I’m grateful for your laugh.
I’m grateful for your smile.
It’s been a perplexing year, but you’ve made it worthwhile.

I’m grateful for your willingness to never give up.
I’m grateful for your strength when times get tough.

I’ve built the courage to do things I normally wouldn’t do.
I played a small part, but I’d like to personally thank you!

Thank you for helping my heart shine through when I struggled to be at my best.
Thank you for allowing me to learn more about myself when my heart was put to the ultimate test.

It’s pretty cool to know that I’ve been a reflection of you all this time.
You’ve been a true friend I can always count on when I felt like my life wasn’t mine.

Thank you for helping me fall in love with who I am despite all my flaws.
Life was scary without you before, but now I happily stand tall.

I don’t know if I should laugh or cry because I’ve been through so much.
I promise to give it my all this time, even when things feel out of touch.

I won’t always show up at my best, but I feel better knowing you understand.
You’re my forever safe space, and I’ll always choose you to hold my hand.

In a way, it’s bittersweet because I never saw this coming!
Looks like you and I are finally on the brink of something.

Thanks again for helping me see the brighter side of life, even when I didn’t feel so free.
I’m so grateful to have someone on my side who loves me just for me.

Thanks to you, I can be vulnerable and express myself, free of shame.
You’re the greatest gift of all, a genuine best friend who shares my name.

Alexis, you’re perfect just the way you are. Don’t ever change!
You taught me how to value myself in the most humbling way.

Thank you for being true to yourself and not allowing anyone to push you around anymore. I appreciate your courage in being vulnerable again after experiencing hurt from family, friends, and even a toxic significant other. Thank you for choosing yourself in situations that could jeopardize your mental health once more.

Thank you for accepting your flaws and embracing your unique qualities. You have made the little girl inside you proud today because no one else could ever fully understand what you have gone through.

Thank you for loving your inner beauty and not worrying about what others think. I admire how you hold onto your childhood memories while letting go of the pain associated with who you used to be. Thank you for breaking free from your parents’ control over your life and for recognizing that you are not obligated to maintain relationships with people you don’t get along with, especially your brother.

Thank you for following your heart and pursuing your dreams without letting anyone else ruin them. Life is too short not to be thankful for yourself, so always remember to be grateful.

A silenced bird, my wings clipped tight,
Afraid to soar, afraid to take flight.
My voice, a whisper, lost in the noise,
Afraid to speak, afraid to rejoice.

I learned to hide, to blend in the crowd,
My thoughts and feelings float like a cloud.
Afraid to be different, afraid to be seen,
A prisoner of silence, a captive queen.

But now I rise, with newfound strength,
My voice unbroken, my spirit unbent.
I will speak my truth, no longer afraid,
To claim my power, unafraid.

My childhood trauma inspired me to stand up and make a difference.
I no longer shy away in fear; I speak up for my better interests.

Speaking my truth allowed me to be free,
Unbeknownst to those who spoke less of me.
I never felt content with keeping the peace,
My little voice no longer brings me to my knees.

You deserve so much better than lies and deceit,
A listening ear to help you get back on your feet.
Matters of trust always seem to get in your way,
Unknowing who was temporary and who was here to stay.

Only you can tell your story and forget the opinions of others,
Nothing can hold you back; remain strong like your mother.
Your voice is so powerful it grants you the ability to lead,
Walking in your truth gracefully is how you’ll succeed.

I know this journey wasn’t easy, and I’m glad you never quit,
You’re as resilient as they come, a bold display of grit.
Always remember the truth will set you free,
Continue living loudly, proudly, and as authentic as you can be!

Dear young girl,

Life has undoubtedly presented you with profound challenges that have shaped your journey in unimaginable ways. I know you’ve grappled with your very existence, questioning why you felt different in a world that often celebrates conformity. Every stare from strangers must have felt like a spotlight on your pain, yet those individuals never bothered to ask what lay beneath the surface. You are the girl who wondered, “Would someone ever love me?” The truth is, your chronic illness has placed a heavy burden on your thoughts, body, and spirit, making it difficult to envision a brighter future.

It’s easy to default to feelings of isolation when you are reminded daily of your limitations. The gear – the braces and walking devices – became a constant reminder of your struggles, distancing you from the carefree essence of childhood. Simple joys, like bike rides and splashes in the pool, were overshadowed by the fear of breaking your fragile bones. Anger brewed within you, amplified by the lack of love and support you felt. You faced more hospital visits than playground outings, and behind your smile lay a profound sadness.

You have carried an invisible weight, living each day with unvoiced pain and silently battling feelings of loss and disconnection. Your chronic illness became an unwelcome companion, intruding on your body and robbing you of the chance to experience a typical childhood. Society placed labels on you, defining you as someone who wouldn’t succeed, someone who needed to hide her scars rather than showcasing them as a badge of resilience.

