Since today is self harm awareness day, I think it’s important for everyone to recognize the positives about themselves. I know in high school a lot of people spread rumors, say nasty thing, and hack at people’s confidence to try and bring them down. And I know when you hear those nasty words enough, you start to believe them. Even when that’s not you. That’s not who you are. So I was thinking I’d try to do this activity I’ve seen on a few YouTube channels. And to be honest when I originally saw this I thought it was dumb. But now I understand it.
Here’s what you do,
Pick maybe 5 of the most hurtful words people say about you, and then come up with a more positive or truthful word to replace it that’s really who you are.
Here are mine;
Spoiled snob, fake, cry baby, dumb, slut.

Spoiled snob- I put these together because I heard this a lot. And they kind of go hand in hand. Here’s the truth. People think I’m spoiled because I have nice clothes or makeup, whatever. But what they don’t know is I don’t use my daddy’s credit card. I work had to pay for all of it. I have a job. Also, to get really personal, my mother is out of work so I have to work hard to help her out too. It’s not easy but I do it. My parents can’t afford to shop for me so I do it myself. I’m not spoils. I’m hardworking. And people think I’m snobby because I don’t talk a lot. Truth is I’m really shy. And I’m very easily intimidated by people so I don’t throw myself out there. I don’t mean to seem rude. I’m just shy.

ImHardworking, shy

Fake- I know why people think I’m fake. Because of the clothes I wear, who I hang out with, what I say. I know I give off this barbie doll image to people. And I change my style and priorities around a lot. Really I’m just trying to figure out who I am. I know that sounds dumb, but truly. I haven’t decided exactly who I want to be yet. Not all the pieces have come together. So until they do I’m going to have to keep changing to put everything together to be truly excepting of myself.
I’m not fake, I’m changing.

Cry baby- this one really hurts me. People see me cry in school a lot. And I know everyone thinks I have everything and shouldn’t be crying or “whining”. I agree I am incredibly lucky. I know it. So many people have it worse than me. But lately I have had a lot of heavy things on my shoulders I really don’t talk about. Serious family issues. A lot of problems with my parents and sister that I’m left to deal with. I don’t have tons of people to talk to so it takes a toll. I know my life isn’t hard. I have it good. But it’s not easy either. And not many people take the time to understand what’s going on before they assume.
I’m not a cry baby, I’m hurting.

Dumb- I get this a lot too. I am the first to admit I will not have the top GPA of our class. I have to work a lot harder in my classes than a lot of people because it takes me longer to understand things. I ask more questions and take longer doing things. I want to fully understand what I’m learning but it’s going to take my longer than a lot of the kids in my class. I’m not gonna hide it and get behind because I’m afraid to ask questions and take my time.
I’m not dumb, I’m determined.

Slut- I don’t even understand this. But it’s whispered to me in the hall all the time. And its really hurtful. Throughout high school, I’ve typically had a boyfriend. Not because I throw myself out there, because I meet people and talk to them and genuinely like them. People think I’m super experienced that I’ve hooked up with so many people. I bet they didn’t know I haven’t even kissed one boy that wasn’t my boyfriend. I have never had a random hookup. I don’t like that. I like to be connected with people and have someone to hold. I am really shy. I could never just throw myself at boys like people think I do. I don’t sleep with every guy like people say I do. I take pride in keeping it classy and not giving that away to just anyone. I have a boyfriend I’ve been with for almost 5 months. And I love him. That doesn’t mean we used to hookup. Just because I’ve dated more than one boy doesn’t mean I’ve slept around.
I’m not a slut, I’m loving.

I didn’t do this to annoy anyone or clog up your dash. I just know how hurtful words can be. I’m not saying you should do this or post about it. If your hurting, do it in your head. Don’t let other peoples nasty talk define you. Remember who you really are. Don’t hurt yourself because others have hurt you. Show yourself some love. Only you know what really defines you. You’re beautiful inside and out. Remember that.