The Forgiveness of the Self

Dear Delyara, I’ve spent a lifetime apologizing for things that weren't my fault. I apologized for being loud, for being quiet, for taking up space. Tonight, I sat in the sanctuary and realized the person I hurt the most was me. I’m writing a letter of apology to the version of me that was ten years old and terrified. I’m telling her: "It wasn't your job to save everyone." I am forgiving myself for not being perfect. The weight is finally lifting.