Tag: self esteem

Pies On The Sidewalk: A Gift Of Confidence From A Mother to Her Daughters

Dianne Blomberg, Ph.D.

My mom never knew she had actually prepared me the best way possible. She died thinking she had failed as a parent who should have protected her daughter. Because of her, I guarded myself and my daughters from a future of abuse, failure, and lost dreams. As a single mom, I didn’t have much to give my girls, but I gave them the confidence to become strong, determined women who have the courage to leave pies on the sidewalk when that’s the only option.

I’m Just Not That Into You: Breaking Up With My Best Friend

Sophie Winik

It was the first day of English class. Students were waiting outside the classroom, most plugged into their phone, others chatting away with friends. There was a girl; I’ll never forget her bright yellow rain boots, who sat leaning against the wall. I smiled, as more and more people walked Read more

I Saw Myself Naked Today

Dave Pasquel

I saw myself naked today. Like most people, I typically take a quick glance at myself in the mirror after my morning shower—with a towel wrapped around my waist of course—to confirm that there’s nothing weird or abnormal with my body compared to the day before. I then move on Read more

My Relapse

Richard DeFino

April 11th, 2014, Rochester NY: It was a little after two o’clock in the morning; I was driving my car as steady as I possibly could, going exactly 35 mph down Monroe Avenue. Between shifting gears in my bright yellow, cop magnet, five speed Chevy, I was taking baby sips Read more

The Shot and The Draw: Teenage Heartbreak

Amye Archer

I still remember the feeling of my first heartbreak. I’m not talking about –you’re over there and I’m way over here-heartbreak, I’m talking about the heartbreak sitting right here on my chest, the looking over my shoulder, breathing in my ear heartbreak. The heartbreak that holds you and never lets Read more

On Letting Oneself Be Taken Care Of

Adrienne Pine

As the eldest in a large family, I grew up taking care of others. Watching my younger siblings, I learned to develop a sixth sense; I reserved a part of my attention to wander on that periphery where something might flare up among any one of them, at any time. Read more

When I Was Twenty-One

Jacqueline Cioffa

Our eyes met across the smoke filled bar The Boss playing on repeat on an 80’s jukebox I was a big girl doing shots Laughing, dancing and singing with my girls Not a care in the world or one fuck’s sake In my short skirt, ripped tank, fishnets and combat Read more