I was the girl that you passed in the halls at middle school thinking, “I know her she’s the one our teacher singled out every class about doing better in school.”

I was the girl that would walk around high school thinking “God, I hate this place. I need to get out of here as soon as possible.” And then I did.

I was the girl that used to cry herself to sleep at night because she thought no one loved her.

I was the girl that thought she’d never find a love like the movies.

I was the girl that tried to live life but never knew how. I still don’t entirely know how.

I was the girl that would stay in the background and would know everything about everyone without them knowing I knew it.

I was the girl that at one point believed their existence on this planet didn’t matter anymore.

I was the girl that did everything she was supposed to do but still felt like there was room for improvement.

I was the girl that hated when bad things happened to other people because I believe those things shouldn’t be allowed to happen in the first place.

I was the girl that felt like an outcast most of her life.

I was the girl that realized people are ultimately fake until proven otherwise. Although, some of them never truly are real.

I was the girl that was sarcastic and you had to figure out if I was serious or not.

I was that girl.

Now I’m the girl that smiles and laughs all the time because she’s legitimately happy with life rather than smiling and laughing to cover the fact she was hurting inside.

Now I’m the girl that still has anxiety, but is working through it so it isn’t as bad.

Now I’m the girl that’s happy with life and understanding of what life threw my way.

I may have been the girl, and still am the girl sometimes, that grieves for her mother even though she’s been dead for three years. It still hurts.

I’m the girl that hates negative people.

I’m the girl that recognizes her worth and knows her existence DOES matter on this earth.

I’m also the girl that likes to feel like she’s making a difference when helping out.

I’m the girl that likes to make sure everyone is in a relatively good mood and will do whatever I can to get them in a good mood.

I’m the girl that loves her life and no longer wishes it was over.

I’m the girl that’s looking to the future and praying for some good things

I’m the girl that’s rid herself of toxic people almost entirely, working towards a college degree while working two jobs.

I’m the girl doing her best.

My best is all I’ve got right now.

She just hopes you’ll remember to do the same.