Pocket Thoughts

To the one who learned to smile while dying inside.
Your fawning is not weakness.

It is a survival strategy.

It kept you alive.

Yet, it does not have to run your life forever.

When the urge to please gets loud, pause; Put a hand on your chest. Feel your feet on the floor.

Breathe in for four, out for six.

Ask: “If I say yes right now, am I choosing this, or am I trying to avoid conflict?”

You are allowed to say: “I’m not able to do that.” “I need some time to myself.” “That doesn’t work for me.”

Guilt might rise like heat off the pavement.

That’s okay.

Guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It often means you’re doing something new.

You do not have to earn your place by keeping everyone else comfortable.

Like a rose that doesn’t have to bloom on command, you are allowed to exist on your own terms and grow beautifully and firmly withstanding all weather and yet thriving.

Maybe transplant to new soil would be better, maybe