I Have Been a Thousand Different Women Poem

In my work, I often encounter words that resonate deeply with me—words that challenge, inspire, and reflect the journey we all take toward growth and healing. A poem shared by a client made a profound impact, and I felt compelled to share it with all of you. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the beautiful gift of this poem, which captures the essence of inner peace, transformation, and the wisdom of our past selves.

make peace
with all the women
you once were.

lay flowers
at their feet.

offer them incense
and honey
and forgiveness.

honor them
and give them
your silence.

listen.

bless them
and let them be.

for they are the bones
of the temple
you sit in now.

for they are
the rivers
of wisdom
leading you toward
the sea.

// i have been a thousand different women
by emory hall

This poem invites us to honour the many versions of ourselves we have been—each phase, each experience, and every lesson learned along the way. It speaks to the importance of embracing our past, offering forgiveness to the women we once were, and finding peace in their presence.

The power of words—like the ones in this poem—has the ability to move us in ways we sometimes don't expect. And, just like the rivers of wisdom it speaks of, we too can find strength and guidance in embracing every part of ourselves.

I’m grateful to the client who shared this with me and I hope it serves as a gentle reminder for anyone reading it to reflect on which parts of their past self still long for acceptance as they continue on their journey of wholeness and self-compassion.