It takes time to learn to love yourself after being led to believe you're not enough as you are. It takes time to feel secure within when you were never taught how. It takes time to accept yourself after being made to think there's something wrong with you. It takes time to heal a heart that's been broken repeatedly, leaving scars that linger. It takes time to trust others after betrayal. It takes time to find your voice after being silenced and told to conform. It takes time to find peace after living in emotional chaos for most of your life. It takes time to put yourself first after being taught that pleasing others is the key to worthiness. It takes time to let go of someone or something you've loved for so long. It takes time to rediscover joy after the shadows of hopelessness. It takes time to rebuild a life after it's fallen apart. So, allow yourself to pause. The path to healing is messy. Take time to breathe. And above all, be kind to yourself. You will find the path leading you back to wholeness.