by Sonny, San Francisco
I take care of myself by making sure I eat and keep up with my hygiene, like brushing my teeth and showering every day. I also make sure my bed is comfortable since I’m in juvenile hall. I have three mattresses and a lot of blankets.
I remember when I ran from a group home and had to be on my own for two weeks. I went to my friend’s house to take a shower and brush my teeth. I had my mom send me money and I was using my money smart by buying what I needed like food and clothes. It was hard being on the run, having to take care of myself. Having emotional self-care is kind of easy and hard sometimes.
While being in juvenile hall, locked away from home and my family, I try to keep myself busy and keep my mind off things like thinking about my family. I read a book or go to my notebook and write what’s going on in my mind and think about my goals.