i, too, am the villain.

I admit it: I've made mistakes.

I, STEPHANIE, HAVE MADE MISTAKES.

Phew! It feels good to shout it from the (metaphorical) rooftop.

I've said mean, hurtful, and downright stupid things — sometimes intentionally, sometimes not (which doesn't lessen the impact). I've made poor or rash judgments and ill-informed choices. I've taken things for granted and messed up time and again.

Historically, acknowledging my mistakes has been uncomfortable (and, let's be real, it still is). But now that I can recognize it for what it is, the discomfort feels different somehow — perhaps less threatening?