I used to miss her, the woman I was before trauma. Bright-eyed, ready to take on the world, so sure that nothing so horrible could happen out there. I used to cry and wonder how long it would take to heal enough to be her again. To feel safe again in my own body. To feel safe enough to go on a walk or to speak to a man. To wear a swimsuit in public. To say hello. To flirt. To continue singing. To eat. To sleep. To feel beautiful. Eventually, I realized I will never be her again. I will forever be wiser, stronger, more sensitive, more aware. The pain made me feel deeper than I knew existed within myself. I share our stories now to honor her and to honor the journey I am on. I share our stories to encourage anyone else who searches for the other side of the pain in their story. 🤍 it may feel like the end, but it is also a new beginning.