Trauma ends with me 🌺

There’s a profound strength in acknowledging that sometimes, the hardest journeys are the ones we embark on within ourselves. When I wrote this piece, I was thinking about the courage it takes to say, “This ends with me.” It's a declaration not just for oneself, but often for generations to come, a powerful commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and building a new legacy of peace. For anyone who has felt the weight of past hurts, whether personal or inherited, the idea of a “wall refused to allow anyone to pass” rings true. Trauma can feel like an impenetrable barrier, blocking our path to joy, connection, and true self-expression. It often manifests as fear, anxiety, or a deep sense of unworthiness. But what I've learned, and what I hope this poem conveys, is that even the most formidable walls can be dismantled, brick by painful brick, through self-awareness and intentional healing. Poetry, for me, has always been a sanctuary and a tool. It's a way to articulate the unspeakable, to give form to emotions that feel too vast or too raw for everyday words. When we engage with short poems about loss or overcoming adversity, we find echoes of our own experiences, and in that recognition, there’s immense comfort and validation. It’s like a quiet conversation with someone who truly understands. The image of “glowing, orange-yellow, flower-like objects” pushing through darkness from the visual accompanying this poem really resonates with me. It symbolizes that even in the deepest shadows, life finds a way to blossom, to shine. Our resilience isn't about ignoring the dark, but about cultivating our inner light, nurturing our spirit so it can flourish despite the odds. It’s about ensuring that our “Innocence stays yours,” protecting that core part of us that remains pure and hopeful, no matter what we've endured. Breaking cycles of trauma is a journey, not a destination. It involves self-compassion, setting boundaries, and sometimes, seeking support from others. It’s about choosing to respond differently than those who came before us, to heal wounds rather than pass them on. Every step, no matter how small, is a victory. Whether you write your own poems, read those that speak to your soul, or simply take a moment to reflect on your own strength, remember that you have the power to change your narrative and create a future where trauma truly ends with you.