Lyttle Women

Girl in the Mirror

As my 17th birthday looms closer by the day, I'm starting to wonder if I've changed. As Michael Jackson asked the Man in the Mirror—have I changed my ways?

And whilst my immeadiate answer was "yes", I know I'm lying to myself. I wasn't sure how at first, I've been working so hard to be the best I can be, but now? Now, I know.

First, I thought about those passing comments that people say—you know the ones I'm talking about, the ones that nick you like knife but the other person never realises how much it stings you. It's one of those comments that niggle at you for hours, days or even weeks.

Then, I took a step back. It was like I momentarily put my pride on the sideline, to think back to the last time I said a passing comment as such.

3.

Not years, not months. Sadly, not even weeks or days. 3 hours.

Sure, I'm a different person than I was a year or two ago. But, am I better? No. I'm just better at hiding it from myself. Hiding the anger, the sadness, and hiding the way I release it.

That's why I'm making this promise; a promise to you, a promise to myself.

It's time to put my pride on the sideline. I want to better myself. And you can't fully better yourself when there is pride. One cannot learn without accepting one's flaws.

And my pride stops that.

I, Charli Lyttle, solemly swear to no longer wear my pride like a scout's badge. I promise to accept when I fuck up. I promise to accept that other's are not perfect. I promise to accept that I am not perfect and I've got a lot to learn.