Hi Hive readers! Welcome to a small corner of the web where you’ll get to know me at my worst and best moments. I’m Ish, derived from my boring and generic real name “Patricia” (sorry other Patricias), only taking the “ish” sound part in the middle. It practically defines my life since I’m a middle child and I have always loved to create a new name for myself in every creative venture.
A quick slam book bio of me: I’m turning 24 in a few days, I look 16, and I speak like I’m 30 and 8 at the same time. I’m a goofball with my closest friends and a cheerful buddy with strangers. My gender is fluid and I have too many thoughts about the patriarchy.
However, what you really need to know about me are those unknown to many. Why? I believe that vulnerability is a sign of willingness to connect.
You’ve done it here. You brought a community of writers together, sharing snippets of their daily life, like a vacation day, random thoughts, and more. Connection is built when we are willing to show our laughs, cries, and woes.
Let me do the same – buckle up because this might be quite a ride.
1: A fight to avoid chores
As a child, I used to imagine myself as a Disney princess, specifically Cinderella, who spends most of her time pleasing her evil stepmother and stepsisters. My earliest memories were of cleaning, playing outside, cleaning again, and ensuring everything was right. I wish I had a fairy godmother to save me.
Cleanliness was a major personality trait on my mother’s side. They took wiping the floor seriously. Meanwhile, I would do anything to escape the dreaded task. One day, while we were left at home with just my siblings and me, my eldest sister listed our chores for the day – I knew better not to disobey her, but my cheeky brain came up with an excuse. I was watching a cartoon show, so why not clean the floor in the area, right?
But I couldn’t multitask, so my sister found me – infuriated – scratching a grub of dirt on the floor, calling it “cleaning.” Guilty as charged.
2: An old book made me go to college
In high school, I used to envy my classmates who knew what their courses would be in college. I was clueless and nothing seemed to appeal to me. Then, I noticed a pile of old books at home that my older cousin had left.
There were encyclopedias, atlases, and technical hardbound books. As I skimmed through the dusty spines with my fingertip, one book caught my eye: Introduction to Psychology.
I flipped through the pages with growing interest. How come nobody told me you could study our brain, emotions, and triggers? There was a section about social experiments, memories, and personality disorders.
Something in me clicked. I’ve always analyzed people and my natural curiosity to know their individual lives finally has a place to grow. Soon I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (2015-2019) and license as a Psychometrician.
3: A staircase curse
My best friends know I’m clumsy, so they watch my drinking glass when we eat because I spill my drinks. However, they don’t know that it extends to walking. I think the universe likes to poke fun at me because I have a record of three embarrassing staircase-falling-and-tripping stories.
The best one is probably back in college – I was rushing to get some documents signed, but the design of our college building made it difficult to really rush. We had a broken elevator, a nauseating spiral ramp, and dizzying stairs. For someone wearing heels, it was a tough challenge. My game plan was simple: Take the stairs.
The next moment, I heard a loud click, and the tip of my heel got caught at the stair’s metal bar, tripping me forward, my knees folding, and my arms grabbing on the railings for dear life. Time seemed to stop. On top of that, a group of senior high school students was coming up and witnessed the whole ordeal. They were of no help at all and watched as I sat down biting my lip in pain.
I took a few deep breaths and walked down. Thankfully, I only had a small bruise, but I will never be the same around stairs.
Why am I here?
It may be hard to believe this, but I started out as guest speaker at Hive. I'm also called The Wounded Healer on my socials. During the webinar, I discussed the healing power of writing, and here I am – writing on your platform. I hope to bring on more light, comfort, and mental health awareness here.
Also, I see this as a chance to be more vulnerable. In vulnerability, I can exercise strength and inspire you to do the same. Surely, there are funnier and healing stories on the way. Stay tuned!
Nice to meet you all! Thank you for taking the time to read this!