“Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy.” Wayne Dyer
I wonder now but why on earth
Was I looking for self-worth
Outside of me, in others’ eyes?
I did not even care if they were lies
Sugarcoated to sound cloying to my willing ears
To drown the noise of my innermost fears..
**
Why in the world did I think back in the day
That I would be more contented if I looked a certain way
I groomed myself well, lost a few pounds
That did not silence the deafening sounds
Of my inner voice screaming that I would
Remain unworthy, never amount to anything good
Why did I believe what the media portrayed
That external beauty a major role in self-worth played..
**
Why did I think that if I could appear
More erudite, more intellectual than my peers
I would feel more comfortable in my skin
I would be able to suppress that din
Of that all-too-familiar refrain
That I was an imposter, my efforts were in vain
As much knowledge as I could, I tried to acquire
It improved my self-worth some, but did not quell the fire..
**
Now with the wisdom of years and greying hair
Finally I can say that I do not care
As much about others’ opinion of me
Self-worth is internal, realizing this set me free
Whether I am well groomed, or knowledgeable
Or neither, I am finally able
To silence the dissenting voice inside
I now know my worth, I say that with pride
Passion...unbridled 