How The Light Gets In

There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light get in.

- Leonard Cohen

I’ve faced a lot of pain in my life — growing up surrounded by violence, alcoholism, poverty, neglect, and other forms of abuse. For so long, I thought if I just acted “normal,” maybe I could cover it all up. Maybe no one would see the cracks.

It took me years to understand: none of this was my fault. And I’m allowed to talk about it. I don’t have to hide.

I have cracks. So many. But that also means I have so much light pouring in through them.

Empathy. Gratitude. Strength. Resilience.

I’m starting to love the cracks—and the pattern they make—probably because I’m learning how to love the person I’m becoming.

Writing Prompt:

What is one crack in you that you’ve come to love or accept?
Write about how the light gets in there.