The person i used to be

There was once a version of me who believed that everything would stay the same. She loved without hesitation, trusted without fear, and found happiness in the smallest things. She believed that the people she loved would always stay, that promises would never break, and that growing up would be simple.

But life has a quiet way of changing us.

Along the way, I lost people, faced disappointments, made mistakes, and experienced moments I never thought I would survive. Little by little, the girl I used to be began to change. Her heart became more careful, her smile became quieter, and she learned that not everyone who enters your life is meant to stay.

Still, beneath all those changes, she never completely disappeared.

She remained in the memories I carried, in the dreams I once had, and in the small pieces of kindness I refused to lose. Looking back now, I realize that I don't need to become the person I used to be again. I only need to understand her, forgive her, and thank her for bringing me this far.

This is for the person I used to be

for the heart that loved,

the soul that hoped,

the tears that were hidden,

and the little girl who kept going

even when she didn't know where life was taking her.

Maybe growing up isn't about leaving our old selves behind.

Maybe it's about looking back with gentle eyes and say

"I remember you.

I understand you.

And I'm proud

of how far we've come.”