I experienced various types of abuse in my childhood—emotional, physical, and sexual. Each experience was incredibly traumatic and left deep, lasting impacts. These experiences have shaped and continue to shape my feelings, choices, and the way I navigate life even today as an adult. There has been immense grief in processing what happened, facing the ways adults failed me, and learning to cultivate self-compassion from nothing. Over time, I’ve worked to build a sense of safety within myself and a feeling of value that comes from me, for me. I’ve developed insight through years of confronting and dismantling the shame, anger, grief, and hurt my inner child carried—hurt that was never my fault. While the abuse continues to influence certain parts of my life, I’ve learned to accept that impact and treat myself with understanding. I want you to know that what you’re feeling is valid and okay too. Trauma has a profound effect on how our lives unfold afterwards. You are not alone in this.