The mistakes I made?
They weren\u2019t just scars;
They were lessons written in ink too deep to erase.
In fact, they were chapters in a book I once wished to burn.
But now, when I look back,
I realize they were never meant to be erased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I thought I had to be perfect.
I believed every step needed to be calculated.
Every move had to be right, or else I\u2019d fall apart.
And fall I did
But, in that fall, I discovered something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I stumbled, tripped,
Made wrong turns,
Took paths that led nowhere.
At the time, it felt like I had lost something important.
However, looking back, I see that I wasn\u2019t losing I was learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In those moments of confusion and darkness,
I found pieces of myself I never knew existed.
They were hiding in the background,
Waiting for me to see them.
And, honestly, they\u2019ve become the foundation of who I am today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I used to think success was only about winning
It seemed like it was all about trophies and titles.
I thought it was about climbing higher and higher
Until I reached the top.
But now I understand it\u2019s not always about reaching the top.
Sometimes, success is about learning to rise after a fall,
And accepting that getting lost is how we find our way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At some point, I believed silence was strength.
I stayed quiet when I should\u2019ve spoken up.
I stayed still when I should\u2019ve moved.
I thought that made me strong.
But, truthfully, it was suffocating me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a difference between silence that heals and silence that hurts.
True strength doesn\u2019t come from hiding my pain.
Instead, it comes from showing up, even when it\u2019s hard.
It comes from allowing myself to feel, to be vulnerable,
And to keep growing, no matter how difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, I used to think fitting in was the key to survival.
I thought if I blended into the crowd, said the right things,
Did the right things, I\u2019d find peace.
But, as it turns out, I lost myself in the process.
I bent too much to fit into places where I didn\u2019t belong.
And every time I shrank myself down,
It felt like a small piece of me was dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now I know better.
Fitting in doesn\u2019t matter.
What matters is belonging.
Belonging means staying true to who I am,
Not hiding parts of myself to make others comfortable.
When I stay authentic,
When I refuse to shrink for others,
I start to find the people who truly see me,
And I begin to see the person I\u2019ve always been meant to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All these mistakes, all these wrong turns,
Weren\u2019t failures.
Rather, they were signposts.
They showed me where I needed to grow,
Where I needed to change,
Where I had to let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They taught me that my worth isn\u2019t based on what I do,
Or what others think of me,
Or how many mistakes I\u2019ve made.
No, my value lies in my ability to keep going,
To keep learning, to keep evolving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I now see that my potential was never limited by my mistakes.
Instead, those mistakes made me stronger.
Each fall, each setback,
Was just another opportunity to rebuild,
To reframe my story, and rise higher than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, I don\u2019t regret my mistakes.
I see them as stepping stones,
Each one paving the way for the person I\u2019m becoming.
They\u2019re the foundation I stand on,
The ground that holds me steady as I move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve learned that my value isn\u2019t in the things I\u2019ve lost,
Or in the things that didn\u2019t go as planned.
It\u2019s in who I am now,
In the strength I\u2019ve built,
In the wisdom I\u2019ve gained,
In the heart that knows its worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So when I look back,
I no longer see brokenness.
Instead, I see a person who has learned to rise again,
A person who has learned to love themselves,
A person who knows that mistakes are not the end,
But the beginning of something greater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because my mistakes?
They didn\u2019t define me.
They refined me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I stand here today,
Not as someone perfect,
But as someone whole,
Someone capable,
Someone ready for whatever comes next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you\u2019re listening to this,
And you\u2019re in the middle of your own mistakes,
Know this:
They don\u2019t define you either.
They\u2019re shaping you,
Refining you,
And building you into someone you might not even recognize yet.
But someone who will stand tall,
Who will rise,
And who will know their value,
No matter how many times they\u2019ve stumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because, in the end,
We are not our mistakes.
