The Distance Between - By Merijke

Written By: Merijke

Category: Creative, Non-Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "The Distance Between," Merijke invites readers into a reflective journey of self-discovery and healing. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this creative non-fiction work explores themes of introspection and transformation. Merijke's narrative resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of understanding oneself amid life's evolving landscapes.

About the Work

Merijke's "The Distance Between" is a poignant exploration of personal evolution. The piece is imbued with a quiet yet profound narrative style, capturing the nuances of self-acceptance and the gradual awakening to one's true self. Through vivid imagery and introspective prose, Merijke eloquently conveys the ongoing journey towards authenticity, shedding societal expectations and embracing the sanctuary within.

The Distance Between

Original Submission by Merijke

The Distance Between - Merijke Brümmer

There is a version of me I still think about sometimes.

A woman standing barefoot on the dust roads of her old life, heart too full, mind too loud, trying so hard to be understood while barely understanding herself.

Back then, I thought healing would arrive dramatically.

Like lightning. Like a movie scene. One big moment where everything would suddenly make sense.

But it didn’t happen like that.

It happened quietly.

In long drives alone.

In watching the landscape change outside my window while realizing I had not.

In music that cracked open something in my chest.

In the strange exhaustion of pretending I was okay all the time.

In nights where I sat outside staring at the stars, feeling both completely lost and strangely connected to something bigger than me.

I searched for myself in so many places.

In love.

In attention.

In being chosen.

In conversations that gave me butterflies and silences that taught me patience.

And for a while, I thought that was enough.

Until eventually every distraction became quiet.

And when things became quiet, I met myself.

Not the version I perform to the world. Not the strong version. Not the easy version.

Just me.

That was the beginning of my journey.

Not becoming "better." Not becoming perfect.

Just becoming honest.

The wild woman inside me didn’t arrive all at once…

She woke slowly.

In candlelight.

In retreat circles.

In tears I couldn’t explain.

In learning how to say no.

In learning that rest is not something to be earned.

In realizing that softness is not weakness and that intuition whispers while fear screams.

I started shedding old versions of myself;

the girl who stayed small to make others comfortable

the woman who apologized for feeling deeply,

the version of me that kept abandoning herself just to keep the peace.

Spirituality stopped feeling like a destination.

It became a homecoming.

I still don’t have everything figured out.

I still get lost sometimes.

I still carry longing, tenderness, hope, and heartbreak.

But I walk differently now.

And somewhere between the desert and the dawn, between heartbreak and healing, between losing myself and returning again.

I became both the seeker and the sanctuary.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices and artistic expressions worldwide. This prestigious event provides a platform for participants to showcase their literary talents in various categories, fostering a global community of writers who share their unique perspectives and stories.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Merijke for sharing "The Distance Between" with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices exploring the depths of self-discovery and transformation. We look forward to witnessing Merijke's continued journey in the world of creative writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.