If you have been holding shame,
I want you to know it was never yours to carry.
That shame,
The heaviness in your chest,
The way your body tightens or your breath shortens,
That didn't begin with you.
It's what the world handed you when it failed to protect you.
When it asked you to explain what should never have happened,
You don't have to hold it anymore.
If it feels okay,
Place a hand on your body,
Your chest,
Your belly,
Or somewhere that feels safe.
Let this be a gesture of care,
Not fixing,
Just acknowledging.
You're here.
You're still here.
Let's take a breath.
Inhale and gently exhale.
You were never broken.
You were harmed and that harm does not define you.
There is nothing about your story that makes you less worthy of love,
Safety,
Or belonging.
The shame you felt,
It's not a reflection of who you are.
It's a response to being silenced,
Blamed,
Or disbelieved.
Let it go,
Just a little,
Not all at once,
Just enough for today.
Let your body know you don't have to carry what was never yours.
You are still whole.
You are still worthy,
Exactly as you are.