No, I’m not better than you.

Like you, I am prone to…
anger easily when convicted, and
be spiteful or hurtful when I don’t want to confront me.
I can be my own worst enemy that way.

But,
I am slowly freeing you from me,
releasing into the wind that which I don’t want to become,
that which I see keeps me in an unhealthy place,
that which seeks to weigh down on my chest so heavily.
I will never succumb to its pressure
for that’s too heavy a burden.

I am stronger.

There isn’t much that you can throw at me right now.
I’ve already felt the burn of every poisoned arrow and stinging word.
Yet, I feel an amazing ability to pull them from the places they’ve punctured.
With each release, the wounds heal themselves
Recoiling to expose a resilient skin,
scarred but still remarkably intact.

This strength was years in the making.
Not necessarily born with it,
Just determined to have it.

Garnered and taught through the vicissitudes of Life,
her hurt and disappointments,
and even her triumphant hope.
It has become my new armor
The one that I won’t find myself dead without.

There are no regrets,
just missed understandings
and misunderstandings.
No do-overs
Just do, unto, and until.

There’s power in truth,
and truth in telling.
Finding their intersection has been nothing short of liberating.

I’m breathing…easier.

Musical Inspiration:  “All My Mistakes”, by Lizz Fields