“Something that I found in my journey as a person on the Earth is how hard it is to maintain an openness to things changing. Sometimes I find myself stuck in the unfairness of a situation”

—Elsa Kennedy

“I’m Learning”

Fiction. Based on a True Reflection of My Growth

by K.E.A

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.

I’m learning how to trust more

I’m learning to cheer others on and celebrate their accomplishments more rather than being bitter about what I haven’t done

I’m learning not to place my expectations for myself on others

I’m learning to forgive myself for the mistakes made in the past

I’m learning to do things on my own rather than waiting for others to join me

I’m learning to embrace that I don’t look like everyone else because I’m the only me

I’m learning to embrace my flaws as areas of improvement rather than hating myself for them

I’m learning to be ok with the fact that life isn’t a competition and that I’m ok where I am

I’m learning that no one has it together; some just hide it better

I’m learning to be alone with myself again

I’m learning to go for the opportunities that seem scary to me because I may just get them

I’m learning to rewrite the imagined scenarios in my head

I’m learning to not let my disappointments affect my view of others

I’m learning to accept that everyone deserves love even if I don’t think they do

I’m learning to utilize “no” more when I can’t say “yes”

I’m learning to mean what I say when things make me uncomfortable

I’m learning that it’s ok not to be productive by societal standards

I’m learning that life’s too short to stay at a miserable job just because I need the money

I’m learning to be vulnerable even when I’d rather keep it buried

I’m learning that the dark days don’t last forever

I’m learning that I am still learning