They’ll speak in sharp tones,
cast judgment like stones,
but you were not born
to carry their fear.
You’re not here
to fold beneath opinions
or shrink to fit
the comfort of cowards.

You are not their whisper.
Not their email chain.
Not the sideways glance
from behind safe walls.
You are not a problem
just because they can’t see your worth.

Your soul is ancient.
It’s carved from fire,
tempered in days
when you showed up
while they stayed silent.
Your work matters.
Your voice echoes truth.
You’ve held space where others vanished.
You’ve stood tall where others bowed.

So let their criticism pass
like wind over steel
feel it,
but do not wear it.

Because it’s not the words
that hurt you.
It’s the belief that they’re true.

When you let that belief die,
you are free.
Free to be fierce.
Free to be whole.
Free to give your gifts
without asking for permission.

Their noise means nothing
compared to the quiet power
rising inside you.

You don’t need a pat on the back
from people
who couldn’t carry your pain
for five minutes.

You don’t need their yes.
You already have your soul’s blessing.
And that is enough.
That has always been enough.

So move forward.
Speak clear.
Hold your worth like armor.
And walk like you belong.
Because you do.
You always did.