There was a version of me that existed before survival took over. Before hypervigilance. Before shame. Before overthinking every movement.I was expressive. Curious. Creative. Free. This is about the moment I reconnected with the part of me that once moved naturally through the world without fear of judgment. The part of me that danced before life taught me to brace myself.

I no longer believe joy must be earned after suffering. I am allowed to move freely. To take up space. To create. To laugh.

...And every time I choose joy, I reconnect with the version of myself that trauma could never fully destroy.