I was never a fighter, not that I wouldnt, but because I could not.
Although parasitic in nature, bullies counter their vulnerability in numbers.
They travel in packs to ensure their survival.
These traumas and nightmares would lead me into an addiction to meth and a diagnosis of HIV.
Being a swimmer and water polo player, underwater breathing exercises helped my body train for different competitions.
One exercise required me to hold my breath for two lengths of the pool while being completely submerged.
My lungs, ready to explode, screamed with agony, begging me to break the surface for air.
As I finished the second lap, I hit the wall.
My body shot out of the water for that longing breath.
I vividly remember my first breath I took after I heard, Youre positive.
It felt empty and as cold as the swimming pool where I did so many laps.
My chest was going to implode on itself as the floor seemed to fall under me.
I wanted so desperately to feel the fire again.
Ten years later, people ask how I did it.
First, I am still working on it!
Each day, I defined my purpose and passion.
Sometimes your world will get shaken up so vigorously that it may feel that the world is against you.
In these times of chaos, start creating obtainable wins.
In time, the wins will get progressively bigger.
The phoenix was a significant symbol for me when I was getting my life back on track.
I am becoming the person I needed as a kid.
yo follow my journey on Instagram or TikTok (@freakbetweenthesheets).
I have created a platform that breaks down stigma around sexual health and substance use.
