Speaking My Truth, Finding My Healing

Now that my girls are older, we talk in ways I couldn’t have imagined when they were younger. It’s not just about reminiscing—it’s about really opening up. Being able to tell them how I felt raising them, how I struggled, how I made mistakes, and apologizing for them—that has been huge. I’ve shared with them the roots of my own upbringing and how that shaped the way I parented—right or wrong. And in these conversations, I’ve owned the times I created hurt. I’ve asked them to understand where some of it came from—not as an excuse, but as a window. And the most incredible part? They’ve listened. They’ve shared their perspective too. These talks have helped me heal more than I ever expected. They’ve given me understanding, forgiveness, and even compassion—for myself, for them, for what we’ve all been through. This journey, especially through my IOP, has shown me that motherhood isn’t just about shaping them—it’s about growing myself. And talking openly with my daughters? It’s been one of the most healing steps yet.

~Tj🩷