So, You’ve Been Left on “Read”

October 20, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

We all do it. We open a message, read it, and decide not to reply. Sometimes it’s because we can’t think of anything else to say or we’re not interested in the conversation anymore; sometimes, we glance at the message and forget to reply as we do other things; and sometimes, we choose not to […]

Am I a Writer?

August 18, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’ve come across a few Instagram posts recently about imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is where an individual has self-doubts about their work and talents and has an internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. And it made me wonder about my insecurities as a writer. I love to write, and it’s always been something […]

An Open Letter to my Future Self

August 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hey you, I hope things are going well. Did you move yet? I’d assume you have by the time you read this. Are you still working at your fabulous job? I mean, how could you not be there, that would be crazy. Did you get married yet (hehe)? I don’t know how you’re supposed to […]

I Told Body Dysmorphia To F%*K Off

July 14, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

I experience body dysmorphia almost every day; everyone does, to varying degrees. We look in the mirror and fixate on every flaw we find in ourselves. These are the things that make us feel insecure and question our worth. For me, I notice the bulge of my stomach, or my squinty left eye, or my […]

A Scaredy-Cat Watches The Haunting of Hill House

June 23, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

I’m a scaredy-cat. Legitimately terrified of scary movies. To give you some context, I watched Paranormal Activity when I was younger and didn’t sleep until the sun came up for three weeks afterwards. I am very easily startled, so jump scares are the enemy, but I am chill with monsters thanks to years of watching […]

Enough is Enough

June 3, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

All around the world, people are marching against racism, and I stand with them. It’s tough to write this for a few reasons. I want you to understand my intentions, to know we support the fight against racism, and I’m tired of hearing what BIPOCs are still going through. It’s disgusting; why is this happening? […]

Quarantine for Extroverts

April 21, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi, I’m Maria, and I’m an extrovert. Which means quarantine sucks. As an extrovert, I get my energy from social interaction. I thrive in social settings, I have multiple groups of friends, I’m loud (and a wee bit obnoxious), and I don’t really enjoy a lot of alone time. Not because I don’t like myself […]

The Story of How a Girl Who Couldn’t Bear to Wear a Bathing Suit Ended Up Stripping on Stage

November 26, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

I’m fat. Or at least according to conventional beauty norms I am. I honestly hate that word, even in this empowered, body positivity era, where women are taking ownership of the derogatory term. Calling yourself something hateful to spite the traditional use doesn’t negate the hate. It’s the same when my dad calls himself a […]

Monster Lead Me Home

November 19, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Have you ever been in a place where you thought you were worthless, underappreciated, wrecked, and unloved? That’s what it was like to live in the other world. When I first arrived in the other world, it was a place of optimism with the promise to grow into a wonderful person. They offered a comfortable […]