What’s going on?

Honestly, I’ve been feeling so weird lately because every time Rhea is around, I get this crazy mix of excitement and nerves, so I finally decided to talk to Mira didi about it. She told me it’s totally normal to have a crush—which is such a funny name for it, but I actually really like the feeling! She explained that we’re growing up and starting puberty, which means a lot of changes in our bodies and how we feel.

My mom actually gave me “the talk” yesterday too and mentioned the same thing. She warned me about the typical stuff like pimples, body hair, and body odor, but she didn’t really mention the part about catching feelings or falling for someone, which is honestly the most interesting part of the whole thing!

It’s the hormones dear!

Charu texted me again today. I think she’s actually losing it at that hostel because she’s writing to me every day now. She’s mostly just venting about her skin completely freaking out. She woke up with these massive spots on her chin and is basically terrified to leave her room. Honestly, I totally get it. I feel like I’m constantly checking the mirror for a breakout lately too.

But the worst part is how clumsy I’ve gotten. My legs feel way too long for my body all of a sudden, and I literally tripped over my own feet right in front of Rohan yesterday. He actually caught my arm to steady me, and I swear I just stopped breathing. I’m so worried that I’ll forget how to walk or even speak the next time I see him. My brain is honestly glitching. I guess this is just how things are going to be now.

Got it. Period!

You actually won’t believe the timing, but I had the biggest heart attack at my sister’s party yesterday. I looked down and saw this huge red stain on my dress—I seriously thought I’d sat in something or spilled a drink and was so stressed everyone was staring at me. Then I realized… it was actually my first period.

I was honestly so freaked out and had to have my mom help me deal with it in the bathroom, which was kind of awkward, but she was actually really chill about it. It’s just so weird that it’s finally happening. I’m still kind of processing that this is my life now!

The hair and the bear

So, my birthday party last night was actually really good. But honestly, the wildest part of the weekend was this morning. I was looking in the bathroom mirror and realized I’m starting to grow hair in places I definitely didn’t have it a month ago. I feel like I’m turning into a bear or something overnight.

Also, my voice has gotten way deeper in just the last few days. I seriously thought I just had a sore throat that was taking forever to go away, but then it clicked, this is actually puberty hitting. It’s kind of a weird realization that everything is changing this fast.

It’s not for me!

Well, I mean. I am not so sure about all of this. I mean I don’t feel like a girl or a boy. I never have! And I don’t have these changes happening to me. And I am not sure I even want them!

It’s not a race!

I was scrolling through Instagram today and ended up on Aditi’s new vacation photos. It was honestly kind of a reality check. She looks so much older all of a sudden, and she’s already wearing these actual swimsuits that I definitely couldn’t pull off yet. I ended up looking at myself in the mirror for way too long afterward just wondering when I’m finally going to look like that.

It’s so frustrating because it feels like everyone else got this secret update over the summer and I’m just stuck. I know it’s stupid to compare myself to a photo, but I can’t help feeling like a kid while everyone else is moving on. I’m just waiting for the day I actually wake up and feel like things are starting to change for me, too.

Different For All

None of us are alike, so how can our puberty be? Puberty happens to different people at different times. There is no ‘correct time’ for these changes to take place. It’s completely ok to have signs of puberty early on or later. So, don’t worry if you are experiencing or not experiencing these changes yet.

Build Your Network

Puberty can bring in many changes. Some can be exciting and great, others difficult and challenging. But you don’t have to go through puberty alone. It can be made easier and less stressful by focusing on your strengths and building a support network of trusted adults.

These are a group of people who care about you like your parents, teacher, an elder sibling or grandparents. Trusted adults can guide you by providing you correct information, telling you what to do or share their own experiences. These are the people you can reach out to when you are confused, sad or need advice.

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