Poem :: Enough Space

This poem reads like a conversation between two different sides of myself: the conditioned-to-constantly-over-think-and-never-feel-good-enough side vs. the I-just-want-to-be-me-and-not-over-think-this-shit-so-much side.

It’s called “Enough Space” because sometimes it’s easy to forget we can talk back, walk away, and get space from the voices in our heads. It can be hard at first, but with practice we get better at distancing ourselves from our minds and finding peace within. I wrote it for me, but I also wrote it for you…

ENOUGH SPACE

Stand up for yourself
and others.

I am standing up
and my legs are tired.

What would Mother
Teresa do?

I don’t know.
I don’t know Mother Teresa.

If you don’t have something nice
to say, don’t say anything.

I wasn’t. I’m not.
You’re the one doing all the talking.

Honor your father
and your mother.

Even if they don’t
honor me?

Who do you think you are?
You can’t do that.

But I am doing it.
Which means I can.

You say “fuck”
too much.

Next time I want your opinion
I’ll give it to you.

I’m going to take up all
the space without asking.

In that case, I’m leaving.
Enjoy all the space.

{silence}

     {footsteps}

          {door opens}

               {door shuts}

Here I am.
Outside. Deep breath.

There’s space out here too.
Loads of it.

Enough for everyone.
Including me.

May you feel your own freedom today.
May you know you are allowed to walk away.
May you give yourself permission to ask for what you need.
May you care for yourself deeply and lovingly.
May you experience deep breath, pause, BEing.

You are enough. There’s loads of space for You to be You, just as you are.