We are the strength we gain from overcoming them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The mistakes I made?They weren\u2019t just scars;They were lessons written in ink too deep to erase.In fact, they were chapters in a book I once wished to burn.But now, when I look back,I realize they were never meant to be erased. I thought I had to be perfect.I believed every step needed to be calculated.Every […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3040,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[121,97,25,98],"tags":[35,49,34,67,50,61,55,53,22,48],"class_list":["post-3038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-poem","category-poetry","category-solitude","category-storytime","tag-poems","tag-poetess","tag-poetry","tag-preciousowoko","tag-spokenword","tag-spokenwords","tag-stories","tag-story","tag-walkingshadowpoetry","tag-walkingshadowpoetrykenya"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/pexels-photo-15223238.jpeg?fit=1733%2C1300&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2582,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/the-rise-and-the-fall-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":0},"title":"“The Rise and the Fall” by walking shadow poetry.","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"September 3, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"He came from a place where the dust danced with the wind,A small house on the edge of the land,Where meals were scarce, but hope was plenty,He dreamed of a life where he\u2019d have more than enough. He worked through the nights, while others slept,Pushed through the days, with sweat\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "POETRY"","block_context":{"text":"POETRY","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poetry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"man holding brown rope","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1458696.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1458696.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1458696.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1458696.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1458696.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2652,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/blinded-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":1},"title":"Blinded by walking shadow poetry","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"September 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"I gave you everything,every piece of my heart,thinking that maybe this time,it would be different.I thought we were building something real,something that could last,but I was wrongso wrong. You smiled,you laughed,you made me feel like I was special,but underneath it all,you never wanted morethan just a good time,just someone to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "POETRY"","block_context":{"text":"POETRY","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poetry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"woman in pink dress sitting on brown wooden chair","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-7268549.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-7268549.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-7268549.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-7268549.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2656,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/left-to-pick-up-the-pieces-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":2},"title":"Left to pick up the pieces by walking shadow poetry","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"September 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"I gave my heart so freely,thinking love would be enough.I offered my time,my patience,my everything,hoping it would mean something. But then, as soon as I let myself fall,I saw their true colors,their true selves,and it wasn\u2019t what I wanted.They only wanted me for moments,not for forever.They were here to pass\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "POETRY"","block_context":{"text":"POETRY","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poetry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"food plate light holiday","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-6555028.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-6555028.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-6555028.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-6555028.jpeg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2585,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/the-mighty-fall-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":3},"title":"The mighty Fall by walking shadow poetry.","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"September 3, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"From a small, dusty place where dreams felt far,He rose from the ground, reaching for a star,Hunger was his friend, but hope held him tight,He worked through the night, chasing a light. He worked and he fought, when others would rest,He dreamed of a future, of having the best,He climbed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "POETRY"","block_context":{"text":"POETRY","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poetry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"a cowboy falling on brown sand","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-12950516.jpeg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-12950516.jpeg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-12950516.jpeg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-12950516.jpeg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-12950516.jpeg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2741,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/fall-in-love-with-someone-who-comes-back-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":4},"title":"Fall in Love with Someone Who Comes Back by walking shadow poetry.","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"September 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Fall in love with someone who chooses you,Not just when times are easy, but when they\u2019re tough too.Someone who doesn\u2019t walk away in the heat of a fight,But stays to make things right. Find someone who cares more about your heartThan winning a pointless argument or tearing you apart.Someone who\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "POETRY"","block_context":{"text":"POETRY","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poetry\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"silhouette photography of man and woman","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1759823.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1759823.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1759823.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1759823.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pexels-photo-1759823.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2958,"url":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/title-scars-and-stars-by-walking-shadow-poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":3038,"position":5},"title":"Title: Scars and Stars by walking shadow poetry.","author":"walking shadow poetry kenya","date":"January 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"In every setback, there\u2019s a way back,A lesson hidden, and a strength to unpack.Life isn\u2019t always smooth; in fact, it\u2019s rarely fair.But every scar you carry shows you\u2019ve been there. When the road gets rough, and you feel so alone,Or when the weight of the world chills you to the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "poem"","block_context":{"text":"poem","link":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/SPOKENWORDSandMODERNDAYPOETRY\/poem\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2025-01-20-120246.png?fit=441%2C513&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3038","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3038"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3038\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3042,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3038\/revisions\/3042"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3038"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3038"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/walkingshadowpoetry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3038"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}