A step back from the ledge

Growing up I always knew I was “different.” I always looked at things in an uncommon way and would always try to hide myself and fit in with everyone else. When I was starting to come out I had a very hard time with it. A lot of people were accepting of me but my parents were not. It got to the point where I had a very hard time accepting myself. I wanted to be normal like everyone else… I felt that me being this way I could never be loved, not even by myself. I was all alone going through this with no one to talk to. I had friends but none of them could fully understand what I was going through. I wanted to give up. I got to the point where I was about to end it all. I was on the edge of the ledge with no one to help talk me away from it.

The proudest moment of my life was when I took a step back from the ledge. I showed myself the love I have always wanted. The love that was enough to keep me here. I am proud of who I am and I am proud to be here.

A story submitted by a human named Marisa!