CO-XST: STORIES
There’s a voice of longing inside every one of us daring, wishing and wanting to speak.
Each of our individual voices wish to serve as an ambassador of change, whether it is speaking out on delicate topics or simply trying to figure out why we are feeling underwhelmed. At times, we need inspiration to find that message of hope within our noise of confusion.
The CO-XST: Stories platform was created to showcase a broader social message of acceptance and hope to depict often-invisible experiences and start imploring everyone to think more deeply about who they are and how we can coexist in a space where our stories become a catalyst for celebrating each other.
Each blog post represents thought-provoking emotions which allow us to see each other as we are – human beings seeking kindness + compassion for our community, our countries and our world.
What is this?
This is anxiety. I can’t focus. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can’t socialize. I can’t get any motivation to do anything. Wish me luck.
Mental Health as a Nursing Student
My mental health is deteriorating.
It's difficult to cope with the stress.
A Battle Within
Over and over again, I spent my nights crying in sorrow. Hoping that it will get better tomorrow. But yet when tomorrow comes I’m stuck going in a circle .
The Finale.
We established a solid friendship and things we fine… Until he notified me that he had feelings for me and that he would love to “be with me.”
Always Painting Something
I have always loved art, design and was never afraid to DIY anything. I have shingled my own garage roof and layed my own hardwood flooring. There was nothing I thought I could not do.
Trying To Sort It All Out
What I do know is I just somehow have to keep going. All of us are fucked up during this time. I'm sure someone probably feels the same way I do - at least a few times, ya know?
Unknown Wanderer
I completely change my name, pretend I have an accent, have a different situation/family/reason for travel every single time. I love being anyone but me. I feel more confident portraying someone else, it’s a thrill…
Hypervisibly Invisible
Growing up using a wheelchair sucked. Not because I was limited to places I could go, or the fact that it got in the way. The reason it sucked is because it made me hypervisible to everyone around me.
A “Side-Life” Lived
I was a top student. Always on the Dean’s list, always over-achieving, always over-delivering. Then I’d go home at night and draw. Obsessively. A completely different person than I was during the day at school. Silently screaming.
The Value in Being Different
Everyone is different in some way or another and there are few people who show it to the world. I challenge you to be beautifully different.
We Can't Go Back.
So, this is the hardest thing I have ever written, but I am just gonna throw it out there. I am very upset with the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. I was sexually assaulted when I was 17 years old, I became pregnant and I had an abortion.
Finding the Light in the Darkness
I hope to be a light in the darkness for someone else one day. I hope my story will inspire someone to open up about their experience as well. I hope my story will give someone the courage to seek help. Your life matters.
Hiding in Plain Sight.
I was always part of the crowd. I became a part of the community to feel safe. I was six months old when I crossed the border with my mother.
