I remember as a child, I was very outgoing and had lots of friends to play with, both girls and boys. I often brought them home after school and turned my parents’ house into a playground.
But one day, things took an unexpected turn. A boy tried to pull a stunt and lift my skirt when I instinctually, I kicked him so hard with my legs that he started to cry.
I was startled by what I had done and shocked by my own strength – there I was, this little girl standing up to someone much bigger. The fallout was a bit dramatic at the time – his parents complained, and mine got called to the principal’s office.
Looking back, that moment signaled this deeper part of myself – that underneath my friendly exterior, there’s a strong need for safety and security.
Since then, many similar situations have cropped up, reminding me of that fine line between being open and staying safe – protecting myself from real or perceived threats.
As I carry these memories with me, I’m reminded that behind every unusual story, there’s one more secret waiting to be uncovered.