Healing didn’t happen the morning I wore red lipstick. Healing happened in every tiny decision that came before I walked out the door. Every time the old voice spoke… and I lovingly chose not to believe her.

For years, I thought the little girl inside me needed to try harder. I didn’t realize she had been working a job no child was ever meant to do—earning love, safety, and belonging. This is the day I finally let her clock out.