and speak out

to lose sleep the night before a presentation

are side effects of fear of the unknown.

To fixate on how your shirt, or dress, or pants fit

to be convinced that beautiful isn't a word that describes you

to wonder what it'd be like if you looked different

are side effects of skewed perceptions and body negativity.

To notice somebody else's pain before you notice yours

to always be there for a friend

to care about their health and happiness more than your own

are side effects of a need to please, and a desire to be a good friend.

To feel things deeply

to observe others' behavior as a reflection of how they regard you

to count on others to be there for you as you were for them

are side effects of being sensitive and caring.

To be tired of being someone's friend when it's convenient for them

to be hurt by something as simple as an empty chair by your side

to feel ignored, forgotten, or left behind

are side effects of the people who walk all over you.

But to be stronger than you thought

to surprise others with a talent you took for granted

to gain confidence from when you are successful

are side effects of building yourself.

To be courageous in little ways

to forget about those who forgot you

to get better at something because you put in the effort

are side effects of improving yourself.

To forgive

to grow

to smile

are side effects of focusing on the future.