The norms of adolescence have me so tightly bound to a rope. The tethers of it burn across my neck- I hopelessly choke.

My eyelashes are straight—uncurly like the girls my age. So I pinch them upwards inch by inch until my eyelids are red and swollen as tears shed.

My clothes aren’t in style anymore, so I’ll go to the store and spend every lost penny on my untrendy jeans—head above the shore.

Now, my hair is wavy—not curly or straight—not like all the other girls my age. So I'll burn its life out and straighten all its mistakes.

My face is ugly, so I'll put on makeup to polish the flaws. I'll also drown it in makeup every day and abide by the beauty laws.

See, the norms of adolescence have all of our heads below the surface. Because in this world, to be a leaf in a world full of flowers is to not fit in. Carrying anything unique is considered to be no beauty within.

I wish it weren't the case and we could all be ourselves- carrying no weights or stakes.

But beauty isn't in fitting in. It's in standing out. Showing your true essence.

So don’t change for anyone.

And fuck The Norms of Adolescents.

(Free write! Just mad at people being so judgmental when people are being themselves. UHGHH why is there so many expectations)

(JUST BE YOURSELF 🫶)