We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some thought-provoking and some funny. We’ve highlighted a cross section of those responses below.
Ashley Brown
As a child I was bullied, told I’d never do anything good or even ‘Be Somebody’. As I went on through my milestones I tried to show those people what I was capable of and tried to prove to them that I would in fact do great things. Read more>>
Maya Gopalakrishnan
As a child, I was told I would never amount to much. I worked hard, but had nothing to show for that hard work. I was 21 years old when I got diagnosed with ADHD and it changed everything for me. I’m still working with a therapist and a psychiatrist to manage it but my life has been irreversibly changed since the diagnosis. Read more>>
Christina Cline
As a child I believed that growing up meant letting go of the magic… that in adulthood it would be all rules, responsibilities, and routine. But what I have discovered is that the magic never really leaves. It just shifts. Read more>>
Jessica Dory
As a child I was labeled as ‘shy’ and that became a big part of my identity. It was a challenge over the years to redefine what that actually meant for me. Looking back I believe I was a deeply sensitive and creative child. Read more>>
Becca Armstrong
As a child, I believed there was something wrong with me—that I was unlikable, not good enough, and unworthy of belonging. Being bullied until I was thirteen left me living in constant fight-or-flight, trying to please others just to feel safe. I truly thought I had to earn permission to exist. Read more>>
