I’m Sorry

A poem

I used to say “I’m sorry” a lot. I’m sorry I’m such a burden. I’m sorry I’m inconveniencing you. I’m sorry that I can’t be a typical, healthy, whole person.

I felt terrible all the time for something I have zero control over.

But time passes, and I have learned some things. I learned that it’s okay to put myself first. I learned that I’m not an inferior person for taking care of myself. I learned that it’s okay not to be okay all the time.

Understanding these points became a lesson in acceptance that I learned the hard way.

Today, I still say “I’m sorry” a lot — but it’s more like: I’m sorry you’re unhappy. I’m sorry your day isn’t going as planned. I’m sorry my need for accommodations is affecting you.

There are a lot of things I’m sorry for.

But there are some things I refuse to feel sorry about. I’m not sorry for standing my ground. I’m not sorry for making my well-being a priority. I’m not sorry for taking care of my own needs first.

These are things I will no longer apologize for. Never again.