Dear Younger Me,

You did not imagine it.

The moments where you swallowed your truth to keep the peace…

The times you dimmed your voice just to stay loved…

The ache in your chest when no one saw you clearly—

That was real.

I see you now.

You learned too early that honesty could cost you love.

You were taught to read the room before you read your own feelings.

You mastered how to be acceptable before you were ever allowed to be whole.

But hear me now, baby girl…

You don’t have to apologize for your depth.

You don’t have to water down your knowing.

You don’t have to carry the weight of other people’s comfort just to be allowed in the room.

I am who I am now because you endured.

You built the bones of this woman with your courage, even when you were afraid.

And now, I’m coming back for you.

You don’t have to hide anymore.

Your voice is safe with me now.

Your truth has room to stretch and take up space.

From this moment forward, you don’t have to pretend.

I will listen.

I will honor your pain.

I will protect your softness.

And I will never silence you again—not even to make someone stay.

You are allowed to tell the truth—unfiltered, unedited, and fully expressed.

I’m so proud of you.

I love you in every form you’ve ever been.

And I will never abandon you again.

With all the love we never thought we’d get,

Me.

Love,

Stephanie

✨ Don’t ever stop fighting, don't ever stop telling the truth, walk away from anything that errodes you or your peace. The fact that I am here today, means you did exactly that. 💓 & I am proud of you.