I’ll be disclosing (part of) my story to my loved ones for the first time, later today... I prepared meticulously (as an overthinker like myself does) and I’m pretty sure I’ll get through it. I'm also pretty confident that my family will be supportive, considering their track record, But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.

I can hardly get to sleep, and my stomach is turning. I feel like I’m fighting my body and soul by wanting to open up about it. I’m terrified of revealing the shame I feel. It’s like I’m preparing to take off a mask I’ve worn for 16 years and they’ll find a person they won’t recognize underneath. But once I do, even if I put the mask back on, they will not forget the scarred face that’s behind it. I can’t take it back. And that scares me.

What are some things that help calm you down, reassure you, motivate you, etc.?

i.e. a specific song you listen to, a photo, a painting, funny youtube video, videogame, poem, whatever really!

Would love to hear about your ‘comfort food’ recommendations.

Any words of encouragement, no matter how brief, are also really welcome <3.