I’ve always felt forced
to look at my life
from above,
evaluating myself
in the light of
others’ judgment,
assessing my appearance
and interactions
as the breath
feels closer
and closer
to my back.


Step in closer to
the freedom
that your life
is yours
and yours alone.


Of course,
their judgment
will continue,
but yours need not.


Feel into
the freedom
to let yourself be
without assumption or shame,
for you are so full
of life and beauty
despite constant
criticism and cut downs.


You are built
so strongly from
the inside out,
but let yourself
sink into
the satin and silk
that softens you.


Open yourself to
the wellspring of love
that outpours and overflows
from your giving heart
and let it always
bless yourself before others;
let yourself drink
freely from all that
you have to offer;
let your lips
always be wetted
by your own freshness
and brought into a smile
even at the thought
of all that you are.


You are not sad.
You are not anything
that others have
made you out to be.
You are what you are;
you are who you are,
and what a glorious
creature to be.