I used to think that having a dark past meant I couldn’t lead people to the light.⁣

⁣As if somehow because of the decisions I made as a wounded child, I’d have to live in that story for the rest of my life.⁣

⁣As if somehow because of who I once was, I wasn’t allowed to be who I’m becoming.⁣

⁣I sat paralyzed in fear of someone “finding me out.”⁣

⁣But there are a few things that I know better now.⁣

⁣I now know that shame only hides in the shadows.⁣

I now know that bravery and fear coexist.⁣

I now know that it was always meant to happen this way.⁣

⁣And I 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, without a doubt, that I am meant for this.⁣

⁣It isn’t because I’m perfect, or flawless, or better.⁣

It isn’t because I always have the answers of what to do.⁣

⁣But it’s because I’ve lived through the dark and the shadows,⁣

That I understand the light you have within you.⁣

⁣And ultimately, I realized, it’s because of the mess that I am absolutely, utterly, qualified for this.⁣

⁣And ultimately, this beautiful life I’ve created is not in spite of my darkness,⁣

But because of it.