I’ve Learned to Stay

I’ve learned to stand still when my instinct is to run. To stay present and connected, even when fear and overwhelm ask me to check out. To sit and be in the discomfort, even when it would be easier to step back.

I’ve learned to stay.

To choose this life and all the challenges that come with it. To get back up, no matter how many times life knocks me down. And to keep on fighting for what I want, no matter how many times I fall flat on my face. No matter how many times my heart gets broken. And no matter how many times I have to begin again.

I’ve learned to hold steady as the ground continues to shift beneath my feet. To root more deeply into myself. To never forget who I am and what I want.

I’ve learned to see the good in everything and everyone. To laugh through the tears, even when the sadness is overwhelming. To smile through the pain, not because I’m bypassing, but because there’s always so much beauty in even the most devastating situations.

I’ve learned to stay.
To keep choosing this life.
To continually rise higher with each and every fall.
To play the long game, even though we only have this moment and the next.

And I am so much happier for it. I am so much happier than I knew was possible inside a life and world that can be so hard and tragic.

Choice is everything.

💕