Versions of Me

I used to define my life by what happened. Who left. What broke. What didn't come through. But lately, I've been seeing it differently... not a series of events, but as a series of selves. There is an evolution... an evolution of Dani.

I used to look back and lay blame, ache for emotional restitution and I'd wish away all the brokenness. Yes, maybe it could have been different - better. But would I give up where it brought me and who it made me? Looking at Jack and feeling Tony in me, I would resoundingly say no.

Each one of me had her own way of dealing with the complexities of life that overwhelmed her.

The one who kept quiet to keep the peace.

The one who stayed small to stay out of the way.

The one who ran.

The one who stayed too long.

The one who smiled when she wanted to scream.

The one who hid the bruises.

The one who let her heart break so others' wouldn't.

I can now look back and respect each of them. I can empathize. But most importantly, I can choose to become the one who finally said ENOUGH.

And that's exactly where I find this new version of me - focused, determined, flowing with the divine direction I've been given... and finally, feeling excited and proud of who I'm becoming. This version of me is a force, a truth teller, and hopefully a lighthouse.