My deepest sorrow

“What It Took and What I Found”

There are days I still feel the weight of it all —

like a shadow that never quite leaves.

It changed how I see myself,

how I walk through the world,

how I trust what’s around me.

It took away my peace,

my sleep,

and the easy way I used to smile.

It made me question my worth,

my safety,

and my voice.

But slowly, I’ve been finding myself again.

Piece by piece, moment by moment.

I’ve learned that healing isn’t fast —

but it’s real.

That strength can live quietly

inside someone who has been hurt deeply.

I’m still learning to forgive myself

for things that were never my fault.

And I’m learning that surviving

isn’t weakness —

it’s proof that I’m still here,

still fighting,

still me.

What happened to me will always be a part of my story,

but it will never be the end of it.