You are allowed to feel safe. To feel safe showing not only the good sides of you- that’s too easy- but the raw, messy side of you too. To know that they won’t try to stomp on you when you’re blooming, and won’t take advantage of you when your guard is down. And you get to be all that you have been, will be, and everything in between.

There’s this culture of constantly pushing forward, toughening it out- perhaps because your parents taught you to, or because of your trauma, or people you look up to, or the value of a whole generation- but let me tell you, strength also lies in knowing where and when to rest.

You do not always have to be running away to feel something, and you do not have to stay where you are to keep your pride. You are allowed to feel safe.