“I understood myself only after I destroyed myself. Only in the process of fixing myself, did I know who I really was.”

Sade Andria Zabala

Introduction – First Draft

“Miss. Misunderstood,” I whisper in the mirror as my own eyes watch themselves shed heavy, yet slow tears. My self proclaimed nickname is no dramatic title, for as I look into the glass in front of me I cannot recognize the girl in it’s reflection. I take a deep breath and look to the ceiling as I wipe my eyes. “This too shall pass,” I try so desperately to encourage my sad heart, “This too shall pass.” With another deep breath, I look again into the mirror and my eyes transform. I smirk at the woman looking back at me, and as determination replaces self pity, I feel God’s hand on my shoulder rendering unspoken love and support. I splash my face with cold water, and take a moment to look down at my wrist. The four words tattooed into my skin calm me, reminding me that no hardship, nor moment of joy, will last forever. Once more I say aloud, “This too shall pass,” and open the bathroom door to cease hiding and face the world again.