Today felt like too much.
I tried to keep up — with people, places, memories.
But my body was tired, and my heart even more so.

There were voices louder than mine.
Comments I didn’t ask for.
Moments where I just wanted to disappear quietly.
But I stayed.
Even when I felt misunderstood, scolded, or small.
I stayed.

I noticed the things that made me smile too 
a soft plush, a bear I love, a message from a friend.
I let those small joys remind me
that not everything has to be heavy.

I am learning:
It’s okay to step away.
It’s okay to say “Not now.”
It’s okay to protect my space
and still carry kindness with me.