The world had always seemed beautiful to you. Every little thing from grasshoppers to playing on swings brought you joy. You no longer see the world like that. You view the world as painful now, full of people hurting, yourself included. It isn’t known why things started to change within you, almost as if one day you woke up and everything had changed. You have lost a lot of time by allowing sadness to consume you. Years wasted. You don’t smile like you once did. It isn’t natural anymore, no sparkle appears in your eyes. It is forced. Wanting to show others you are okay. You had your heart broken multiple times, the pain you felt was nothing in comparison to a scraped knee. Some things have remained the same. Dad’s hugs are still more than comforting. Mom still worries too much about everyone, and she still never stops reading. You still give all the love possible to those you care for. You wanted to die for a while, you wanted no part in life. The exact opposite of how you used to be. One thing you never saw coming was a dog saving your life. She is 4 now. She is your best friend and she always spins in circles for you when you get home. The energy that never seemed to fade is now gone. You are exhausted constantly from fighting with your own brain. You are much better at 20 than you were at 16. There is more light within life now. Somehow you made it out of high school. You no longer want to be a teacher. However, you have no idea what you want to do for a living but are going to be in a pre-health program shortly. You have changed a lot and would be disappointed in yourself. Many things have changed. The world became cruel. However, you are able to get out of bed most days and do your school work. The light that faded from your eyes sometimes comes back. You will never be the same as you once were, but you are learning to be okay with that.