Marielys
Daughter, sister, friend, creative, storyteller, podcaster, survivor. I've spent so much time hiding who I am; the things I like, the stories I want to tell, because I'm afraid of messing up or failing or just not being enough. I've struggled to love myself and the skin I'm in. From a young age I was forced to grow up quick and face realities of the world. For the longest time I told myself I was unworthy and that I didn't deserve to be happy - I truly believed it. Now, I spend my time reversing those messages I've told myself. I've struggled to move forward from past experiences in a way that acknowledges the pain without letting it control my life. I've been scared to be vulnerable out of fear of being disliked or misunderstood, but I remind myself that we're all going through things and doing our best. Trying to control what everyone thinks of me and appearing perfect and unscathed has left me exhausted and stuck. I'm insecure about not being accepted. I used to live by the story that it's better to hold back in case things don't go as planned. The new story I'm living by is to give it everything I've got, to accept that things may not turn out as planned but that it will be ok. I'd tell a 12 year old me not to let her past stop her from taking risks. To never let anyone take away her smile or laughter, that she is important and her voice matters. Success to me is waking up and knowing I'm doing what I love and making a difference. Happiness come from being kind to everyone, starting with yourself. It comes from spreading love, living in your truth, expressing yourself and appreciating the people and things around you. True beauty is found in confidence. In 10 years I hope to be married with a happy home and at least 2 kids to pour my love into. I hope to be sharing my gifts and talents with the world. I'm proud of my growing confidence and my ability to be unapologetically me. I'm funny, ambitious and healing. I'm human and I'm worthy of compassion. My art, my voice and my story is what matters and cannot hide any longer. I am Marielys. I am a creative. I'm a leader. I'm kind. I'm special and I'm owing it.
