I’m doing the hard work of integrating my past and present selves. I am figuring out how to respect who I was and where I came from, while still leaving most of it behind. I am developing a stronger sense of self, separate from those who tried to tell me what I had to do and believe. I am learning how to let go, while still honoring the pain that I experienced and protecting that scared little girl who is still very much a part of me. I’m discovering that the best way to protect her is not holding on to the bitterness, but rather living aggressively authentic to my present self and not apologizing to anyone for it. I am powerful. And I am happier than those guys.
