To All the Men & Women
This is for all the men and women -
who manage depression or anxiety,
or who have struggled with what they feel
is expected from them by society;
For all the men and women -
who don't yet see their external beauty or beauty within,
or who feel they come up short,
and work each day to hold up their chin;
This is for all the men and women -
who have been hurt and forget they're worthy of it all:
of love, happiness, intimacy, a fulfilling life...
of feeling like the prince or princess of the ball;
To all the men and women -
who have ever had low self-esteem,
or who have been raped, assaulted, or deceived,
or who have been given an STD;
This is for all the men and women -
who often don't feel like they're enough,
or who constantly strive for perfection,
or who fear being vulnerable means they're not tough;
For all the men and women -
who get triggered not always knowing why;
or who are afraid of letting others in,
or trust that others won't mislead, deceive or lie;
This is for the women [and men] who inspire me every day -
showing me others have survived similar traumas and experiences
...so I too will be okay.
To all the men, women, boys, and girls reading this...in need...
not sure where to turn - in pain -
not knowing how to be happy, let alone survive or breathe...
One foot in front of the other,
One moment at a time,
One therapy appointment after another,
and soon...things start falling back inline
XOJEF
