(In) The Absence Of...

"The past is a foundation of who you are now and what you are becoming, but you must know how to apply it to each section of your journey. Foundations sometimes need to be repaired. You must strip off some of the old mortar and apply new material. The same is true for you. Experiences can make you or break you it's all in how you react. What will you do?" - Bird

I initially doubted the quality of my story, comparing myself to the incredible resilience and triumphs of others who had experienced far greater challenges than I could even imagine. The fear of judgment hindered me from being vulnerable, as I worried about others' opinions of me. I convinced myself that my ability to always appear fine was a testament to my strength. After all, why would anyone pay attention to my experiences?

However, to my surprise, people did listen. Through this process, I've come to realize that true strength lies in acknowledging and embracing my pain, then moving forward.

In those rare moments when I dared to share my story, I discovered that I have the power to inspire others. I hope this collection of words motivates you to embrace the value of your voice. As I have learned that there is power in my story, I challenge you to recognize the power of yours.