Though I was hesitant to join such respectable, incredible writers because I knew I couldn’t compare nor compete, I did it.
I did it and now realize that I don’t have to be the best writer, I don’t have to compare nor compete, I just have to be me!
By just being me I was able to touch others, make them think, reflect and even change behaviors.
By just being me, I wish to have an impact that goes far beyond the walls of the blog and the Slice of Life challenge.
By just being me, I hope to share my story with others so my words echo for thousands of miles.
By just being me, I want to be able to be someone’s life jacket.
By just being me, I want others to understand that although one may smile, (s)he may be acting.
By just being me, I want people to see that you can be functional, even successful, but it doesn’t erase the pain.
By just being me, I want others to know they are not “crazy” because of the tug of war in their minds daily.
By just being me, I want to express that materials mean nothing and people mean everything.
By just being me, I want the world to know that mental anguish can kill you.
By just being me, I want people to give others a break because you never know the bag of problems one possesses.
By just being me, I hope to be the boulder that stops the tumbling rock in its path.
By just being me, I want to educate a loved one of someone who is struggling.
By just being me, I had an acquaintance that took his life to set his mind free.
By just being me, I know that there is a better way because I chose it.
By just being me, if I could prevent just 1 disappearing act, I will have accomplished something.
By just being me, even though I’m incredibly blessed, it isn’t always easy.
By just being me, I am exposing myself and risking judgment.
By just being me, I am not going to keep it a secret anymore.
By just being me, I know it’s okay, because I have sought help.
By just being me, I know I don’t have to live within the walls of my sometimes warped mind.
By just being me, I know another, more colorful world exists.
By just being me, I know this was all worth it, if it helps just one person!
By just being me.
Crotty Kid 
This is a masterpiece! The repetition, the sentiment, the progression of the ideas until they started to take my breath away. You keep on being you because you are great!!
Thanks Kim!
This is a really powerful piece of writing! As I read through each line, the emotion kept building. The part about your friend followed by your comment, “I know there is a better way because I chose it” made me pause for a moment and think about life…and the fact that sometimes it can seem so overwhelming. The rest of the passage is emotional and inspiring. Maybe, just maybe, if we are honest with each other and stop pretending like we always have it “all together,” other people won’t feel so lost or that they are alone in their hurt. Thanks for sharing your writing this morning!
Thanks Laura! I couldn’t agree more! People don’t go about their lives hiding diabetes or heart disease so why do I? The more we share, the more we know! 🙂
Kudos to you for being brave enough to share . . . Your words are so powerful . . . so must be the author, always “just be you” and the world will continue to be”more colorful! Best to you 😉
Thank you Lynn!
This I will read many, many times, so that I may just be me.
Thank you for writing.
Beautifully written, and oh so honest! I love the line “…I want to be able to be someone’s life jacket” Just beautiful!
Thank you!
“Just Being You ” is all you need! Loved your way with words!
Why thanks Amelia!
It’s never been your way to stay quietly in the shadows and today is a shining example of that! Beautiful repetition. Beautiful words written. “If I could just prevent 1 disappearing act” – LOVE THAT ONE! xoxo
Thanks Carrie! What a nice way to say I have a problem keeping my mouth shut! 🙂
Powerful and helpful. You helped me this morning so it WAS all worth it. Thanks.
Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that!
What a great piece! I cannot get enough of it and have read it about 3 times already! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Kelly!
Your writing seriously just blew me away. ” I want others to know they are not “crazy” because of the tug of war in their minds daily.” is just one of many lines that I absolutely love!! I feel as though we should print it, hang it, and make it required reading……..
Thanks Darlene!
Very powerful piece!
Thanks Tracy!
I hope by doing this you’ve learned you’re an incredible writer. It couldn’t be more evident in your clever stories and this is a really thought provoking polished piece!!! Your sense of self shines through when you write.
Wow – thanks Nicole! I am quite humbled by your comment!
Powerful, honest and so appropriate. I need to remember this line in my classroom: “I hope to be the boulder that stops the tumbling rock in its path.” Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Jaana!
“…I am exposing myself and risking judgement.” So powerful! I keep reading this over and over. You have moved me. Never doubt yourself.
Amazing piece- “to understand that although one may smile, (s)he may be acting” really struck me- it is so true that we can hide our true emotions, which is why this blogging can be so therapeutic.
Your thoughtful piece reminds me to be true to myself while I am challenging myself this month. Thank you for this!
Your words will have different meanings for different people. That’s really powerful.
I love every single part of this piece. It should be mandatory reading for every slicer in our district. Written so well with such warmth and vulnerability. I’ve liked reading your slices very, very much. They are honest and heart-felt as our your comments on mine (and so many others). Funny, it’s been one week of doing this but I’ve seen your face while I edited my last two slices for the 25th time and just before I hit Publish. I hope she likes I think; she’s been a sincere audience. Keep being you, Crotty Kid!
I love the part about the tug of war in your mind. This piece says a lot and can be a comfort…..wow
[…] I’m not for everyone but I so appreciate all the readers who have read, commented and let me be me. I’m working on editing a lot of things in my life, writing […]