The Day I Returned to Myself

Today marks a new chapter in my life. I want to thank you and honor you and the past versions of myself that was built on survival, fear, ego, chaos, performance, over-function, over-explained, begged myself to be seen, silenced myself, and dimmed my light so others could shine comfortably. Today, I release those past versions of myself. Not because I do not honor them, but because I no longer need them to be the woman I am today. They were the tools and resources that I had, during past versions of myself. They help mold me and made me into the woman that I am today. But I no longer need them to live. I lovingly release them with honor and grace. I let go of the resentment that I had for how I was being treated. I release every “what-if” and “maybe if I had”. I am clear. And my clarity came when I chose myself. Now I choose peace over chaos. Aligment over performance. Boundaries before over-functioning. I am anchored, grounded, and rooted in all areas of my life. I release all that that does not align with Gods purpose in my life. I choose me first. Not second, not third, and definitely not last. I lovingly release all that expects, demands, or forces me to put myself in any other position other than first. I walk in sovereignty. Not chasing, not waiting, not forcing, not controlling outcomes, nor managing other people’s emotions, perceptions, actions or problems.

I no longer soften truth or overextend myself to soothe someone else’s discomfort. My clarity is kindness. My no is enough. My silence is sacred.

I release the need to be seen through the eyes of anyone who cannot hold my truth without distorting it. I no longer need to be admired or understood to feel valid. I choose to be steady in who I am, even if no one claps, even if no one agrees. Their perception is not my identity. Their misunderstanding is not my burden.

“I release the belief that forgiveness means access. I forgive without allowing continued harm. I am not required to rescue, explain, or carry people who will not meet me in truth. I support what is honest, not what drains. I can love from a distance, and still be whole. My story does not need to make sense to others.

I show up in this world 100% me—raw, real, and unapologetically aligned.

Because if I have to shrink, hide, numb, or silence myself to stay…

then it’s not meant for me.

I trust that those meant for me will recognize me, and those who don’t are not mine to carry.

My body & sprit knows.

That tightness in my chest.

That weight in my gut.

That silence that feels like suffocation.

My restless mind.

My over planning.

Over analyzing.

That’s my spirit whispering:

This is not your path.

& I know honor my body and sprit with vigor.

I will not betray myself to be accepted and to make someone else comfortable at the expense of myself.

I choose to love myself like a devotion. Holy. Reverent. Sacred. I do not walk with longing eyes in want. I am like a tree planted near a stream. I choose to listen to my body, my mind, and my soul and honor it with reverence, for it is my compass and informs me what is energetically meant for me and what to release. I live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. I am rooted in love, anchored in peace, and crowned in clarity. I am a daughter of a King. The birds and the fields do not want and neither do I.

My glow is not for show—it is the evidence of God’s hand on my life and the peace and rest he has given me! I love myself like a devotion. And from this day forward, I unapologetically choose me!

Quote:

“You do not have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”

— Anonymous

Life Lesson:

Sometimes the most radical form of love is release. What once protected you may now be what prevents you. Honor the survival in you, but do not confuse it with sovereignty.

Practical Tool:

The Mirror Test: Before you say yes, explain, apologize, or try to soothe—pause and ask:

“Am I betraying myself to keep this peace?”

If the answer is yes, the action is no.

The Mirror Test: Before you say yes, explain, apologize, or try to soothe—pause and ask:

“Am I betraying myself to keep this peace?”

If the answer is yes, the action is no.