Every day I force myself to think the same thoughts

To feel the same feelings

that I am worthless

that I am ugly

That I am fat

That I am somehow less than those around me.

As if to avoid the embarrassment of someone else thinking of them first.

We build walls around our hearts to protect us from pain.

Isolating ourselves from the outside world when the reality is,

We want so desperately to belong.

To feel as though we aren’t alone on this earth. 

To be loved.