Some people grew up in families where their existence made sense at a glance. They spoke and were understood. They felt something, and it was believed.

Healing isn’t about choosing one emotion over another. This is the moment I learned to hold grief and gratitude at the same time without thinking it meant I was failing.

There was a time I chased clarity like it was survival. I explained, defended, softened, and justified. Step 12 is where I stop convincing and start conserving—my energy, my peace, and my self-respect.