25 summers ago, I cried all alone in my bedroom, replaying my dad’s death over and over again. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
22 summers ago, I lived in a constant state of anxiety, fearing the future bullying in the high school locker room. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
18 summers ago, I watched my family fall apart as cancer was robbing me of my mom. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
12 summers ago, I lived in a hot rundown apartment with no electricity and an eviction notice on the door. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
11 summers ago, I spent the evening at the Naperville jail after being arrested on a suspended license. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
7 summers ago, I spent countless hours looking up diets and crafting food rules to prevent colorectal cancer. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
5 summers ago, I abused alcohol in an attempt to numb the pain and anxiety. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
3 summers ago, I felt my heart break when relatives ignored my wedding invite because I was gay. I hated the world. I hated myself. I stayed quiet.
2 summers ago, I crashed into rock bottom and came to terms with my eating disorder, anxiety, and OCD. I hated the world. I hated myself. I spoke up.
This summer, I’ve embraced the healing and growth of this recovery journey, while I share my story to encourage others to seek the help they deserve. I love the world. I love myself. I am no longer quiet.
