Tonight, I shared a moment of joy—a photo of my husband and me celebrating 22 years of love, growth, and resilience. What followed was unexpected: someone I once considered a friend dismissed our anniversary as insignificant and accused us of seeking validation from the mainstream.

This poem is my response. Not to them, but to the energy they brought. It’s a boundary. A refusal. A reminder that joy doesn’t need permission, and love doesn’t need applause.

I wrote Delete to reclaim my light.

Twenty-two years. This is what remains untouched.

If you’ve ever had to protect your peace from someone who couldn’t celebrate your joy, I invite you to reflect: What have you had to delete to stay luminous? What boundaries have helped you remain whole?