I wrote this in my journal in my bedroom one night. Age 15. 7:27pm Honestly, nothing is wrong. For some reason, I’m just in the worst mood. A part of me wants to go downstairs and watch TV with Karyssa, but a bigger part of me wants to stay in my room and cry myself […]
My Story Series
My Story, Part 7: The Life-Changing Power of a Best Friend
Disclaimer: This ‘my story’ series contains language that may potentially trigger those who have experienced or witnessed abuse. Read with discretion. It’s been a while since I last wrote. The end of summer brought a whole slew of events in my world – from traveling to Vegas to speak at the ASIS International GSX Conference, […]
My Story, Part 6: Teenage Self-Esteem, Pain Behind Closed Doors
Disclaimer: This ‘my story’ series contains language that may potentially trigger those who have experienced or witnessed abuse. Read with discretion. My boy band crush was A.J. from the Backstreet Boys. The other day, my sister asked me if I think this is why I tend to like men with facial hair. I couldn’t help […]
My Story, Part 5: A Crazy Teenage Mind, Stairways to the Sky
Disclaimer: This ‘my story’ series contains language that may potentially trigger those who have experienced or witnessed abuse. Read with discretion. You can mark this as the last entry I’ll ever bring up that “first guy” again. Why? Well, this isn’t a story about him. And quite honestly, I don’t like writing about it. It […]
My Story, Part 4: My First Date, No Kiss, Just Assault
I am the oldest of three, which means, my parents were strict on me and me alone. As a teenager, I was hardly allowed anywhere. My dad used to drive the streets just to catch me and my best friend walking to the beach. “Ashley! I told you not to take walks!,” he’d yell. Needless […]
My Story, Part 3: We Met in a Slow Song at the High School Dance
High school was a rough start. Despite becoming a new me over the summer, I was met with more ridicule than middle school had ever caused me. The girls hated me. It’s like I’d become the “pretty new girl” in school that might steal everyone’s boyfriend. The crazy part was, I was so innocent. I […]