Everyone has a past. Most of us have some aspects of our lives that we are not happy about. Even the best intentioned, most well meaning of us are never really sure if we are as good and wholesome as we have convinced ourselves we are.
When things turn challenging, when fear an doubt creep in, a side of us that may be questionable tends to present itself.
When the part of me that I do not care to entertain rears its ugly head, I know it is about self-preservation or in defense of loved ones. While I try to suppress this beast, I understand why it showed up and appreciate that it still exists.
I do actually take every step to lock it back up, but I refuse to judge myself harshly or feel badly about who I am because of it.
The events of this world require us all to be malleable and have the traits to endure all kinds of encounters.
We need to embrace the good, bad, beautiful and ugly aspects of ourselves as the entirety of who we are.
We are not just our best presentation, nor are we the random digressions.
I am who I am. I AM THAT I AM.