The Bloom That No One Watered

This journey wasn't meant to be walked alone.

They said "YOLO" you only live once because life doesn't come with a script, it isn't something you can rehearse. One day you can be living your best life and tomorrow you might find yourself holding it together alone.

People like to say I'm strong. They think it's a compliment, and maybe it is. But most days, I'm not strong. I'm just... standing and breathing. I did what needs to be done even no one came to water me. No one asked if I was okay, but I bloomed anyway, not because I wanted to be brave, but because there was no other choice.

You might see me at the grocery store, wrestling with a bag that's about to tear while dealing with my toddler who just wants to play with those arcades, she sees. You might walk past me on the street, not knowing I already fought a hundred small battles before 9 a.m. Maybe you've worked with me, never realizing I was up all night holding a child who was burning with fever. You might think I just look tired but it's more than that.

I am a thousand quiet choices stacked on top of each other. I'm held together by instinct, love, and the sheer refusal to give up. I'm worn but I'm still unfolding. Still learning how to hold joy and exhaustion in the same breath.

This is my story. It's not polished, it's not filtered but it's real and its mine.
And if you're reading this then maybe, in some way, it's yours too.