When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
I was forced to grow up fast. I grew up with mom who ignored me most of the time, when she didn’t just screamed at me awful things. I learned it was better to stay as far away from her as possible. I have the freedom to roam my town, making decisions that I should have not been able to make.
I had a strong sense of self-reliance. The trouble at 7 years old I made some not so good decisions. And got into drinking and drugs early. To look back it was staggering hoe much responsibility I had to handle so young.
Raiding the first for left overs or mayonnaise sandwiches. Walking myself to and home from school.
I had to interpret grown up emotions to adapt to keeping the peace. I was raised on cocktail independence, neglect and figure things out on my own. I was way too young when I realized that no one cared about what I was going through, or what I was feeling. I craved care and attention and that just wasn’t there. I got the message that I had to just keep going, even if I was not okay.
From Pity to Praise 