I don't want to turn any of this into poetry / but / you're so beautiful / flowers turn their heads to smell you

My experiences with violence in schools still echo throughout my life but standing to face the problem has helped me in immeasurable ways.

Everyone knows pain. We are not meant to carry it forever. We were never meant to hold it so closely, so be certain in the belief that what pain belongs to now will belong soon to then. That when someone asks you how was your day, realize that for some of us - it's the only way we know how to say, be calm. Loosen your grip, opening each palm, slowly now - let go.

I accept that today may be imperfect... I accept that I may be as well. What I don't accept is that imperfection should be the crutch I use to excuse myself from participating in joy.

My heart is a protest that I let rally against my ribs.

The tiniest dream that you make happen is worth more than the biggest dream that you never attempt.

That’s what we were told—stand up for yourself. But that’s hard to do if you don’t know who you are.