Once upon a time there was a little girl with stars in her eyes and fire in her heart. The world was huge and the sky was blue. There was no blind in front of her eyes or voice telling her no. She saw people for what they were, she wasn't fooled. Somewhere along the way she was told stories that love conquers all and people can change. That those who love with all their heart won't get hurt and people who care about you won't destroy you. Somewhere along the lines she was fooled. She was fooled but also taught to believe that there are no knights in shinning armor or castles. What gave her hope was simply taken away. She simultaneously believed in everything and nothing. Looking back on this girl, I think she knew exactly what life was all about.

When people hurt you, believe them. They are the dragons and wicked witches. There is no other person inside of them, they wear masks but those always have a way of coming off. Learn to trust your gut and when someone hands you a poison apple, look for that glimmer in their eye. It cannot be trusted.

Words say a lot but action in louder. What happened when someone pushed you down in the playground and said nothing? There wasn't hesitation nor doubt, she knew their only intention was to hurt her. Why would anyone lie or say things they didn't mean? What was the point? She learned to believe that words are more powerful than action, but a part of her knew that wasn't true.

Through all the blunders and false signals, the lies and creeps, that little girl grew to be a different person. The world didn't break her but molded her into a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. She is stronger and better for it but that little girl isn't here anymore. No matter how many princess movies she watches or when she eats too much ice cream and gets a belly ache. She still finds indescribable bliss in the littlest of things but sees the evil lurking behind it.

That little girl grew up to be me, a mountain. A structure so strong that nothing can destroy it. Sure you can chip off pieces and break away parts but I will not fall. I cannot fall. That little girl is in the back of my mind, everyday, trying to show me the way. She whispers to let me know the wolves are coming and to step over the crack, just in case. Find the heart that fits just right and hold on to it. Don't believe for a second that you're not meant for something spectacular. My younger self was right, the world is scary and huge but incredible. People are who they are and when they show you their real face, run. Stand tall and with grace. Fight the battle and cherish your friends, they'll always be true. The one thing that hasn't changed in all my years of living is hope. Hope for a new day, hope for a better tomorrow, and hope that will never go away. So I'm fine, and I will continue to be fine, I got someone special looking out for me.