Hello,
My name is Rachel. I’m 20 years old. I want to start out by saying this took everything to write, but I believe that my story can help many people. I was adopted when I was a baby and grew up confused for a long time. I didn’t know why I was given up. I didn’t know anything. Later on through my life I realized I was a lesbian (I was 15). And growing up in a very strict catholic environment made that extremely scary. I got depressed and very hateful towards myself. At 16, I attempted suicide and failed thankfully.
After that I woke up and realized that I need to learn to love myself (which I know is easier said than done). I started working to better myself physically mentally and emotionally in different ways such as meditation, eating healthy, and getting a job somewhere I loved to be. I focused more on the things that brought me joy like reading, exercising, music, and art. And I grew so much as a person. Sometime mid-way through my growth process (I was 18) a co-worker of mine at work attempted to sexually assault me. I was able to fight him off and he was fired after the managers learned he attempted it on many of the female workers. It through me off and I closed myself off. About a month after that traumatic moment a guy from my high school also attempted to sexually assault me but failed. This time I didn’t say or do anything I just stayed quiet. I regret not speaking up.
I felt lost for a long time after that, but I am finally at a point in my life again where I am myself. I am truly happy, healthy, and have met some of the most amazing people that will be in my life forever. They love me for me and they are my family forever. I am a firm believer that family is who you make it. I wanted to share my story because I know many people have had similar situations to myself. I want to remind you no matter who you are… you are beautiful, you are loved, you are wanted, you are a light in the world and people would be sad without you in it. Don’t give up hope. Hold out just a little longer I promise good things are coming. You can do this. I’m here for you!
