English Assignment circa 2019.

I believe in mothers as best friends. I believe in the healing power of a dog’s love. I believe that laughing with someone you love is one of the great joys of being alive. I believe that music is a constant companion. I believe that some of life’s greatest adventures can only be found in a book. I believe that traveling helps you not only uncover more of the world, but hidden parts of yourself. I believe in using painting as a form of therapy. I believe that there isn’t much a dinner filled with Italian and girl-talk cannot solve. I believe that the only real apology is changed behavior. I believe that there are many different forevers – some might last just for a second or two, but they still go on – forever. I believe in the power of words – not only as a form of self-expression, but to prove to you that you are not alone. I believe in sleeping in. I believe in contemporary art. I believe that you are the only one responsible for your own healing. I believe that a good sense of humor can get you through a lot of dark shit. I believe in sunrises. I believe in sunsets. I believe that there is beauty in the mundane. I believe in the magic of ghost towns. I believe in love. I believe in letting go. I believe in the Universe. I believe that cooking a meal from absolute scratch is a form of therapy. I believe in appetizers and dessert. I believe in the power of reinventing yourself. I believe in connecting with someone on a deeper level because you know them from a sister life. I believe that after each heartbreak, you must relearn who you are. Additionally, I believe that you are changed every time you have loved truly. I don’t believe in love at first sight anymore, but I believe in ‘oh, it feels like I’ve known you before’ at first sight. I believe that time is one of the great healers of life. I believe that the ocean is a profound place to bring your grief. I believe in the caress of a breeze or slight wind. I believe that rain should make you feel alive. I believe in deep conversations after midnight. I believe in car rides around the city with your playlist blasting. I believe in still purchasing your favorite movies on DVD. I believe that the emotions I feel when singing my favorite songs are unmatched by anything else. I believe in adding cheese, bacon, and avocado. I believe in squeezing a lemon or lime wedge into my coca-cola. I believe in the sense of unity attending a concert brings. I believe that my dad is the funniest person I know. I believe that I will always give my all to remain close to my baby brother. I believe that nature is a great healer. I believe that sometimes you have to get lost to be found again. I believe that unlearning a lot of the bullshit you thought was true brings you closer to who you really are. I believe that some things are unforgivable. I believe that I’ve never been kissed properly, thoroughly. I believe in the acoustic versions of songs. I believe in poetry slams. I believe that the truth will set you free, it might set some things on fire, but it will set you free.

–S.

English Assignment circa 2008.

I believe that you don’t have to be skinny to be beautiful. I believe that if you are not learning that you are dying. I believe in pulling all-nighters. Eating junk food when you are sad and moments that take your breath away. I believe in love at first sight. Cheap birthday cake and cupcakes. I believe in watching a TV show just because you can hear your father laugh. I believe in sleeping in all summer long. I believe that what your parents say cuts the deepest. The feeling right after a deep conversation. I believe in smiles that don’t go away because of a certain boy. Being famous is overrated. Daydreaming. Texting. Italian food. I believe that laughter is the way into a person’s heart and soul. I believe that there is beauty in everyone. I believe in happy endings. The innocence of a child. Long car rides with loud music. IHOP and mix cd’s that people burn for you. I believe that people should not be allowed to drift away from each other. I believe that the truth will set you free. I believe in best friends that know you better than you know yourself. I believe that love is worth waiting for. I believe in moments you would like to freeze, just so you can play them over and over again. I believe in movies that give you a new outlook on life. I believe that tears don’t show weakness, but just how strongly you felt for something at a certain point in your life. I believe that you cannot hate a person because you will never truly know everything about them. I believe that wars don’t fix things – they separate families. I believe in Bosnia. I believe in wishing on shooting stars or 11:11 just in case. I believe things that are meant to be – always find a way back to each other. The beauty in a summer day. The spirit of someone that passed away. Saving voicemails just to hear that person’s voice. I believe in people that bring out the best in you. First impressions are mostly never true. Wanting something you cannot have. Doing something that you would never do. The words said when no one is speaking. The love of a family that is world’s apart. Things that complete my heart.

Today – I’d like to believe I’m still the person who wrote this.

–S.