Lessons Learned

What have I learned?

I have yet to put the hard lessons

Into concrete sentences,

Into cemented teachings by which I abide.

Simply, I have learned to love.

Painfully, I have learned love should not be earned.

Love is given; love is received without question.

By pursuing love, I have learned it shall not be pursued.

By seeking love, I know it is not sought.

For love shall be shared without an “if, and, or but”.

Love regardless of how love is shown to you.

Simply, I recognize love has many forms.

Painfully, I have learned that we all love differently.

Slowly, I have acquired the lens to understand different forms

Of what is also known as “trying”.

For strained relationships may bring a sore-feeling love,

But I have learned that is how love is shown by thee.

I have learned not to re-define how others show love.

Accept the truth that you are loved.

Simply, I have learned boundaries protect thy heart.

Painfully, I have become acquainted with solidarity at the

Front by which I have drawn the line.

Boundaries create mutually respectful relationships,

And boundaries do not equate selfishness.

Simply, I have learned self-respect.

Painfully, I defined self-respect in a time of self-hatred.

As the phoenix arises from the ashes, so shall she whose

Being has been burnt to a crisp by those she allowed.

Others shall treat you only as you permit.

Simply, I have come to know grace.

Miraculously, I have been shown grace in the darkest space.

To know love in the abyss is to know grace in its truest form.

Humble yourself.

Simply, I know the beauty of life.

Oh, so painfully, I have kissed the darkness with a shattered soul.

Joyfully, I have seen the depths to which I shall not return.

Another day is the greatest unpromised gift.

Be present each day; let go of what shall never remain.

Simply, I know to be myself.

Painfully, I know this after playing an actress in my autobiography.

For we shall be judged if we show love, for we shall be judged if we

Have boundaries, if we have self-respect, if we humble ourselves, and

We shall be judged even if our joy for life makes us skip along the walk.

Judgement shall always come from the world;

Focus your eyes above,

And don’t ignore that which has already been taught.

The beauty of life