Too Much?

The hinge between breaking and becoming

The pause between questioning your worth and reclaiming it; Photo by Ryan Snaadt on Unsplash

So many times,
I’ve rushed in circles—
trying so hard to breathe.

So excited
to share what I’d done;
hoping for space to be.

Only to find
half-hearted side-eye—
where did I go so wrong?

Did I screw up—
or make a mistake?
Should I just move along?

I see others
who’ve done so much less
received with so much love.

No matter hills,
obstacles surpassed—
seems I can’t rise above.

I grow so tired—
succeeding to fail;
why should I even try?

I feel gutted—
broken beyond help;
in my heart, I won’t lie.

Am I too much?
Or just not enough?
Will they ever come ‘round?

Crawl in my box—
the one I’m assigned;
silence, my only sound.

No, that’s not right—
I will not spiral;
I will not cave to doubt.

I will stand tall,
try my very best.
Don’t you dare count me out.

I am so strong
in so many ways—
I’ve survived more than this.

But to survive
is not to live free—
and so I now seek bliss.

A need for change
across all levels—
shifts I’m making today.

I will start small
but trust in myself—
a new path mine to brave.

Now, the first step—
believing in me;
this, the base for all else.

Speaking kindly,
within my own mind,
this is what really helps.

Give myself grace
whenever I need—
barriers start with me.

Tear them all down,
just one at a time—
stride now toward living.

---

Author’s Note:

This piece came from that familiar pressure point where doubt and determination collide. It’s not about breaking through in some dramatic way — just choosing not to shrink, even when the weight pushes hard. If you’ve stood in that space yourself, I hope this meets you where you are. —Liora

Thanks for following Through the Fire. If you’d like to support the project while it’s Amazon-exclusive:
– Through the Fire, Vol. I: The Pressure is live on Amazon in digital ($7.99) and premium print ($12.99)
Through the Fire, Vol. II: The Fracture is coming soon!

Paid members get process notes, behind-the-scenes spreads, and first access when exclusivity lifts.

If you want to support this work in other ways, comments, likes and shares help more than you know.

For direct support:
– Buy me a coffee — small support for the human behind the work.
– Feed the kitties — cover a day’s meals + Whiskers in the Dark mini-zine as thanks.

Lost in the fire? Head to the Home Page