I’m 35. I’m a twice divorced, single mother of two teenagers. I’m a chef. I’ve battled anorexia and bulimia for 23 years. I have every anxiety disorder under the sun. I have a lifetime of stories no one should have. I still smile, even if it’s fake. you name it, I’ve lived through it – abuse, rape, domestics violence, loss, miscarriage, parenting, marriage, divorce, love, hate, fear, death, everything. I’m still standing.
I am a 31 year-old pessimist with a facade that comes from working with the public for most of my life. I’ve flunked out of college. I’ve worked for my family at least part time since I was old enough to want money, and I am too scared of uncertainty to move away and find a job that I actually enjoy. I can slow my pulse through sheer force of will to stop a nosebleed, but I can’t muster the courage to talk to new people. I’m out of shape, with a mountain of health problems, and a never-ending supply of silliness. Yet, somehow, I hope you can still #lovemeanyways. –Jess
I am an awesome father, if I may say so. I just said so. Plus, my kids say so, and that’s fuckin’ awesome. I cuss a lot and unapologetically; it’s most often not in anger, but sheer excitement. I love life. I am a passionate artist. I make immediate amends when I’ve wronged someone; it’s so much better that way. I’m a cafeteria Catholic. I’m spiritual, not necessarily religious. I get along really well with my ex-wife; divorce was not an opportunity for us to remain resentful and bitter, but to be the friends we always have been. I’m in recovery for years of unhealthy behavior; I swear by my program; it’s saved my life. I’ve a big ol’ vocabulary. I pronounce “pho” like you’re supposed to: “fuh.” I am imperfect and okay with that. I must regularly work on my perfectionism. I sometimes feel like I invented codependence. I might get under Angry’s wing to learn more about what he does and how to share the wealth. I believe both Jesus and Malcolm X were righteous dudes. I’m a damn good screenwriter. I’m full of vivaciousness. Sometimes, I’m full of shit. I got my rage under management at the same time as my other unhealthy stuff; that saved a lot of trouble for me and others. I’m nervous about dating at 40. I’m excited about dating at 40. I knew Angry when we called him “John Kim.” I like it when I make others laugh, especially accidentally. I’m on the road to making amends to those I hurt in the past. I love key lime pie and movies and beef stroganoff. I am grateful every morning my eyes open up. I have a great relationship with the God of my understanding and I won’t judge you by your God(s) of your understanding. I like writing, “Smiley face” instead of J. I am rarely, if ever, envious; but I do have to surrender my jealousy pangs. I have tapped into my joie de vivre. I’m building a writers’ circle in the Southwest. I’m fomenting social justice. I’m preaching compassion for others and for oneself. I’m kicking ass and taking names. I am in love with my Min Pin mix named Stella Luna; she’s a dork like me. I have successfully indoctrinated my kids to love movies and comic books. My kids are my sun and moon. Love me anyways for all the above. Smiley face.
#lovemeanyways
Jeff Y of the Ivy Walls rocking a Love Me Anyways tee!!
The “Love Me Anyways” thought initiative reminds me of this part in the Swedish film “Let the right one in”. The little boy is onto the fact that the little girl is actually a vampire to which she replies “Would you like me anyway?”. Amazing. We’re all just little vampires.
Love me anyways,
Jeff Y. The Ivy Walls
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The title of their last album really describes the mood of their music the best, dirty passionate daydreaming. Check them out: http://www.theivywalls.com/
Im almost a half a century but they say I look younger. My body feels 50 but my mind is still 28. YA know?!?! I request honesty, I say what’s on my mind and sometimes I’m rude. I don’t mean too but I’m very blunt, and this in 3 languages. I love children, beaches and good food. My shapes are “Rubanesque” and at times I wish I still fit in my nice jeans. I love my kids. All of them. The ones I made. And the ones God gave me all grown up. I can paint, cook and change a tire. I can plan a big event, be there for a friend and cook for 50 but have a hard time taking time for me. My heart is scarred by unfaithfulness and treason so I stay in the house alot. I admire many beautiful strong women. My ideal man is Taye Diggs.
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
I am a health freak who smokes cigarettes, although I hate the smell of them. Although I resist unhealthy pleasures and I feel guilty afterwards, I still indulge in them from time to time. I have felt hurt, disappointed and discouraged so many time but I still believe in soul mates and true love. I have played roles, got tired of them and now I don’t care about others expectations of me. I only want to be and feel happy, even if it sounds selfish to some, to me it’s most important. One minute I judge myself and see flaws, the next I look in the mirror and I see a piece of irresistible miracle. My favorite line is Fuck It. I like my space and enjoy me time to heal from negative vibes. I thrive on beauty, all kinds and sorts but they gotta be organic. I hate shopping for clothing, wish I can wear a bathing suit everywhere. I strongly dislike the cold, grumpiness and fog. I am a sunshine lover, need water to keep calm and fresh outdoor air to feel alive. I love space and simplicity. Jokes, humor and good times are always welcomed in my life. Fuck it to all of the above
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
I am a neat freak. I worry, in excess. I want love, too much. I accept less than I deserve. I draw too many conclusions. I hide behind a smile. I’m angry because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’m always late. I curse like a sailor. I’m afraid at night, so I don’t sleep. I try too hard to prove myself. I blame my mother. I’m ashamed of my stomach, due to three cesarean sections, yet I am proud of my children beyond words. I’m patient and impatient at the same time. I confuse myself. I love too hard. I cry too much. I have trouble accepting what is and letting go of what was. But please,
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
I obsessively collect Converse sneakers. I’m addicted to both peanut butter and gum. I am a procrastinator of the worst sort. My finances are a mess. I haven’t shaved my legs in three months. I never wash my car, and neglect getting it’s oil changed. I love my students so much, but at times I hate my job. I deeply resent being told what to do, but won’t ask for help if I don’t know what to do. I’m an art teacher who rarely makes art herself. – Sarah
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
I’m silly, some would say ridiculous. I delight in the absurd. I dance in public. I sing to my puppies. I hug everyone. I have been very deeply hurt in my life. I get scared of the future. I am messy. I own too many dresses. I drink day old coffee left in the pot. Noelle from Team Angry
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
I play mature but im a teenager inside . Love sharing yoga . Have two kids from different marriages. Love to feel taken care of . Needy . Egocentric . Admire my dad . Divorced once and twice??? OMG. Mexican part Japanese . I need to eat something crunchy when I’m anxious . I believe in angels . Nothing fills me up entirely . Don’t trust guys . Hate it . I love them . I need them too….I think too much and too early . I embrace growing as a lifestyle . Im 35 ready for whatever life brings . Again.
#lovemeanyways
Join the thought initiative at www.unfukyourself.com
