“So,
those core beliefs –
that you don’t deserve love –
where do they come from?”

As much as I want bite back with a
“isn’t it your job to tell me that”,
I decide to bite my tongue
and take a deep breath
and start talking.

I guess it starts with my childhood.
I always felt inferior
compared to my brother.
I love my brother
more than anything else
but he is so perfect
and I am just not.
He deserves the love
and celebration
and praise –
not me.
I would never take that away from him.

But I know my brother will always love me
and that is enough.