By Laily Berjis, TIWP Student

If I let my light shine,
without dimming it to fit the room,

If I stopped folding myself
into smaller versions of what’s considered safe,
questioning my self-worth, 
what would grow
in the space I reclaimed?

If I stop shrinking my voice
to fit the ease of silence,
stop apologizing for wanting more,

I would stop arguing with doubt
before every single choice.

If I let my true self show,
the authentic one,
not the version edited for comfort,
Who would recognize me?

If I wasn’t afraid of being wrong,
to muddle my words,
I might speak louder.
Not to convince anyone,
but to speak just to hear my own voice
and know it matters.

If I let my true self show,
I’d stop apologizing for how I feel,
for how I grow.
Maybe I’d stop looking for mirrors
and start becoming one.
Reflecting light,
not just taking it.

If I let my true self show,
I’d tell the truth,
even the kind that stirs me.
Even when my voice stutters.
Even when my hands shake.
Because truth is a kind of light,
and I’m tired of living in the dim.

If I let my true self show,
I’d stop holding my breath around people who don’t really see me,                

I would stop fitting into the limiting mold.

I wouldn’t walk like I owe the world an apology.

If I let my true self show,
I’d listen to the small voice inside
that’s been eagerly waiting to be heard,
trusting it more than the noise outside,
the expectations and fears.I’d stop waiting for permission to be myself, to feel confident,
And in that space, I would bloom.