I want you to know

In our Social Emotional Learning class, we went around in a circle to say our insecurities in the form of "I want you to know." And so it began:

I want you to know that I never feel good enough.

I want you to know that I never want to be called dumb again because of my learning accomadation.

I want you to know that I never feel good about my body, that I am always too fat or too skinny.

I want you to know that for a year I suffered with anxiety, but I couldn't get help because my mom doesn't believe in mental illness.

I want you to know that ever since I was in elementary school, I told myself that I was bisexual, that I would end up marrying a man when I grew up so my mom would be happy. For all that time, I was lying to myself.

I want you to know that I never want to hear people's intelligence being determined by their academic excellence.

I want you to know that my brother has always been judged because of his autism, but he is no lesser than the rest of us.

I want you to know that I feel like no matter how hard I try and work, I will never reach my parents' expectations.

I want you to know that I never want to hear being called a "fat elephant."

I want you to know that sometimes I cry myself to sleep.

And we all stood there, crying and hugging.