I STOPPED APOLOGIZING FOR GROWING

*I STOPPED APOLOGIZING FOR GROWING*

I stopped apologizing for growing.  

For outgrowing the version of me  

that said yes when my soul was screaming no.  

For outgrowing rooms that felt like cages  

dressed up as comfort.

I used to shrink so people could breathe.  

I used to dim my light  

because it made others uncomfortable in the dark.  

I used to explain my boundaries  

like I needed permission to protect my peace.

Not anymore.

Growth is messy.  

It looks like losing friends who loved the old you.  

It looks like late nights and early doubts.  

It looks like choosing yourself  

when choosing yourself feels selfish.

But it’s not selfish.  

It’s survival.  

It’s stewardship.  

It’s honoring the God who planted dreams in me  

and told me to water them.

So if I’m quieter now,  

it’s because I’m listening to me.  

If I’m busier now,  

it’s because I’m building what I prayed for.  

If I’m softer with myself,  

it’s because I was too hard for too long.

I’m not better than anyone.  

I’m just done betraying me to keep others.  

I’m done waiting for applause  

before I clap for myself.

This is the season of becoming.  

Of roots going deeper when no one is watching.  

Of scars turning into stories.  

Of “I survived that” turning into “Watch what I build from it.”

So I won’t shrink again.  

I won’t beg to be understood.  

I won’t water dead seasons hoping for fruit.

I stopped apologizing for growing.  

And the woman I’m becoming  

is worth every goodbye it took to get here.