I used to dread the holidays,
The thought of going back home.
Not because I didn’t love them,
But I felt like I’d face it alone.
The questions always came too fast,
“When will you settle down?”
“Your younger cousin’s doing so well,
But you’re still stuck in town.”
I’d see the way they’d look at me,
Like I hadn’t done enough.
While others wore their pride like crowns,
I sat there, feeling rough.
The chores, they’d pile up on my lap,
While others laughed and ate.
I felt more like a helping hand
Than family to celebrate.
And the whispers, oh, they stung the most,
“She’s still the same, hasn’t grown.”
I’d smile, but deep inside I wished
I could just stay on my own.
But one year, I decided, no
This won’t steal my joy again.
I packed my bags, not just with clothes,
But with courage to face the pain.
When the questions came, I smiled and said,
“I’m taking life at my own pace.”
When the comparisons started to flow,
I spoke up, with gentle grace.
“I’m proud of what they’ve achieved,” I’d say,
“And I know my time will come too.”
To my surprise, their tone softened,
And they nodded, as if they knew.
I found the courage to draw some lines,
To rest, to laugh, to just be me.
I offered kindness where I could,
And I saw love grow quietly.
Not every moment was perfect, no,
But I found the strength to stay.
I chose to focus on the good,
And the pain began to fade away.
Now, going home feels different,
Because I’ve learned to let things go.
I can’t change everyone in my family,
But I’ve changed how I let it show.
If you’re scared of going home this year,
I get it, I’ve been there too.
But sometimes healing starts with you,
And love can break what’s cruel.
Carry hope in your heart this season,
Be kind to yourself and take it slow.
Family can hurt, but it can also heal
Give it time, and let love grow.
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