Stumble

I used to think stumbling meant failing—
losing balance, losing face, losing ground.
But lately, I see it differently.
Sometimes I stumble because I’m tired.
Sometimes because I’m carrying too much.
Sometimes because the path was never meant
to be straight in the first place.
A stumble slows me down long enough
to notice where I am.
To feel the earth under my feet.
To choose whether to stand, sit, or rest.
Not every stumble is a fall.
Some are pauses in disguise.
And each time I catch myself—
bruised, breathing, still here—
I realise I’m not behind at all.
I’m just learning how to walk
with more care.

💫Maggie

The Afterlove Voice 💫