Why does change hurt?

I mean—not physically,

but mentally, I’m in pain.

I’m aching from the pressure of restraint,

unlearning the habits that once led me.

Squinting my eyes just to find the light,

I’m trying not to fall—

but God, it feels safe to slip.

Snapping back

to who I need to be

instead of who life made me.

I want to let go…

but I need me.