My Escape
In the five days the Loop squad spent together, I learned more in those days than I did this past school year. From the teachings and stories from our Elder to the comments made by the youth. I never could imagine that these people would make such a big impact on me.
Antyx and Youth Arts Action has always been my escape. In grade 9, I would come most Thursdays to the Genesis Centre and when I would enter the room all my worries would go out. I would be a few steps away from the door and I would already have a smile planted on my face, excited for what was planned that day.
However, those five days easily surpassed the escape I got from YAA. I learned that if I wanted an escape from the world I needed to go back to the world. I needed to reconnect with nature. Those five days showed me that. I would never trade anything for those 5 days.
I was taught to appreciate everything around me. I have to appreciate those who came before and once I do that only then will I be able to provide for the people who are coming after me. I have to appreciate myself and all that my body does for me. I have to thank Mother Earth, the sun, and the plants.
Our Elder told us one piece of advice that I always think about. He said to us “Every time you look in the mirror, you have to look at yourself and say “I love you”. Your brain will say that it's cheesy but your heart will tell you that you need to hear it.” This statement hit a little close because I have always struggled with my self-image. I struggle with what others think of me more than what I think of myself. I always felt I had to fit the image society created. I was never taught anything about self-love. Only was it when I entered my teenage years was I introduced to that concept of loving oneself. Now almost four years later and I am still on the journey of loving myself. Soon I will be able to complete my Journey.
A short poem to express my ideas out further:
We always forget
To appreciate the life given to us
We always take our lives for granted
Not leaving much behind
We need to realize
That this world is not ours
We need to realize
The world is not ours to keep
We have to show
That we care for the people after us
We have to show
That we care for the people before us
We must love ourselves
To be able to change the world
We must love ourselves
To find peace in oneself
We can solve this
If we all work together
We can solve this
And bring peace to us all
We always forget
To appreciate the life given to us
We always take our lives for granted
Not leaving much behind
