Once I was a young girl

Dreaming of my future

It looked a lot like the lives of my parents

Teacher, four kids, a loud and chaotic house.

Love and promise, nothing gray and ugly.

I transformed into a woman

Somewhat confused

My reality looking nothing like what I was promised in my head.

Not teaching, no kids, struggling to find my place.

Separation and heartbreak, lonely and dark.

A little light showing through in my daughter’s eyes and a new promise to find myself and give her the love I didn’t feel for myself.

I have reached middle age

Happy, and content.

I have a stable job and a purpose every day.

I live a joyous life for my daughter, my health, and my own spirit’s continued awakening.

Self-love and confidence, hope and enlightenment.

My life looks nothing like my parents’ lives, and I am grateful. I found my own path and, more importantly, I found independence and gratitude. We are what we believe, and I believe I am whole.