06/04/2026
I didn’t know them when we were young. And honestly, that’s lucky for them. I haven’t always been so patient, so intentional, so considerate.
Once upon a time, I was young too. And I made many horrible choices that often hurt those around me. Sometimes on purpose, mostly not, but always in an effort to survive. But it makes people see you a certain way. It makes them jump to conclusions and form opinions.
And I can’t help but wonder if they can relate. 🤔
How many times they pushed, or pulled, or refused a command. How many times they were labeled an “idiot” or “manipulative” or “bound for the glue factory”. Not because any of those things were true, but because the pressure was too great. Because no one made space to hear them. Because being complicit was painful. Because it’s really stinking hard to be patient, intentional, or considerate when no one has ever shown you what that looks like.
So if you know what it’s like to be judged too quickly for your choices, to be labeled something you’re not, to make choices that leave you looking less than perfect — we see you. Mistakes are part of the journey, emotions are part of the experience, and growth is the gift we receive for getting through the tough times.
