I am not living, I am surviving. To live is to have purpose and meaning when you wake up, ready to conquer the days and weeks ahead of you. But I am surviving. I go through the motions that seem socially acceptable, hoping that if I do what is expected, there's nothing to worry about and no one to let down.

I am not living, I am surviving. To live is to feel free and show emotion to those around you. But I am surviving. I am a trapped girl disguised as a normal woman with no fear. I wait as the doors shut behind me to drown in my tears, caused by the pain and fears of the feelings running through my body.

I am not living, I am surviving. To live is to have open arms for all around you, and embrace all that comes with it. But I am surviving. I am timid and unsteady, having my guard up at al times. I let my past influence each step and move I take.

I am not living, I am surviving. To live is to be ready to take on any road block ahead of you, and to be confident in getting through rough patches. But I am surviving. I fear chaos and disorder. I run away from the problems that lie ahead of me, pretending as if they do not exist.

I may not be living, but at least I am surviving. I move on each day hoping that I will make it as much as even one step closer to living. And when that day comes, I will be standing tall to share the story of my survival.