It's Been A Long Time

It has been quite a while since I posted anything on here. I honestly don't know where to start because so much has changed with me. I have had quite a few amazing revelations. Then of course there are still certain things that get me down. I honestly feel like it is this house that I live in.

Remember WAY back in my posts from when I was attending Spelman and I stated how moving back home is going to be my down fall. I think even then I knew how my family was; which I why I decided to move all the way to Georgia in the first place. It's really difficult living with parents that never wanted you and on occasion find subtle ways on reminding you about that. Then also a sibling that couldn't care less about you. So yeah, I still get the panic and anxiety attacks and certain reoccurring thoughts but I have not acted on them and I've made it through. I don't make enough to be on my own right now even though I have two jobs. But that is another story.

One thing that has really helped me get through the time I spent back home is writing and reading. I read anything that would transport me into some fantasy or alternate world. Anything that can captivate my mind within the first two pages I would pretty much read. I write anything from poems, letters, short stories, thoughts, goals, anything.

I think that it is really amazing how much I have grown and learned about myself in the past couple years. I love helping and taking care of other people, so I mentor and tutor 16 hours out of the week (anything to stay out of this house). It is great! Even though I do all that I still don't have many friends out here. Most of the time I am fine with that, I just read or something. I have met many guy friends but in the end their intentions were always something that did not interest me (except for one or two). Plus I always text or video chat with my friends from my original school.

But there is an actual topic I wanted to talk about, It ties in with the title of my blog. I was searching my room for something and found this envelope that was labeled "A Reason to Smile". It contained a letter from a friend of mine from Spelman that I once before considered to be like my older sister. It was the sweetest letter anyone has ever given me. She gave it to me when I was really stressed out when I was struggling to figure out if it would be best for me to stay or to go. She emailed it to me, but I forgot that I printed it out and saved it because I was so afraid that I would lose or delete the email. In the letter she wrote:

"Think about being lost in the woods. You're isolated from all people, all things that may potentially hurt you physically, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually. Being lost implies that one is searching, looking for answers. Luckily, when you know you're lost, there is room to find yourself. Don't be afraid of being lost; embrace it. Don't stay there, but give yourself the time to explore.[...] give yourself time to figure out how the pieces of your life fit together now that they don't quite look the same. Diamonds are birthed from pressure. The most beautiful things, the most beautiful are those that rise from the ashes".

Every time I was down since moving back here I would just keep repeating that last part. Not too long ago it started to get really bad again and it seemed to easy to give up. I wasn't even afraid of where I would go or what would happen to those around me anymore. Weird enough me not being afraid is what made me a little afraid. So I got that tattooed on me. I got "The most beautiful things are those that rise from the ashes". Before that I got a phoenix (it looks better than it sounds and "Still I rise;" above it on my ribs. It was a combination of her quote and of Maya Angelou who passed away. She was my all time favorite writer and greatly inspired me. It is a little reminder that I will keep finding ways to be happy.

Even though I don't talk to this friend anymore she has made a great impact on my life and I am forever thankful. When I am down or stressed or in a dark place I think back to my tattoos. I remember that when I got them I was happy and I had a reason to love and appreciate my being and life. So even if no one else on this planet cares what happens to me, I know that the beautiful, happy, and shiny part of me does care and that is all that ever matters.

I Need to Let Go

For those of you that always read this blog (but tend not to comment lol) you probably know by now who the three people that were very close to me are. One of them is my ex-boyfriend. Moving back to Connecticut and revisiting my old life I tried to think of how it was that I stayed happy and sane before I moved away. I realized that it was because of my boyfriend at the time. I put so much energy, thought, and love into that relationship that it was easy to forget about all of the bullshit.

We both agreed that when we moved away to college that we would no longer be together and that we would always be friends and always be close with each other. First year of college we would text or call each other every other week because the work load took time away from our free time. October came around and he wanted me to fly up for his homecoming. My mom flew me up but not for that purpose. I was only there for two days and my mom already had me running around talking to my whole family about the amazing Spelman College. I tried so hard to find a way to his school even if it was just to see him but my family wasn't having it. He was very upset which I could understand. But because of his anger he went and had sex with another girl. 

Now, even though I loved him so much, throughout our relationship I did have my reservations with him because he cheated on me a couple times and I did not trust him. It was my idea to break up for school because I knew that if I could not trust him while we were in the same town I would drive myself crazy while we were in different parts of the country. So when he told me that he slept with her out of anger I began to shut him off. We talked a couple times a month. I was so mad that I couldn't even have full conversations with him. I went home for some breaks and I would run into mutual friends. They would tell me to call him, to please call him, because he was a wreck. I was too mad. But I did and he would simply state that he missed me apologize and what not. 

