We all have something special from our past that we find comforting: shoes that we just can't seem to get rid of even though they no longer fit, a t-shirt from that time your team won first place, an autographed yearbook from your favorite year of school, your favorite stuffed animal from when you were a child. Whatever the object may be, no matter how big or small, old or raggedy it may look, it is still important to you. Perhaps, you can even look at it an remember what it looked, smelled and felt like when it was brand new.

I have countless objects scattered throughout my room, that I would consider artifacts from my past. I am overly attached to very simple objects, but often times I don't get to show anybody. Most of them collect dust in the same spot for years and many of them I forget about when I leave my room, but there is a special collection that have walked many miles with me: my necklaces.

These are not simply clutter around my neck. The color means nothing, the length means nothing but the actual pendant themselves is what's important. They aren't just simply necklaces; they are time capsules filled with stories and countless memories. If anyone were to pull me aside and ask me the story behind any one of them, I would advise them to sit down and get comfortable, because I could nearly write a book on every single one. They are a representation of the things I hold dear to my heart and everything I am holding on to. Within them is my glorious middle school years, my triumphant, late high school years and the present and hopeful future. They remind me of much different times and of victory and failure. They are signs of hope and reminders that it's okay to fall as long as you get up. They encompass promises and friendships and strength.

When I am tired, overwhelmed, upset, stressed, anything, I straighten them up and remind myself that everything will be okay. When I feel most alone, they are reminders that I am not. They reassure me that I am a fighter and I am stronger than anything that ever tries to knock me down. They are engravings of everyone who has touched me, built me and made me, and they are pages of quotes from every good thing people have said to me. They are my own inspiration, and they are my pride because they symbolize ALL the things I have accomplished above all other doubts. Although only one of these capsules remains open, I am hopeful that someday the others will reopen and reveal their secrets to others. These are more than just necklaces that decorate my neck; they are pieces of me.