“The love story is really learning how to not just survive but to really fall in love with who you are and your flaws and to be willing to say to someone, “I love myself and this is who I am and if that doesn’t work for you that’s okay.” This is like the ultimate love of my life is me.”

By Julia Price

“The One”

Fiction. Based on a True Relationship I Desire. 

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.

 

“You’ll find the one,”

my mother told me. 

 

The one. 

What does that 

even mean? 

 

My one . . . 

One . . . 

 

Is that right? 

I’m only supposed to 

love one person 

for the rest of my life?

 

One? 

Just one?

 

I don’t have to be in a relationship

to feel loved. 

 

It is forced down our throats, 

but it’s all lies. 

 

Women aren’t beautiful

unless they’re wanted. 

Men aren’t men 

unless they’re having sex.

People aren’t loveable 

until they’re dating. 

 

Well . . . if I’m forced 

to choose, 

 

I choose 

myself. 

 

I choose to have a relationship with

myself.

I will nurture love for 

myself.

 

And I will 

not 

apologize. 

 

I take 

myself 

to love and hold,

 

from this day forward,

for better,

for worse,

for richer,

for poorer, 

in sickness, 

and in health. 

 

I now pronounce 

myself 

whole,

full,

loved.