not footnotes

we are not footnotes.
we are intricate and worthy
parts of a journey bigger than ourselves -
life.

remembering this can be difficult,
especially during stressful moments
when the grey veil of uncertainty falls -
when becoming untangled
is the only way to find direction and hope.

some of my least comfortable moments
were when I had to admit I had relapsed,
to humbly accept that I wasn't perfect.

though at first reluctant,
it was during these times I drew closer to others for support.
while talking with friends and counsellors was sometimes hard
because it made me see my broken bits,
through the togetherness I also learned ways
to value the great things that I had to offer.

by entering the places I had kept hidden
and facing my ghosts head-on,
I found my strengths
and was able to build on them.
I also uncovered new constants
and, in the process, found my voice and my health.

I learned I am not a footnote.
that we are not footnotes.

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