But I urge you to look at the woman you are today! You emerged victorious from those dark moments, and your strength has transformed you into a remarkable individual. You triumphed over what many labeled as insurmountable obstacles. You graduated, and in doing so, you shed the identity of a broken child. No longer do you confine yourself to the shadows; you found your freedom, reclaiming your identity as a whole person.

Now, you are a flourishing woman who has embraced love, motherhood, and your voice. The paths once untraveled have opened up to you, granting you the possibility to dream and believe in the beauty of life. Your scars no longer serve as symbols of defeat; they weave together a narrative that inspires others who face similar adversities. You crafted a story that reveals hope—a beacon for the next young girl who might think that her struggles define her existence.

You are proof that a chronic illness may alter the journey, but it does not dictate the destination. Your journey has become a testimony that speaks volumes in the face of doubt and discouragement. Through resilience and determination, you have showcased that the human spirit can soar, unfettered by limitations.

As you continue to move forward, let your journey resonate with those who feel lost in their battles. You have become an unforgettable voice echoing resilience, showing other young girls that there is light at the end of the tunnel. For you are not merely surviving; you are triumphantly living.

So, hold your head high and continue to pave the way for others. Your story is a reminder: the fight against adversity is a powerful declaration of existence and triumph. Be proud of the woman you’ve become; you are a force to be reckoned with!

Choosing yourself is hard when you grew up meeting the needs of others.

Imagine being raised in a home with three siblings and a single mother.

You’re the oldest who carried the world’s weight on her shoulders.

Who was I supposed to lean on when my days became colder?

You begin to think your mom doesn’t care when she can’t afford to be there.

I battled with depression for so many years, hiding my pain behind a smile while the world persevered.

I spent so many nights crying alone, trying to make sense of my broken home.

I was a broken kid who was desperate for love and attention.

At the time, I was too young to understand the depths of my dimension.

I learned from a broken parent who was the product of a broken home.

She was capable of giving out the only love she’s ever known.

Before my mom was a parent, she was once a kid, too.

I never took the time to see things from her point of view.

My mom was the oldest without a shoulder to lean on, searching for love and someone to depend on.

Time heals all wounds when you go with the flow.

Allowing things to unfold naturally leaves room for growth.

My mom and I are one in the same, blossoming from a life of heartache and pain.

There’s value in seeing that change is possible, even if it doesn’t happen in a flash.

Accepting the things I cannot change allowed me to make peace with my past.

I cry most nights thinking I’m not good enough for this world. I make myself believe that I’m not worthy enough to be loved or cared for. I feel like I’m in quicksand and I can’t get out or that I’m under water and the pressure is pulling me in and I can’t get out. Maybe that’s why I never learned how to swim because I’m scared of not getting out. I hid my depression since I don’t remember when I gotten really good at faking a smile and showing people I’m ok but in reality I’m not, I’m scared to disappoint because I never heard anyone say they are proud of me, I’m scared to love because I never gotten pure love from anyone not a friend, significant other, sibling, or parent it was always tough love because I was taught that being truly loved always becomes a disaster. I hear my parents arguing everyday since I was little it never stopped only gotten worse once I fully grown up, I never realized until now how broken my parents are and how they project it on me, how my mom belittles me and later argues because it gives her power over me the words and tone she represents she knows affects me and she likes it, she’s a force. My dad is just a narcissist who likes to control and throw out people, who not only couldn’t take care of his family but he was the main to break us. I guess that’s where my brother learned it from the uncontrollable range and using then throwing out people. I feel like a stranger in my own home. I don’t belong here. I cry most nights in the bathroom. I don’t tell anyone because I don’t want to be a burden. I think about how life became after a while and how broken I am. I just want to leave and start new. The anxiety and depression that has happened over the years I don’t think it would stop not until I make a change, I used to cry for my mother’s love, crave my father’s affection, expect my brother to support but that was never the case with them I don’t want to be like them ever I want to be better. I am in quicksand that’s only getting worse and worse, I dream about being underwater or having broken teeth, my anxiety takes over and there’s nothing I can do about it. Uncontrollable breath, lungs getting tighter, head pounding, hands shaking. I can’t ask for help from my own family because they think it’s a phase and it’ll be over but it’ll only be over once I’m gone. The black hole I carry in my mind sucks all good in my life and I let it be how stupid of me. The silent panic attacks I get from time to time shows how much stress I’m in and I can’t stop myself. The distraction I cause doesn’t even work. It’s hard to do so in a household of toxicity. One bedroom, broken handles, crippling walls, I don’t even have a room for privacy, parents yelling in front of me, brother nowhere to be seen for fifteen years not even a “hi how you doing” I’m tired of everything I just want to leave and start new. I cry most nights in silence so no one can hear me. I bottle up everything because I rather hurt myself than hurt someone else. I know it’s wrong to do either. I just wish it gets better sooner than when it’s too late. I hope to overcome and escape this nightmare and see some light shed soon.

Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!

– Dr. Suess

I spent so much of my life comparing myself to others.
Talking myself out of things that I’ve craved to uncover.

I struggled to believe in myself, despite my best efforts.
I couldn’t think straight while being under so much pressure.

I settled for being comfortable, avoiding the unknown.
It wasn’t easy for me to step outside my comfort zone.

I lost myself for a while trying to love someone else.
Unconditional love is forever, but conditional love melts.

I made the ultimate sacrifice and left everything behind.
It was time for me to reclaim the life that was always mine.

Starting over can be frustrating, but there’s beauty in the madness.
My true purpose shined through in a time filled with sadness.

The attitude of gratitude kept me going through the pain.
Sometimes you have to lose, that’s just part of the gain.

A little progress each day adds up to big results.
You win by being humble, not acting on impulse.

It took me a while to finally believe, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

After the pain I learned to value my worth.
I’m no longer in last place, I place myself first.

If I can move mountains, so can you.
Dreams are reality disguised as a source of truth.

I’m conquering my mountains one day at a time.
I’m on the road to success, it’s my time to shine.

If beautiful was printed from a negative it would be the silhouette of a rose
Because roses are sculpted from the hands of immorality
Breathed from the marble no one saw as a flower
Every petal flaunts the gorgeous of galaxies
Positively Divine
The eyes of roses are ocean deep and sky blue
They see life the way we’re supposed to live
Balanced in duality, Life and Death
A marriage with as many anniversaries as time
The two need to become one so fear may bloom into confidence
A rose might be one of the few things to achieve perfection on earth the way its attraction reflects the heavens
The way it’s smile ages like the innocence of a child until its aroma becomes the wine from 35′
The way it freezes death into a Picasso Dali Esque piece of painted poetry
A rose understands the heartbeat of death and the silence of life in humility
That’s why they are used during and after life
Have you ever seen such grace command hell ?
Roses make the marble soft, the concrete cry, and anxiety strong
And that is why I say, “you remind me of a rose, an absolute rose.” (Daisy Buchanan)
You are and can be everything you want to achieve
p.s. it’s never too late to sculpt your rose…

This quote from The Great Gatsby has inspired me since my high school years. As a passionate admirer of flowers, particularly roses, I aspire to embody the metaphor of sculpting my rose from concrete. Life presents various challenges, and I have faced significant mental health hurdles along the way. However, this quote serves as a powerful reminder to embrace the strength that can emerge from pain and success. I am committed to personal growth and believe in my capacity to improve each day. That is what I wish to communicate in this poem and inspire others on their own journey.

The life you’ve fought so hard for is more than just a dream.

We both know you’re the most solid on my team.

Greatness is your birthright; you’re a true visionary.

I admire your power; it is nothing short of extraordinary.

Once I got to know you, I knew we’d be unstoppable.

Nothing in this world can stop us from doing the impossible.

When I faced my deepest, darkest fears, you never chose sides.

With you, I’m an open book absolved of pride.

I’m far from perfect, but I try my best to do what’s right.

I no longer want to be a shadow of my former self; I was born to shine bright.

I recently received my college acceptance letter after a 6-year gap.

I took your advice, trusted my intuition, and built a better mousetrap.

I was shocked by the news; I know you’re one proud little girl.

I promised I’d make it up to you; it’s your dreamworld.

Continue working towards your goals; the results will come to fruition.

Always believe in yourself, and God will place you in position.

Not everyone is lucky to experience someone like you.

You’re truly one of a kind in all that you do.

I’ve learned that good things come to those who wait, but everything comes at a cost.

Are you willing to sacrifice what’s making you comfortable to gain more than you lost?

It’s okay if no one sees things from your point of view.
Not everyone has the same heart as you.

Why does the world lack so much empathy?
Let’s try to understand each other, agree to disagree.

You can’t make people change, you can only control you.
If they refuse to want better, there’s nothing you can do.

You can’t force people to see you for who you truly are.
Yet, you continue to shine like a twinkling star.

Some people are blessings, while others are lessons.
Good people will always leave a lasting impression.

Sometimes, things are better left unsaid because there’s nothing left to say.
True colors will be revealed when boundaries are at play.

Healing isn’t linear, so extend yourself some grace.
Be gentle with yourself as things slowly, fall into place.

It’s okay to love others, but love yourself more.
Self love can open doors you were blind to before.

When life gets you down, shake it off and step up.
Adversity can be disguised as an overflowing cup.

Never give up on yourself, the best is yet to come.
The worst part is over, you’ve already won.

Mistakes are gonna happen, nobody’s perfect.
Just remember, in the end it’ll all be worth it.

I learned life’s biggest lessons through trial and error.
You can weather any storm, no matter the weather.