Broken, scared, worried, and stubborn. An emotional mess with few surprises to offer.  I’m a woman with anxiety well past my physical height. Living off doubts and fears of the future; terrified of the unknown.  I’ve got a heart full of cracks and a body that makes me cringe every time I look in the mirror.  Voices in my head whisper that my life means nothing, trying to drown me in waves of despair. Some days ...

Sometimes, I pretend. I pretend to be okay. It feels like it’s easier for everyone else when I do. Grief is awkward and upsetting and ugly, so I understand why it makes people uncomfortable. I really do. So, when you ask if I’m okay, I’d rather lie because I want to spare your feelings. It’s ...