I have spent the better part of the last year keeping quietly to myself, not in the sense merely of an introvert, but in, more accurately, that of a fear-filled human. I find that even something as simple as sharing my words onto social media has become painstaking and exhausting, even the impending possibility of making plans with another person has begun to take such an emotional toll on my well-being. 

Today, I was able to interact with other sweet humans at work, but felt my voice trail-off towards the end of each sentence, most of their attempts at conversation met with my tired smile and a laugh that has begun to sound less-than-believable.

I know there is bravery in my bones, but I have also learned that there is only so much that one can muster in such simply profound moments. One second of bravery seems stretch so dramatically, but often, darkness tempts to funnel its way through my veins with an even greater fervor, it grasps me, more tightly. 

I’m entering another chapter, though, one in which I listen to the whispers in my heart, but remember to prioritize relationships—to prioritize other dear humans. 

This is my bravery mission, my darlings. It’s time for me to find my bravery.