@itsgraewilliams

Performance and I knew each other well.⁣ ⁣ We wore each other. Supported each other. A perfect pair, always moving to the rhythm of inauthenticity.⁣ ⁣ I showed up to perfect. I showed up for the gospel and the church.⁣ ⁣ I showed up to be the strong friend. I showed up in the language of “I got it,” “I’m good,” and “Don’t worry about me.” I showed up and performance carried the rest, the two of us tangoing into the arms of high-functioning anxiety and depression.⁣ ⁣ Now—I’m showing up for me.⁣ ⁣ And that’s coming with freedoms I never knew were mine to own.⁣ ⁣ So I’m playing. I’m experimenting. I’m unlearning. I’m adapting. And the kid inside of me finally gets to pilot this adult armor—and goddamnit is he having a ball.⁣ ⁣ Here’s to me. Here’s to you. Here’s to our future selves that will honor all aspects of our humanity we were denied and now have the audacity to reclaim.⁣ ⁣ Let the people of the church say amen. ✨⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #Healing #HealingWhileBlack #HealingOutLoud #BlackMenHealing #Therapy #BlackTherapy #ShowUp #AuthenticSelf #Motivation #GraeWilliams