At some point recently,
the switch flipped
and everything illuminated.
It hit me as I was driving home;
I have cut away the toxicity
and now only good remains in my life.
My worth is no longer determined
by opinions of those around me,
and now I value the time in my hands
and I know I am already in heaven.
I glanced in the rear-view mirror
and realised
I am smart
I am funny
I am dependable
I can do anything I want
as long as I put my mind to it.
I trust myself to do right
and I will hold myself
through everything to come.
I am so worthy of love
and respect
and friendship
and kindness
and happiness
and I cannot believe
how blind I have been.
It feels like a crushing weight
has been lifted from my shoulders,
the rain has passed
and the sun is shining
and I am going to grow.
I have taken a step towards
being the me
that those who love me
see me as.

– thank you to LOOΠΔ yyxy for making me realise self-love is the best love