It takes courage to be who you are.
For some reason, six years ago, I was convinced that I must face that fact and start telling friends and family about my illness. For me, It was a moment where I had to break through the public facade of showing up a “perfect life” that I’ve been raised to do.
It was a time when so-called friends started to take distance from me. Something so painful to experience and I was deeply aggrieved of what I encountered.
In that situation, I was more seeking the attention and support, not for friends to turning their back to me.
Today I think that stepping out of the line and raising my hand was one of the most meaningful things I did that have had a significant influence on me getter better.
This photograph that I took yesterday does remind me of those moments. Now when I look at people, I think that so many live a life as a flower bud and are keeping up the facade while not being happy.
I see myself as the flower that blooms gracefully.
— Peter Engberg
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