But when I hide my feelings, they don’t disappear — they just get louder when I’m alone. I’m starting to think that honesty with myself is the first real grown-up skill I need to learn. Not the fancy kind of honesty that sounds poetic, but the plain kind where I admit, Yeah… this hurts, or I’m confused, or I wish someone noticed. 🌱

It feels embarrassing to say these things out loud, even in my head. But what’s worse — a moment of awkward honesty or months of pretending? And if I can’t be honest with myself now, how will I ever become someone who actually understands herself? ❓

Maybe the bravest thing a young person can do is say the truth even when it shakes her voice. Maybe that’s where real strength begins. 💛