... By Tahlia Hunter

"When you know who you are
Other people can enter and exit your life
Without it rocking your world
As your foundation is solid and unshakeable
Because you have yourself
When you know who you are
The opinions and judgements of others matter far less
And people can speak words of criticism, unkindness and malice about you
Without it affecting how you feel about yourself
When you know who you are
Other people can reject you or abandon you
Without it changing your identity
Because you know that your destiny is not tied to those who have chosen to leave you
And you feel whole and complete from within
When you know who you are
You appreciate
That putting your happiness and sense of self-worth
In the hands of another person
Is akin to making them your jailor
And remaining locked in a prison
That only they have the key to rescue you from
While liberating yourself
Means taking full responsibility
For your emotions, identity and wellbeing
And setting yourself free
To live and feel however you may choose.
And when you know who you are
Rather than devoting so much time and energy to trying to impress others
Or projecting the fulfillment of your own unmet needs and desires onto them
You choose to prioritize your own needs and wellbeing
And make time for your most important relationship
Which is with yourself."

"This poem is for anyone and everyone left wondering—wonder no more."