When school was out that summer we hung out quite a few times. We went on dates. We even had sex again. Then school started again and we were back to once a month texting. That winter I found out that I would be transferring back home and to his school nonetheless. I texted him to tell him and there was no reply for a few weeks. Then I got confused about some buildings when I got there and texted him to ask him and their was still no reply. So naturally I got upset and started texting and calling him trying to figure out what was wrong. Finally we got in contact. He said that he has been ignoring me because he just thinks that it is all too much and strange for him. I was upset started crying and he began to feel bad. So he tried to talk to me. He asked about why I changed, how things were and everything. At this point I knew that he recently had a new girlfriend but he is not someone that I want to be in a relationship with. Just to be friends because more than anything he was my friend more than he was my boyfriend. 

I kid you not. Two days went by and he started to ignore me again so I was just like fuck it. Sent him a happy birthday text and he said thanks but I did not receive one a month later. Soon I realized that he blocked me from every social networking site and wouldn't return my calls. So at this point I was really alone and took a trip to GA to see my friends. 

I have not felt hurt like this in a while. It is mainly because I never thought that he, out of all people, would turn his back on me. This is the first time that I understood how easily love could turn into absolute hate. I have cried so many times in 2014 and for so many reasons. But for some reason this has been the most devastating and painful cause. I really am working on improving myself and finding out who I am. This blog has really helped me express all of this. So to my ex-boyfriend, who will remain nameless, I am letting you go. 

I Almost Slipped!

So remember how I decided to go celibate a month or so ago? Well that was going well until yesterday. Before I continue, I plan on being very open about this topic so no judgment.
Ok. So one of my friends from back when I was in high school contacted me a week ago wanting to hang out. I've known him for over twelve years. We were always cool, never flirted or anything like that. Yesterday, he comes to pick me up and we plan on hanging out at his friend's house because they were having a small get together. We were casually flirting while we made a few stops before we got to the house. Once we got there we all started drinking and smoking. We were all laughing and goofing around having a great time. Moving forward, me and him were sitting on the porch playing games on my phone and he kept leaning closer and closer. I was very resistant at first but then gave in and kissed him. We were making out and everything was fine. The mosquitos started to come out and we went inside. Some of the other people were changing their clothes because they were going to the club, but I had to work in the morning so I was just waiting to leave. Me and the guy were in one of the rooms waiting watching TV. We started making out again which was nice. The kissing was great, and I am not going to lie I was curious to know what else that mouth could do. So we are making out pretty heavy with the door close. His hands are traveling places, and his fingers started to play with things. And it all felt GREAT. But then he started to pull at my pants and I calmly told him that he needed to wait. So he stopped and we continued to make out. But being under the influence really caused me to crave sex. So I started going a little harder with the making out and grinding. His hands and fingers started to explore again. Before you know it his mouth went down under. At this point I was not going to stop him. But then he started to unzip his pants and I sobered up. I explained how things were going too fast and we need to stop since we were not clear headed at the moment. He agreed after he tried to get me to give him oral sex but that was not going to happen. So once he relaxed, we talked and finally left. Everything was cool. He still texted me this morning and everything is good between us. I do not feel bad about the oral sex. But stopping from actual intercourse was hard, I must admit.
In my mind I just kept thinking of the promise I made to myself, and how much it meant to me. I really want to save myself for the right person this time and not just anyone, no matter how long I have known them. This is like a fresh start for me and he just was not the one.

May I be the 1st to Concent

I sort of have an announcement. I think I started to explain it in the post "Formation of the Ashes" (which I promise to continue on right after I finish with finals). Anyway, I decided to become celibate. I thought about it a few times in the past but never thought about actually doing it. I really got motivated to go celibate when my older sister went celibate. I look up to her a  lot and I thought that going celibate was a great thing. Even though she did not last as long as she wanted to I am still proud of her for making it for as long as she did. ( I have to confess I was sort of hurt that she did not make it the whole way. But she is still a strong woman). OK back to me.

So I want to try to last a year at first, and if I make it that far then possibly another year. If I make it to that point then I want to go all the way until I complete finish school including graduate school. I have friends who have yet to have sex and I admire them so much.

