This quote reflects the essence of my journey: understanding that the trauma experienced by adults in our lives can help us shift from a place of blame to one of empathy for their struggles. While we may feel that their actions were personal or directed at us, & while that may be true, it's important to recognize that they, too, may be broken individuals grappling with their own wounds and lacking the tools to heal. For those of us who have experienced abuse, neglect, or feelings of abandonment, acknowledging this truth can be transformative. It allows us to foster our own healing while recognizing that these individuals may have been fighting battles we cannot see."