About Me: Sofia I. Flores

Hi, friends. :)

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My name is Sofia Isabella Flores, and I am a high school student from Los Angeles. After beginning virtual schooling as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, my Speech 101 Class was converted into Mass Communications Class; thus, my blog was born!

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If you can, I’d like for you to take a seat for a minute or two. I want to reintroduce myself to you; I want you to know the girl behind the dog photos, Shakespeare quotes, and inspirational messages on her Instagram Stories.

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I am Sofia. I am a proud Mexican-American daughter to two immigrant parents. I am also a younger sister to my eldest brother - Stefan - as well as a fraternal twin to my brother Nikolai. (He was born first, making me the only girl and the youngest!) ~

Sofia I. Flores: The Breakdown:

I hereby officially declare myself to you as a full blown nerd/geek/lover of knowledge - whatever phrase is most politically correct in this day and age. If you fail to find me at bookstore amidst my daydreaming, at a local garden taking far too many pictures of the flowers, at school, or at home, I am most likely playing with the dogs and cats at PetSmart. I am also an avid believer in the power of live music at concerts and the healing properties that artists offer to their fans.

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The majority of my time is spent with local philanthropy organizations, animals, literary immersions, or writing. ~

I discovered my passion for reading and writing while in kindergarten; I hope to study at a prestigious university and earn my doctorate degree in either English Language Arts, Psychology, or Nursing. (Hopefully, I will sort this out sooner rather than later)

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Let Us Take a Step Back and Understand How I Became Me:

As a somewhat dramatic, attention-seeking child, I often participated in various theatre, choir, and dance groups in the hopes of discovering new people and, much to my adorably innocent and naive desires, eventually becoming a famous, multitalented actor with “superstar” qualities.

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However, due to unforeseen circumstances, (as well as my debilitating fear of not being financially stable enough to survive the “tortured artist“ lifestyle) I sadly have yet to live out that dream.

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Here I Go. Full Honesty From Here On Out:

I struggle with severe anxiety disorder. I was diagnosed at the start of my Eight Grade year. (Way to make the “awkward phase” even more memorable, if I do say so myself.)

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If your knowledge of anxiety only extends to what celebrities publicize about their occasional self doubt or panic, let me inform you about the monumental difference between that and myself; a little Ted Talk or class time, if you haven’t experienced much as of late. ;)

~ Anxiety is innate in all human beings. It’s a key part of the “fight or flight response” you use to survive when in danger. However, with a disorder, this system is imbalanced, and I am often not in danger when I feel anxious. Instead, I can be at home, at school, with my family, friends, or by myself and still feel as though the world could crash down on me at any given moment.

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Basic Anxiety Questions Answered:

1) No, I cannot “just calm down.”

2) Yes, I am fully aware that, to those on the outside looking in, there is nothing actually threatening me. However, I simply cannot keep a firm grasp on the reality of the situation, and my mind gives into the dark spiraling of self-doubt, depression, and fear.

3) No, I am not being “overdramatic.”

4) Yes, I can think rationally. However, I sometimes cannot follow my rational instincts belief systems.

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Sometimes, my brain decides to release mixed messages, and I react in the way that I feel as though I have to in order to gain a sense of safety or control. I am also a notorious perfectionist and major control freak; I push myself to sometimes dangerous limits, because I worry about not being seen as worthy or needed by my friends, family, peers, teachers, or all others in my life.

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I Am Still Me - Plain and Simple. However, I Cannot Always Be 100% Me.

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I am sorry if I don’t always seem positive or engaged. I am sorry if I have to cancel plans on short notice. I am sorry if I don’t always appear as open. I am sorry if you have, or continue to, struggle with any symptoms of anxiety. It feels like a total loss of authority over your own mind and body.

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After taking a bit of a hiatus from social media, I came to the conclusion that, through my platforms, I simply hope to encourage individuals - both like me, and any others in need of comfort or understanding.

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Please, all that I ask of you, is to spread love. This does not have to be in an intimate, close, or even romantic extent. Love others by respecting them; by being kind; by accepting them for their issues; by being gentle, genuine, and good.

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We Are All Neighbors of One Earth, Universe, and Human Race. ~

Regardless of your religious affiliations, political ties, nationality, sexuality, gender identification, cultural upbringing, or societal views, I sincerely believe that there is a purpose that burns within the soul each of us possess.

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I truly, deeply love each and every single one of you.

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Thank you for taking a look at my site and reading my story.

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In light and peace,

Sofia :)