Self-harm

Self-harm.

I admit, I've done it.

It is because I always hated myself, I thought I wasn't good enough for anything in this world.

I thought that there was nothing special about me. Because that is what some people said and made me feel. They used me, fooled me, played my emotions and thoughts, and underestimated me.

Some of them attached a lot of negative labels on my image.

I believed every word they said about me...

Which was wrong.

Every word was a lie.

I finally met the people who motivated me and never gave up on me.

I never thought that I'd be close to people like them, but I think it is God's will that I am now surrounded with people who will always be there for me when I forget who I am and my worth.

They made me realized that I am not made up of the words that hurt me.

I am more than what I think.

I wanted to end my life, but they stopped me before I could even add another mark.

Each cut, burn, and bruise that I gave to myself was a battle with my negative side that I've lost.

Remember, you, who are reading this, is not made up of the words that hurt you.

You CAN go way beyond.

You are good enough for anything in this world, all you need is to try and believe.

Yes, I don't know your story. I don't feel your hurt. I don't notice your scars. And I cannot read your mind. But I know that you can do better than this. You are strong enough to carry on.

You are brave enough to stand up.

Just hang in there, the scars you have that can and cannot be seen with the human eye, will soon fade.

It will heal. That will be a sign of strength, not a reason to make more scars.

I've made a mistake in the past, but I changed.

I fell, but I stood up. Now, here I am.

I am winning this battle. Good will always prevail.

If you have made the same mistake, I know you have the strength to start over.

Heads up survivor! There's a good future a head of you!

Sincerely, Grace Dajao Flores

Thank you.