Look at me.

Acknowledge me.

Look in my direction.

Turn your head and really see me.

I am not Violet from the Incredibles.

I didn’t choose to be invisible to everyone that passes me by.

When I walk down the hall, I want to be noticed.

No, I don’t want to be the center of attention.

I just want to be acknowledged.

I want someone, anyone, to show or express recognition or realization of my presence.

We are quick to turn our heads when teachers stroll down the hallways with pizza boxes.

We are quick to turn our heads when fights break out in the hallways.

But how quick are we to turn our heads slightly, look in the direction of a single person, and simply smile?

Stop avoiding my desperate, dark brown eyes that are seeking approval from everyone.

Why can’t anyone see that this is my cry for help.

My weary eyes are getting tired of looking at the heads turning away from me.

I am not invisible.

All I ask for is one look, one smile, one moment where I can feel as if I’m not alone in this world.

A look that can keep me in this world.

A look that can remind me just how valuable and precious my life is.

Is the ceiling more noticeable than me?

Are the walls crying out louder than me?

Acknowledge me.

I get it.

I understand.

We’re strangers as we pass by each other trying to get through the day.

A day that we are both struggling to recognize our own self-worth.

A day where a simple smile could make the day seem a little more bearable.

Imagine what the impact of ten looks in our direction or ten smiles could do to our overall attitude.

It only takes approximately 17 muscles to smile.

So why don’t we do it more often?

How powerful is one smile when it can save a life,

Brighten someone’s day,

Boost your own attitude,

And most importantly, encourage someone else to pass on that smile.

The list never ends.

Acknowledge someone today.

Acknowledge her, the girl who’s struggling with depression.

Acknowledge him, the guy who’s struggling with social anxiety.

And last but not least,

Acknowledge me, the girl who’s trying to make a difference in this lonesome world.