When I see myself today some words that come to mind are: tender, soft, delicate, gentle, feminine.
Those are not words I would have wanted to be associated with me at earlier points of my life because I thought it made me weak. I thought that all of the above traits created an open door for people to trample through and take advantage.
What I didn’t understand was that in hiding away my innate tenderness and care, I was actually being my biggest opressor and I was taking away a key trait of my character that has allowed me today to connect with others in beautiful and magical ways.
What a revelation to know that I have been able and continue to find depths of strength, resilience, & grit in the softest parts of my heart and soul.
That fiery girl from my youth will forever be within me and I will never hesitate to use my fists for what I believe in, but I am also slowly learning to put them down, and allow my tender heart to come through my thick skin.
To our growth,
Jean.