I’m not ok, and I’m Finally Saying it

Maria Chapman
Nov 6 · 5 min read

I’m not ok. If you stop me in the hallway at my school today and ask how I’m doing, that will be my answer. Last school year I would have smiled and said, “Never better!” I’d have been lying, but I thought that’s what people wanted to hear. I’m strong, and capable, and always happy. I always have been, and I thought that’s how I had to be. Besides, I’m an elementary school teacher, so smiles and cheery voices are issued along with the degree, right? As the pain took over in my neck towards the end of the school year, the lie got harder to say out loud, but I did my best. Instead of telling…

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Maria Chapman

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Writer | Educator | Mother | Wife | Fitness | Chronic Illness | Social Change | Mental Health

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