I held my head high, integrity I called it.

I opened my mouth, assertive I spoke.

I never let go.. loyality I told myself.

The loyality left me begging for the bare minimum, my assertiveness was mistaken for aggression or passiveness, my integrity was taken as a act of a coward.

The underlying message I told myself, never let go, never speak and always do what is right.. for others and not yourself.

I sit hear now, unlearning.. these patterns of behaviour, sheltered me, held me, kept me safe now bring me pain and despair. I let go, I speak and I do what is right for me.

Healing comes from within, not without.