Change.

It rolls in like thunder, loud and unstoppable,

shaking every foundation I thought I’d built unbreakable.

In the past six months, I’ve lived more lifetimes

than in all my forty-two years combined.

I’ve faced storms that stripped me down to the raw,

to the person beneath layers I’d hidden,

masked, silenced,

buried under expectations, guilt, shame—

years of being someone else’s idea of who I should be.

Yet here I stand, breathless but alive.

Alive in ways I never imagined I could feel,

heart pounding with courage I didn’t know I possessed.

Taking steps I swore were impossible,

speaking truths I thought forbidden,

and daring to dream dreams that once terrified me.

But because I decided to live authentically,

to be truthful about who I am and what I want,

more storms are now being brought my way.

Not because of anything I did,

but because I no longer fit into anyone’s ideal boxes.

Why now? Because I found my people.

My tribe.

Souls who stand unshaken beside me,

unconditionally loving,

unafraid of my scars, my truths,

who celebrate my freedom, not fear it.

And in the midst of this beautiful chaos,

I found true love.

Someone whose love lifted me,

whose courage became my courage,

whose hope sparked mine,

giving me the strength to embrace the truth of who I am.

Through her eyes, I found my reflection.

Through her love, I discovered my own.

In the darkest moments,

through rivers of tears,

through the heaviness of loss,

I emerged lighter—

finally free.

I’ve learned courage isn’t the absence of fear,

but stepping forward with fear trembling inside me.

I’ve learned love isn’t a perfect story,

but a perfect acceptance of all my imperfections.

I’ve quieted the voice that whispered shame,

that urged me to hide,

and instead, found a voice that roars with authenticity.

In the whirlwind of this change,

amid the wreckage and rebirth,

I’ve found myself—

the real, raw, unapologetic me.

I’ve found my true love,

not just in another,

but also in myself.

This journey isn’t easy,

but oh,

it’s beautifully mine.