NOT ILLNESS, JUST ADULTING

Some think the way I act

is because of my illness.

But to me,

this is just what adulting does.

It teaches you silence

that some things are better

left unsaid.

It makes you secretive,

not because you’re hiding,

but because no one really stays

to listen.

You learn to isolate,

not out of hate,

but for peace.

You pull away,

because explaining hurts more

than keeping it in.

Back then,

we told people everything.

Now,

we deal with ourselves in quiet ways

things that once felt scary

become just another part

of the day.

I guess growing up does make you stronger,

from the inside.