growth is visceral.

everyone talks about big wins.

the loud ones.

the shiny ones.

the ones that look good in captions.

but what about the quiet firsts?

the first steady step of an infant

that makes a parent whisper,

“they’re growing too fast.”

the first school day without tears —

that same kid, years later,

sitting at twenty-something,

wishing life still had nap breaks.

the first time you walk out of a relationship

that once felt like home,

realizing peace feels better than that first dose of 

emotional serotonin ever did.

the first sandwich you make? independence.

the first trash you throw right? responsibility.

the first guilt of wanting to move on? perseverance.

it’s funny how every giant leap

started with one shaky step.

so if they love who you are now —

remember,

you had to stumble first

before you could stand tall.

💗