My body is not your playground and it never was despite what you tricked yourself into believing. Hell, even I believed it myself for a while. The people of the world have a way of showing you life's darkest themes by presenting them as nicely wrapped presents - appealing to the eye but as dangerous as can be. I'm happy that you couldn't have your way with me. The world can be such a dangerous place because of the dangerous people that it's filled with. My body is not your playground and it never will be. 

My mind is not your fantasy land and never could be. I'm not what you tried to mold me to be. I'm able to stand in my power and not shrink myself like you tried to teach me to do. To the people of the world who believe people should stay small, fuck you. Take up space even when you're afraid to. Protect your mind from those who seek to taint and tame it. Remember that your life is about you. Live your life for you and embrace what fills your cup, not what strips it. We are valuable and worthy despite what the world has tried to tell us. 

My emotions are not your ragdoll to be toyed with. I deserve to be treated with respect and anyone who cannot abide by those rulesis not welcome in my presence. I no longer tolerate half-assed efforts and apologies. Do better or don't. It no longer concerns me. I'm not here to force people to do better. I'm not here to put my emotions on the line each and every time. 

My heart is not your play place. You are not safe with me and I know I am not safe with you. I will always have my guard up around you and that's just how things have to be. To the men who have harmed me, I have no words left to waste on you aside from: I hope you meet your end. 

To my younger self: I'm so sorry for what you experienced at the hands of others. No one should have to experience those things. Ever. Because of you, I have grown stronger and my voice has become louder. I want you to know that we are safe and no matter what because I will always protect us. Thank you for everything that you've done. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

To my current self: Thank you, too. I'm so proud of the woman that you have become. You are flourishing and that's credit that no one can ever take away from you. You refuse to let your abusers take anything away from you, instead you have gained something more precious than gold: peace.