I noticed how easily opinions stick to us,
like dust on a mirror.
If we don’t pause,
we mistake them for our reflection.

Today I asked myself a simple question:
Which parts of me were chosen,
and which were adopted?

The world is loud
about who we should be—
successful, visible, impressive,
but rarely peaceful.

I tried something different:
I listened for the voice
that speaks when no one is watching.

It was quieter,
but honest.

Identity, I’m learning,
is less about adding
and more about removing
what was never yours.

When the noise settles,
you don’t become someone new—
you recognize who remained.