I started with low self-esteem and braces.

I started with a small group of friends, with no boys allowed.

I began to notice how I wasn't noticed.

I was background noise in a movie theater.

I was quiet and awkward.

I started with the chat room, talking to people who understood me.

I started with lying.

I started with bad grades and losing friends.

But I woke up.

I woke up from my haze, that sleepy and dreamy haze.

I snapped back to reality.

I fell in love- oh boy, did I fall.

I made my father cry because he just didn't understand, but I did.

I always thought something was wrong with me, but then I realized that I was never wrong.

I'm strong. I'm respectful. I'm worthy of being alive. I'm worthy of being in love.

I'm worthy of all the great things in the world. 

I will never let anyone hurt me like that again because I am worthy of greatness. 

I started, and I intend to finish.