A Note for All the Girls I’ve Been Before

I have deep love and adoration for all of the versions of me that I’ve been before

The ones who’ve been frozen in fear, staying small and contorting to fit into molds poured by someone else

The ones who’ve been hurt by fiercely loving the undeserving in reckless self-abandon

I stand with respect and appreciation for the walls she raised to keep us safe; while holding the axe in hand ready to tear them all down again

I grieve for the versions that have felt neglected, weak, and unworthy; while crying tears of joy as I decorate the home within that could only be built on a foundation that knows what it’s like to be rebuilt from rubble

I pray to find compassion for the shadow that threads to my vessel and follows me around; while assuring her that we have created enough space for her to exist with me in the light

I call in love for the versions of me that I am becoming; the ones I have yet to meet but excitedly welcome with wide arms

And most of all, I deeply and completely love and honor the version of me I am in this moment
because no matter the season, her hand is the only one I can never, ever let go of.

Thank you for the Photos, Alina Maiboroda