I Missed Who I Used to Be

I didn’t realize I was changing… until I missed who I used to be.

Somewhere along the way, I became quieter.

Not the peaceful kind of quiet…

but the kind that comes from holding back.

Holding back words.

Holding back love.

Holding back… me.

I told myself I was just protecting my peace.

That I had learned my lesson.

That I was finally choosing myself.

But deep down, something didn’t feel right.

Because I wasn’t just protecting myself…

I was shrinking.

Becoming less expressive.

Less open.

Less… alive.

And one day, it hit me

I didn’t miss people…

I MISSED ME!

The version of me that loved freely.

That showed up fully.

That didn’t overthink every act of kindness.

And in that moment, I understood something:

Healing isn’t becoming someone colder.

It’s love in action; loving in purpose and becoming someone who is wiser… without losing your heart.

“Guard your heart… but don’t harden it.”

So now, I’m learning again

to be open, but discerning.

to be kind, but grounded.

to be me… just wiser

more lovely than even before.

Zoe Chronicles loves you 🥰