03/02/2026
Before I had words for it...
I craved to be seen but was terrified of being noticed.
I wanted love and attention, but the attention I got was mostly negative.
I learned it was safer to disappear.
I wanted to be invisible. So I spent my life hiding.
I carried my feelings inside, masked and stayed small, just survived each day.
When I could finally let my guard down, all the overwhelm came rushing out. The frustration, anger, sadness, lonliness, self blame, emotions I’d held in to get through the day.
Those moments were messy, raw, and loud.
The days I could throw myself into dance, sports, or music were different.
Those were the days I felt lighter, freer.
I saw glimpses of myself, unguarded and alive.
Masking and hiding has been a lifelong habit.
I’m unlearning the belief that it keeps me safe.
I’m learning that it’s okay to exist fully,
to be seen,
to be me.
Some stories take time to unlearn 🩷💚