Paper People

In middle school, my home room teacher once gave me a piece of paper and told me to crumple it up. So I did. Then, she told me to straighten it out. So I did. Except, it wouldn’t go back to the way it was before. It was full of creases and folds. She told me this is what happens when you hurt someone. You can never undo the damage done.

I understand the purpose she’s trying to convey, it's a good lesson to teach children, but she isn't entirely correct. A piece of paper doesn’t have to stay crumpled forever. You can get it back to the way it was before. Mush it down to paper pulp and remake it, maybe. Or use a hydraulic press to flatten it. Sure, it’s a lot of effort, but it’s not impossible.

A person doesn’t stay crumpled forever. They’re stronger than paper. They can remake who they are and come back better than ever.

A person doesn’t stay broken forever. It’s a painful progress, sure, but it’s not impossible.

Never give up on yourself.