Haunted: Collection Created by Nia Marcolini

Haunted as an adjective means visited or inhabited by ghosts. Or showing signs of severe worry, anxiety, or distress. 
What a complex word. As a woman, I think it’s safe to say that all of us are a little haunted. Not so much in a spectral way (maybe some of us, who’s to say)  but more of an emotional possession. The haunting of expectations and judgment placed on us, much of us at an early age, that carries so much weight that we are in fact, haunted by their presence. Haunted by self-doubt and crushing emotions that can cause us to be lost to ourselves. 

“You’re not good enough” “You should smile more” “What’s wrong with you” “It’s not that bad” “You need to just choose to be happy” “It’s all in your head”

Many forget that words hold power. Words have the power to inspire and create and fuel inspiration. However, they also hold the power to hurt and destroy. 

There is hope. We are not captive in these prisons of self-doubt. These words hold no power here. Use them to fuel your fire. 

It does get better.