Unseen Work Patiently Gathers Its Strength

As I look back gently, realizing that the person I once was is still walking beside me, only quieter now because I have finally learned not to let every old fear lead the way,
As I look back gently, grateful that even the days I wanted to erase became patient teachers whose lessons only revealed themselves after the pain had already softened,
As I look back gently, noticing that the life I was desperate to rush toward was quietly being assembled inside those ordinary days I almost overlooked and forget I went through,
As I look back gently, have I been searching for proof of change while forgetting to notice how differently my heart now carries what once broke it neglecting the progress I made now,
As I look back gently, in those quiet moments of pause, doing better, just feeling as day comes, healing introduces itself without needing applause…