Hush

The defining moment of my shift in perspective has never been clear. My brain simply fabricated this insidious, destructive thought. I wasn't good enough. At first, it was pleasurable to "improve" myself but it was horribly addicting. I had to buy cuter clothes, I had to cake the make up, I had to become more flirtatious, and I realized it still wasn't enough. I ripped up the image of myself in my head and created another; One that would placate everyone else around me. If they were pleased, wouldn't I be too? Those thoughts raided my brain, my self-respect, my self-confidence, everything good in my life. I ruined myself without even being aware it was happening.

First, I met Loneliness, who reminded me everyday that if I was not loved by everyone, I would have no one. Wasn't it right? Every time I felt sad or lonely, it was because of someone else. Sarah was mad at me. Hunter was ignoring me. Mom and dad weren't listening. I thought I was alone and Loneliness was there, beating on my heart as if it were a drum. Loneliness pounced on my self-confidence and tore it apart mercilessly while whispering in my ear that the pain would vanish; I would feel happier soon. After, Loneliness introduced me to Temptation.

Temptation was enticing, dangerous, exhilarating. It taught me not to care about my life and everything I held dear. So that night, talking to that boy online that I didn't know, it made it so easy to give in. My fingers typed away and snapped pictures as quick as he asked. Temptation was unforgiving and so every time something bad appeared, there it was, persuading me to give in. I did.

Depression welcomed me with open arms. A bittersweet, deadly disease. It craved my tears, and was determined to color my day black and grey just to make me suffer. Depression was a mastermind, and did not waste any time when it noticed it could make me bleed. Its hunger for blood was intense and my sobbing heart discovered a way out. My hand took the razor and released the pain.

Then along came Hope. Shoving me into the mirror, it told me to look at the amazing life, the beautiful girl, the wondrous world I desired to give up. My tears rained down and Hope reached out to me. I gripped it tight, and I was shown the world in color again. My eyes could then see my potential, the endless possibilities to explore.

Skipping towards me was Happiness. We became friends on the spot. I often found Loneliness, Temptation and Depression fighting to reach me, to engulf the light I had fought to find. Little did they know, I had also found Strength and Confidence to aid me so they never won, even if I struggled.

Everyday we have the choice to hush the negativity or let it consume us. Make the right decision because when you do, it's almost surprising how much everything else will simply fall into place.