My wants are important They deserve to be heard
My needs are important They deserve to be met
My boundaries are important They deserve to be respected
My feelings are important They deserve to be understood
I am important I deserve to be loved
For such a long time I'd go somewhere I didn't feel comfortable for the sake of others
For such a long time I'd stay when I was tired Pushing myself to be happy for the sake of others
For such a long time I'd burn myself out Never getting what I wanted for the sake of others
Now I listen to and take care of myself I recognized my own limits and say no for the sake of me
How long have I lived for others? How long have I tried to fit in?
I push down my wants and needs I ignore my own feelings I put on a mask so everyone else will accept me
How far back does it go? How long have I been afraid?
I had questions I never asked Feelings I never expressed Options I never explored all so I wouldn't be laughed at
I don't know how long I may never know But I accept myself now So I'm finished pretending
It's time to be me
When I look at a flower I see past her petals I see a seed that grew from nothing beat the harsh indifference of nature grew into a beautiful array of color
She gives others hope She's a token of love and loss Of new beginnings One of many performers in the great symphony of nature
That's what I see That's how my mind works Seeing a piece of the world that only I will ever see
I'm like that flower Blooming with my unique colors Daring to be different And that is a wonderful thing
That is what I see when I look at me
I sculpted this mask Carved and decorated it Slaved over every detail Then I wore it around other people And they all loved me
I will listen to all of your problems offer support the best I can but you must understand that there will be a point at which I reach my limits and I must take care of myself
I care too much
Obsessed with the idea that everyone should be happy I toss my own feelings aside
For so long I fell into step Like a soldier Marching to a drum
I am here I am visible I will be seen Speaking out is scary can get me hurt ostracized abandoned But this is who I am and I will be me I will not be silent No matter how loud I have to be I will let the world know that I EXIST