Now lets get to why I want to do this. If I could turn back the hands of time to about four years ago then I would so have waited. The first person I had sex with I completely regretted for numerous reasons and I felt completely empty inside after. The guy that I intended to sleep with for the first time was great. He is the close guy friend that I mentioned in the last post. But sex with him was so great that I did not realize how bad we were for each other. Just because the sex is good does not mean you should be with that person. Soon we just began using each other for sex. This got messy because our feelings always got thrown into the mix and there were a lot of other factors involved. Four years later, I realize that I do not ever want to be with him. The problem is that when I had sex with someone that was not him, I did not like it because there was always this intense emotion that was connect to sex with him that I did not have with anyone else. I don't know...I don't really enjoy it. I have gotten to the point where I do not connect emotion to it at all and I just do it for the relief of stress or personal pleasure. However, sometimes I feel like sh*t afterwards.

Another reason is that I want to regain control over my life and develop my own sense of power. I never felt as if I had control over my life and that always bothered me. ( I will talk about this more in a later post).  I feel like that it is kind of changing me for the worst. Lately I have been trying to find myself and I do not need to start changing negatively causing me to become even more lost. I want to have that power and strength and beauty. I see myself as a rare and unique breed that not everyone is deserving of. I use to be so hard on myself when I had sex with someone that was not the main guy (I hope I am not being confusing BTW because I honestly do not know how to refer to him without naming names). Sometimes I would get intense anxiety attacks or cry for hours or just try to block off all thought going on in my head. It's crazy I know, but that is why I am trying to fix it now.

When I do decided to have sex again I want it to be my choice. I want it to be with a guy that understands and that I am in love with. Not someone who's focus is just on one thing.

So, this journey is going to start May 1st! I wanted a date that I could easily remember. Also, I recently had sex with a person from school and I just wanted this to really by my choice. I did not want it to be a sudden impulsive thing. It is an certain date that is planned, that is welcomed, and that I am anticipating.

I will keep you updated (who ever you are that always view this blog). I am not sure how many people actually stop and read this stuff or are just passing through in search of a different blog. But to those who actually read this, I thank you. Like I mentioned before, I do not have many people that I feel secure enough to talk to about this. Or people that would actually care. So when I see an increase in my view count for this blog it really warms my heart. So thank you for not making me feel like I am alone

Formation of the Ashes

A major part of my secret life deals with my intimate and sexual personal life. There are a few things that makes this such a big secret and big deal for me. From the people who know, the people I have had sex with, and why I have had sex with them. Even what happens when I am done having sex with certain people.

It's crazy because I just started writing and already I am starting to feel uneasy about this post. My heart is beating uncontrollably and tears are building up in my eyes. I have this desire to call someone right now just to get my mind off of this subject. But it is something that I want and need to do. I need to get this out. And this blog (even though no one views this) is my outlet.

I started having sex the summer of 2010 during which I was still in high school. I never told anyone in my family, except for my cousin who was the same age me. I never told my family for a few reasons. One was because my mother and I were not close what so ever. We were too close in age and argued more than the average. Many harsh words would launch from her mouth at the smallest problems. As I would stand there and take it her words stabbed me like daggers every time. Over time the relationship faded and I distanced myself from her. She was not a person that I trusted with my information and not someone that I felt comfortable around. Another reason why I did not go to my family was because every single woman from my grandmother down has had a child before they turn 19 years old. I was seen as the "golden child" of the family. I had amazing grades, I was quiet, respectful, kind to everyone, took classes and interned at Yale. They constantly placed me on a pedestal. I am so worried about protecting other people and their emotions that I could not bring myself to tell them about it. Even until this day they all think that I am a virgin, I still do not have the courage to tell them otherwise. Especially because too many questions will cause them to dig deep into this secret life.

Let me take you a little further into this summer. You know how people say if you keep knocking then someone is bound to answer? Well, I kept knocking on the door of the devil and that summer he answered and I almost walked inside. Now I have told a couple people about this summer once I moved away to college. But there were certain things that I lied about because I was ashamed. But this is the complete truth.

Let me start off at the beginning. Once it started to get warm, I would sneak to my friend's house. Me and him were always very close. We knew all about each other. Actually we have been really close up until about a month ago when I had to cut him off completely. But that is something for another post. But he knew that I was a virgin so when I would go to his house we would not have penetrative sex ( I guess you can call it). He was not a virgin by any means. I appreciate that he would not try to take advantage of me or do anything that I did not want to do. We would have oral sex he would perform on me. I don't remember if I did it to him at this time and I don't want to lie. There was a lot of touching, feeling, and groping going on. The one problem was that he was two years older than me, graduating and had a girlfriend. Both him and the girlfriend went to my high school.

Now it was the middle of June and it was the day of his senior trip. I planned on losing my virginity to him. He said that he wasn't going on his trip so at the end of the day we would just go to his house if I was sure. Me and him talked to each other and flirted but yet I think that my feelings were stronger. I was sitting downstairs ready, excited, and nervous. Then I looked out of the window as I waited and saw him get on the bus with his girlfriend hand in hand. I was so hurt. I think that I just wanted attention.

