Plog Two

There’s a sense of relief that comes with finally letting go of the need to change the minds of those who are committed to misunderstanding me. For so long, I felt like I had to explain myself—to justify my choices, my feelings, my very existence to people who seemed determined not to hear me. It was exhausting. It was a never-ending cycle of pouring myself out and receiving only doubt in return.

But I’ve realized that some people don’t want to understand me. They’ve already made up their minds, put me in a box, and shut the lid tight. And for a while, I thought I had to pry that box open, prove I didn’t belong there, and make them see me for who I really am. I thought that if I just explained a little better, shared a little more, they’d finally get it.

But that day never came. Instead, I was left feeling drained, disappointed, and small. It took time, but I’ve learned that it’s not my job to change how people see me. I can’t make someone understand who isn’t willing to listen. And I don’t have to.

I’m learning to accept that I’ll be misunderstood sometimes. That’s okay. It doesn’t make me any less real or any less worthy of love. I don’t need everyone’s acceptance, only my own. The ones who truly see me, who want to understand, those are the people who matter. Those are the voices I’ll choose to hear.

There’s a strange freedom in no longer trying to reshape myself for others. I get to take back that energy and put it where it truly matters: in being my authentic self, in loving my family, in embracing my quirks, in giving my time to those who care. It’s like letting go of a heavy weight that was never mine to carry.

I’m done with the exhausting game of explaining myself to those who’ve already decided I’m a mystery they don’t want to solve. I’d rather spend my time with those who appreciate the complexities instead of rejecting them. I’ve realized I don’t have to shrink myself to fit into someone else’s box. I am enough just as I am. As one of my favorite quotes say, “If I am too much, go find less.” 

Of course I had to write a poem about it.

I’m done trying to change the minds

Of those who refuse to see,

Pouring out my heart like water

Into cups that aren’t meant for me.

I’ve explained myself a thousand times,

Shaped my words to fit their ears,

But they’ve built walls around their hearts,

And my voice just disappears.

I thought I owed them understanding,

That if I shared just one more piece,

They’d see the person I truly am,

Their doubts seemed to increase.

I used to reshape, try to make them see,

They’ve built up their walls, 

They won’t bend for me.

Now, I’m learning to walk away,

From battles that aren’t mine to fight.

I’m tired, but I can finally see the light.

I’ll spend my time with those who listen,

Who see the cracks, yet let me glisten.

And I’ll let go of those who never tried—

They’ve taught me where my peace resides.

No more shrinking to fit their boxes,

No more forcing you to see.

If I am too much for you,

Then we just weren’t meant to be.