I used to think wanting equality meant wanting to win. To finally be on top, to prove that I was equally smart, or to hold the power that had been held over me.

But there’s actually something quieter and more radical—just belong to yourself. Not to dominate, not to compete, not to prove anything to anyone—just to think your own thoughts, make your own choices, answer to your own conscience.

There's something humbling about realizing that's what I actually wanted all along. Not leverage. Not the upper hand. Just the freedom to be fully, unapologetically my own person.