They Saw Me. They Looked Away. I kept Rising.

Some people saw me—but they chose to look away.

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A post shared by Deryl Richardson (@derylishere)

A personal reflection on what it means to rise even when you're unseen. This post explores the discomfort others may feel in the face of your healing—and why your journey still matters. For anyone who's ever felt overlooked, this is your reminder: you're still rising. #WatchMeRise

Maybe my healing was too loud for their silence. Maybe my growth made them uncomfortable. Maybe the version of me that was learning to speak up, set boundaries, and shine was too unfamiliar for those who were comfortable with the older, quieter version of me.

But I didn’t stop. I won’t stop. I didn’t shrink. I won’t shrink.

I kept rising. And I will continue to rise.

This journey—this healing, this becoming—isn't just about reclaiming my voice. It's about rewriting the rules of how I allow others to treat me. It’s about honoring the parts of me I used to hide, water down, or silence for the comfort of others.

This post isn’t just about me. It’s a reminder for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, overlooked, or unsupported:

You’re still rising.

Even when they pretend not to see you. Even when they don't clap. Even when your growth makes others uncomfortable.

You are still rising.

And that matters.

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#WatchMeRise