I wear my heart on my sleeve, but trust doesn’t come easily for me. I’ve been knocked to the ground more times than I can count, but don’t worry…I always get back up. After lying on the ground, I’ve firmly planted my roots. There are rips in my jeans and dust on my boots, but I’m stronger and wiser than before.

Despite the pain, my eyes don’t lie and my heart loves to love. I thought I knew all of the rules and could play the game, but the wild ride got the best of me. Life is messy, this I know. Baby, this isn’t my first rodeo. 

If you think I can’t handle something, you’re wrong. I’m not afraid of the dark or the quiet days. I’ve lived it all…the chaos, the lies, the anxiety. My story is filled with plenty of storms, but I’ve never lost my fondness for the sky. Sunsets still speak to me in a language I understand. Sunrises still inspire me.

Despite the pain, my eyes don’t lie and my heart loves to love. I thought I knew all of the rules and could play the game, but the wild ride got the best of me. Life is messy, this I know. Baby, this isn’t my first rodeo. 

I’ve chosen to feel the warmth, even after being greeted by the cold. Each chapter comes with belly laughs and pillowcases wet with tears. I appreciate the good and the bad, because how could I ever truly feel happiness without the heartache? I don’t have regrets, but there are a few moments I’d love to forget.

Despite the pain, my eyes don’t lie and my heart loves to love. I thought I knew all of the rules and could play the game, but the wild ride got the best of me. Life is messy, this I know. Baby, this isn’t my first rodeo. 

A glass of wine tastes different to me now and song lyrics hit hard. I finally understand why thunderstorms are so beautiful and why the rare encounter of a rainbow is breathtaking. After all of it, my favorite things are still the little things…a cup of coffee in a pretty mug, a relaxing walk, and moments spent with the ones who see me. I’ll never lose the desire to gallop and to hold on tight, but I’ll never forget how the fall felt.

Despite the pain, my eyes don’t lie and my heart loves to love. I thought I knew all of the rules and could play the game, but the wild ride got the best of me. Life is messy, this I know. Baby, this isn’t my first rodeo.