“you will never be perfect in anyone’s eyes, 

and her eyes are no different.

even if her eyes were still on me.

you wish she knew that if she told you,

ripped your own heart from your chest,

spat and stomped on it and told you how to change,

you would try to fix yourself.”

By Bry LeBerthon.

“A Mirror”

Fiction. Based on a True Reflection. 

by Gracie

This journal entry is inspired by true events. Some of the characters, names, businesses, incidents, and certain locations and events have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes. Any similarity to the name, character or history of any person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

Trigger Warning: our program often motivates people to discuss their trauma. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, please, take a step back to address emotional flashbacks and trauma before continuing to push yourself. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline at (1-800) 273-8255.

Don’t trust a mirror.

It shows all the imperfections.

Those three hairs that won’t stay in place.

The zit that is waiting to be popped.

The fat cheeks that take half of your face.

All the dark parts you try to erase. 

A mirror only shows what’s skin deep.

The glass omits the most important parts.

It doesn’t show what the world actually sees.

How your eyes light up when you’re loving what you do.

How you smile when you’re in the presence of love.

How your laugh sounds different when it’s genuine.

How you dance when you eat something delicious. 

A reflection can’t tell you

everything you mean

to the mother that kisses you every morning,

to the sister that asks for your company every afternoon,

to the lover that caresses you every night. 

A mirror does not dictate your worth.

If you think that it does,

it’s time you looked within.