Make peace
with all versions of you
that have existed.

The quiet one
who didn’t speak
unless spoken to,
who was hurting
but wouldn’t show it
until they were alone.

The one
who was scared
to take what was
rightfully theirs,
even when
the moment came
more than once.

The one who did it
even when it felt wrong.

The one who couldn’t say no
and just lay there,
wishing they could be
somewhere else.

The one who couldn’t feel,
who couldn’t understand
what was happening
or why.

The one who said no
but was defeated.

The one who broke
promises made,
who said never again
and somehow
ended up there again.

The one who followed
even when left behind,
who kept reaching
for what had already
let go.

The one who knew better
but couldn’t do better.

The one who tried
and still got it wrong.

The one who was lost
and didn’t ask for help.

Honour them.
They were you, too.

Then set them free.

Because they are not
all that you are.

They are simply
a few parts
that make up
the whole
you are today.

Mariam Shittu

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