JhonRae's Blog

 I am running. No, sprinting. I can’t catch my breath. As I stop for a moment to look back my shadow is still behind me taunting me. I start to run again thinking this time I will escape. Then as my body is giving out, I start to laugh. Partially from exhaustion. Also, because it occurs to me that I can’t outrun my past. With the little energy that I have left I turn and I face my shadow. As I stare with frustration, hurt, sadness, rejection, failure, embarrassment, shame, guilt and hate then I realize my shadow wasn’t taunting me. It was trying to catch up to let me know I am not alone. I haven’t given myself time to breathe and take a moment to see another perspective. The perspective that my shadow is not my enemy but my companion that knows my past, present and future. It walks with me. Not against me.

 I am short but stand tall. My body is my temple and a safe place to look inward. My walk mimics the knowledge I carry. My voice reveals resiliency and commitment. My handshake shows strength and leadership. My eyes display curiosity and creativity. My smile demonstrates empathy and trust. My laughter reveals passion, love and humor. My arms produce a sense of comfort and compassion. My legs illustrate and guide opportunity. My feet provide foundation and stability.

Loving someone is a choice. A choice to try to understand their perspective. The willingness to take initiative to notice what is important in a moment’s time. Compromising the nuances. Taking a step back to self-reflect and take accountability of the part you’ve played in the miscommunications and lack of understanding. Learning to be patient when times are tough. Love is ever evolving that comes with growth, understanding, compassion, patients, and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice; letting go. Letting go of what you once knew or understood. Letting go and setting them free to be authentically happy despite it hurting. Love isn’t just about finding the “one” but rather a deep authentic connection even if it’s a moment in time. It still lasts a lifetime. A lifetime of memories, joy, connection, growth, problem solving, safety, comfort, and stability. While also unmasking and showing the other side. Unmasking hurt, sadness, confusion, miscommunication, disagreements, lack of account...

 I was asked what makes me feel seen and valued? I told them I needed to reflect on that question. I think I needed to hold space for myself given all that has happened throughout my life. As I reflected on the question I realized I feel seen when someone takes initiative to remember the things that are important to me (even if they don’t like it). Acknowledging my experiences even if they can’t feel or see it themselves. Sometimes we tend to invalidate others because we don’t understand their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Especially, if it’s something you never came across or even experienced. I wrote once, “it’s easier to say hurtful things to someone/something you don’t like. I haven’t liked myself in a long time for various reasons. I never befriended myself.” So, if I can invalidate and hide myself from the world wouldn’t it be easy for a friend, family member or stranger to do it just as easy? So, I guess what I am saying is that there isn’t a simple answer ...

 What does it mean to be scared? The thought of losing loved ones. Making nearly impossible decisions. Being physically and mentally assaulted. Running from a home you built with someone. Telling a person, you respect and love that you’re pregnant. Having a miscarriage that almost killed you. Being diagnosed with a chronic condition(s). Finding what love means while keeping others at a distance. Trying to find yourself in a world you feel rejected by. Waking up knowing that you are a walking contradiction. Looking in the mirror to face unspoken truths. Learning to be brave.

 Recently I met someone that has continuously challenged me in ways I never thought I would experience. They some how gently nudge me to see the “flaws” in my thought process while still having the ability to see my perspective. Admittingly, it feels strange and foreign to me. They appear to have this deep understanding on how to recognize hidden or unspoken emotions. Today, they kindly said “I think you love your ex and that’s okay I get it. Even if you don’t admit it, I know.” They told me it’s the way I talk about him. Honestly, as I reflect on their observation, I can’t not deny that I love him. I am still trying to protect his heart by sacrificing mine. As I reflect on my definition of love, I realize that it’s never linear but rather ambiguous because it’s confusing and open to many interpretations. However, I do know when I say I love you, I mean it to my core. That’s why I don’t say it often because most of the time it’s not reciprocated. So, I hold on strongly to the o...

The other day my former partner informed me that my family invited him to Easter. Which I 100% support because I see him as family and will always be in my life. However, we both agreed that it’s incredibly messed up that they didn’t invite me. Which unfortunately the truth is they’ve been like that towards me for years. I feel I have been the “monster or villain” no matter what I say and do. I am always an afterthought to them. Of course, that hurts and it sucks to constantly be reminded in some way you will never be enough for your own family to accept you. Another thing that stings is that my birthday is close to Easter. So, I will be spending my birthday and Easter alone for the first time. I always had my partner and precious creatures to greet me at the door. This year I will come home to silence and knowing I never crossed my family’s mind during this time.