Some people change

The picture on the left is me now, present day. The picture on the right was taken roughly a year ago. I'm amazed out how much I've changed in the year. I know it sounds like I am full of myself, but I'm not the same person I was a year ago. A year ago, I was sixteen, I was severely depressed with insanely suicidal thoughts. I cut between 6-8 inches off my hair and dyed it black. I became a stranger in my own body, it was like I didn't know who I was anymore. In August of last year I went to Parkview Behavioral Health (Charter Beacon) for issues with S.I. (self-harm). It was hard for me to admit it then, I didn't want to say it. I was so mad and angry at my family and at myself and I didn't know how to handle anything.
Now, I'm still angry and I bitter, but I handle it better. I have a whole team of people who help me and have kept me 'clean'. I know that it's okay to reach out and say "I need help."
A friend said something to me and it just made me realize how different I am. She told me that I had such an optimistic outlook. I didn't a year ago. Then I realized, life is so much bigger than this. It's bigger than my family and the disappointment. It's bigger than the pain. There's a beauty in it and I see it now.
-sigh-
long winded, I know.
I'm just thankful for everyone. I really am.
I'm not ashamed of who I was, but I'm proud of who I've become. If that makes any sense at all.
Love.Love.Love.
-Julia

Here's to the strong
Thanks to the brave
don't give up hope
some people change
against all odds
against the grain
love finds a way
some people change
-Montgomery Gentry;