Why did I say that? Like, really! What possesses me to say out loud the critique my brain gives while someone is just trying to connect with me? Why am I so critical? I don’t know if everyone struggles with this, but I do. In group settings, even one-on-one with my husband or children, I sometimes get so anxious that my thoughts trip over themselves. My tongue gets heavy, and instead of saying something thoughtful, I rush in with something quick, awkward, and often unnece

I had to love you until the fire burned all the way out. I gave breath to the embers, begged the coals to stay alive. And when only the smoke remained, I cowered and hid. Finally, laying what was left in a pile of ash outside. I found peace in the daze of smoke and fog, The unknown felt kinder than the typical unrest. When the haze lifted, the pestilence took over. I felt the lonely set in and whisper delusions of what’s next. There were days I carried ghosts upon my back, Co