Amor Propio

As I sit here on the same plush cushioned chair and gaze out clear glass-pained windows, I feel peace.

I am proud of myself. I'm proud of the growth I have developed within myself this year.

The two characters I have thought of for years made their way back into my mind recently. This time their story was new and unique as two mature adults recognizing their love was genuine, but they were not destined to ever be together.

Is there a sense of similarity to my own story? Except my own love is myself, mi amor propio, and what I feel for myself within.

How do I honor these two characters? Similar to being human, they are flawed, flawed with mistakes, misspoken words, and empty promises.

I have been pouring into myself lately, filling my own glass of happiness and reminding myself that I am valuable. My value is not determined by any man, reassurance is not needed by another person, and the only validation needed is from myself within.

It's the middle of October and I am blessed this year. 

I am not hiding behind tear-stained cheeks and the emotion of emptiness in my chest. Previous main characters in my story of life a year ago no longer exist in this sequel, as they are distant reminders of what once was.

The woman I am now is deserving of kindness, respect, humility, and genuine intentions - something I was stripped of with past characters in my life then. Taken advantage of and discarded like I didn't matter after giving all of myself to people who abused my value for their benefit.

Now, I stand tall reclaiming my self-love, and walk with confidence as I am not frightened of ghosts from my past. Because when you move with genuine intentions, the truth will always prevail and there is no need to hide from the truth - if anything, it'll shine light on other people's skeletons and showcase clarity on reality.