I knew that there was this one guy from school who liked me. I hung out with him once before and it seemed ok even though he tried to have sex but I turned him down. I was so desperate for attention that I texted him asked if I could come over and the next thing you know I was on the city bus to his house. This is the hard part because to be honest I do not know what to call what happened next. I went over there and he had two friends downstairs. We walked passed them and went upstairs (Sign
#1). We were sitting upstairs and just talking. Everything was fine. But something was screaming at me to go home, to just get up and make an excuse to leave. But I sat there. Then he laid down and continued talking. I thought, that there was no harm in laying down so I went to do so. Then he said in order to lay down I have to take my pants off (Sign #2). You would think that I would have said no. But in the back of my mind I thought that there could be nothing wrong with this. He dated a couple of my friends and I never heard anything bad about him. He was the star basketball player and everyone loved him. So do you know what I did? I took my pants off and I laid there. It was ok for a second, everything was calm. But then he flipped over on me and started grabbing at my clothes. He attempted to kiss me but it just felt like a dead skull being rubbed against my face. I pushed him away and he stopped. But words did not come out of my mouth. He went back on me but I moved away. I thought he got the hint because he got up and walked to the other side of the room. I sat there and rubbed my face. What the fuck was I doing? But I did not move. I did not grab my pants. I did not try to leave. Everything was happening too fast and I did not know what to do. But then I watched him lock the door (Sign #3). I looked over for my stuff. Time for that excuse to leave. In my mind I had all of my stuff in my hand but I can't remember for the life of me how my body failed to move. Then he walked over to the bed with an animal like pace and got back on me. I turned my head and told him to "wait" I felt his face crush my mouth and I told him to "chill". It was too late because I could not move from under him and I gave up the fight. I let my eyes glaze over and tried really hard not to scream because that would only verify what was happening. After I while he got up and asked for a condom. I did not move for a long while, I just laid there fighting back every emotion. I think that moment was when I learned to hold my emotions in. Then he left the room. I think to ask his friends for one. But I grabbed my stuff and ran to the bathroom. He came knocking at the door and asked if I was alright and he will be in his room. I could not look in the mirror. I just put my clothes on and ran outside to catch the bus. I rode the two hour bus ride completely dead on the inside. I had absolutely no thoughts, no words, no emotions. I did not go back to school after that day because finals were over and I did not need to. The boy also transferred schools that summer.

To this day I do not know what to call what happened. The few people that I told of the situation, I said that I was raped. Only because that is exactly what it felt like. But thinking back I don't know what it was.

I did not want to remember that as my first time. So a couple weeks after I had sex with my friend who had the girlfriend. A few days after he asked about my virginity and I told him what happened. He thought I lied about it and that I was a hoe. He did not believe me and he did not talk to me for days. The person that I am now would have left him alone right then. But I literally had no one. And he was the closest to something. So I tried my best to please him. I think that he knew that as well. He would talk to me when he felt like it and I would accept that. I would travel just to go to his house and have sex with him. We did not use protection and soon after I got pregnant. I never took a test but my period was late by two months. I told him and he denied it, told me to "kill it". And said that he refused to talk to me until I got an abortion. At that point I thought that I could do it on my own. So I had a plan to run away and fend for myself like on the Gilmore Girls. It was going to be me and my baby. I thought at least now I have someone who could love me. But do not get me wrong I was panicking and crying every night until I determined that I was pregnant. I looked up was to self abort but I was not going to do that. I went to an amusement park for a friend's birthday. I got on rides. And I felt the worse pain I have ever felt in my entire life. The bleeding was much more than an average period. As I sat in the bathroom I knew. I had my father pick me up and bring me home. I showered, went to my bed and stayed there.

Besides the one "friend" no one knew. I felt empty and depressed. I wanted to die and I thought that I was ready. I tried to drown myself and it didn't work, I tried to suffocate myself, and it didn't work and I started to talk to the wrong group of people. I started to talk to local guys online some were even in there late twenties. I had video chats with them, sent pictures of certain things to one, sexted. I did not care about the consequences. I was still sneaking to have sex with my "friend". I planned on meeting up with one of the guys. But my mom stopped me and we had this argument about how I was acting. I lost myself and I stayed lost for years. I started to change when I found a boyfriend and was able to focus. But once he cheated I learned that I still had no one and I could not trust anyone.
I realize that this post is already extremely long. I did not even get into my main point. I am going to post this and continue with an additional post at a later date.