The Battle is Finally Over

This is something I wrote yesterday in regards to myself and my current state of mind. As I come close to completing my collection of poetry, I have learned that I am healed .. that I am stronger and more confident than I have been in a very long time. I have found my way out of the darkness that held me captive for so long. So now I share with you who I truly am . . who I have found after lying dormant for so long. This is me, who I am and who I have become. Proud, powerful . . . a survivor.

Today I smiled inward at myself . . . not only did I feel it, but I meant it. For the first time in almost 10 years, I smiled at myself. I am grateful for how far I have come and the bonds that I have made as well as the ones that I've broken. As we celebrate our Independence day, I celebrate the freedom that I have given to myself. No longer caged or chained by my haunted past, I am feel to live on . . . too look forward.

Memories of sparklers and dancing under the filtering sunlight as I swim beneath the waves . . . I smile inward at myself. I never lost my innocence as I can see it is still there. It had only become misplaced . . . lost beneath the clutter of my own thoughts and irrational fears. As we celebrate all of our given rights and freedoms . . . I sit here and celebrate the Independence that no other could bestow upon me. I am free.

When I read this yesterday to Jamie, I actually cried. I never . . ever cry . . especially from my own writing. It was raw emotion, a weight off my back as the realization has come to be a reality. I smile now as I know I have much to look forward to and nothing left to reflect upon.

The collection of poetry will be published within the next few weeks. I am almost done formatting, then I will edit a final time, work on the cover design and order my proofs . .. this chapter of my life has ended ;)