the truth is

i am powerful

i am healing

i am worthy

the truth is

not what they called me,

told me to be true.

the truth is,

i am improving every day

i show up every day and try my best.

the truth is

though i may be fearful,

i am stubborn,

so nothing’s gonna stop me.

the truth is

i am beloved

and loved

and known.

the truth is

i am creating who i am and who i want to be

each time i start a sentence

with i am

brave

a survivor

not a victim

a fighter

no longer broken

unashamed