I Am 13… and This Is What Growing Up

My name is ____.

I’m 13.

And even though I look like I’m holding it together most days, I’m not.

People think I’m being dramatic.

People think I’m being moody.

People think I’m being difficult.

But I swear —

I just feel everything a little too much.

🌺 My Feelings Are Loud — Even When I’m Silent

One minute I’m laughing with my friends,

and the next minute, something tiny triggers me, and I feel like crying.

It doesn’t even make sense to me.

So I hide it — because I don’t want to be “that girl” who cries all the time.

But when I pretend I’m fine,

I feel even more alone.

🌼 I Wish Adults Knew I Overthink Every Little Thing

I replay conversations from school on loop.

Did I say something weird?

Did they get annoyed?

Did I ruin the vibe?

Did I look stupid?

Even when the world has moved on, my mind hasn’t.

🌿 Sometimes My Anxiety Looks Like Anger

When I’m overwhelmed, I snap.

I shut down.

I look irritated.

But inside, I’m scared.

I’m confused.

I’m drowning a little.

I wish people understood that I’m not trying to be rude —

I’m trying not to fall apart.

🌙 I Feel Responsible for Everyone’s Emotions

If someone is upset —

even if they don’t say anything —

I feel it.

I carry it.

I blame myself for it.

It’s exhausting to care this much.

🌼 And Sometimes… I Don’t Recognize Myself

One day I feel confident.

The next day I can’t bear to look in the mirror.

Instagram makes it worse.

School makes it worse.

Comparing myself makes it worse.

Everyone says “don’t compare,”

but it’s hard not to when every girl looks like she has her life together

and I feel like a glitch in the system.

🌺 I Hide More Than People Realize

I hide my sadness because I don’t want pity.

I hide my panic because I don’t want judgment.

I hide my confusion because I don’t want lectures.

I hide my anger because I don’t want to be misunderstood.

I hide… because I don’t know how to explain any of this without crying.

And crying is the one thing I hate being seen doing.

✨ I Don’t Need Fixing. I Just Need Understanding.

I don’t need advice every time I fall apart.

I don’t need comparisons to other girls.

I don’t need to be told I’m “too sensitive.”

I don’t need to be forced to calm down.

Sometimes I just need someone to sit next to me and say:

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

No solutions.

No judgment.

Just presence.

💛 I Am Learning… Slowly

I’m learning that calming down doesn’t mean ignoring my feelings.

It means naming them.

Breathing through them.

Understanding them.

I’m learning that big feelings don’t make me weak.

They make me human.

They make me compassionate.

They make me me.

And maybe —

just maybe —

being sensitive is not a flaw.

It’s a superpower.

🌸 For Every Girl Who Feels Like Me

If you’re 13 (or anywhere near it),

and you feel like you’re too much, too emotional, too messy,

please know this:

You are not too much.

You are growing.

You are becoming.

You are learning yourself — one overwhelming feeling at a time.

And you’re not alone.

You are one of us —

a daughter of this land,

a daughter of this sisterhood,

a Daughter of India.

🌼 Embracing Our Emotions Together

We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed.

It’s okay to feel this way.

We can support each other through these tough times.

Let’s create a safe space where we can share our feelings.

We can talk about our struggles and celebrate our victories.

Together, we can lift each other up.

🌿 The Power of Connection

When we connect with others, we realize we’re not alone.

Sharing our experiences can lighten our emotional load.

We can find strength in our stories and learn from one another.

Let’s reach out to friends, family, or mentors.

We can build a network of support that empowers us.

Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of life.

🌺 Finding Joy in the Journey

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns.

It’s important to find joy in the little things.

Whether it’s a sunny day, a good book, or a heartfelt conversation,

let’s cherish those moments.

We can create our happiness by focusing on what brings us joy.

Let’s celebrate our achievements, no matter how small.

Every step forward is a reason to smile.

🌼 A Call to Action

Let’s commit to being there for each other.

We can start by listening without judgment.

Let’s practice empathy and understanding.

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued.

Let’s empower each other to embrace our emotions.

We are stronger together, and our voices matter.

— a 13 year old