It's Because...

I stand up and say, "it's because you need this," but I cower as I walk away.

My reflection doesn't buy it, and frankly neither does my mind,

But I still say it,

Again and again until it's hard to think otherwise.

I look at myself and repeat, "it's because you're not good enough, so be better"

That seems more convincing.

Yet I don't feel better in the slightest...

But tomorrows a new day and tomorrow I'll try again.

For now I just peek at myself and realize that it's just because life is hard.

Tomorrow came,

And with it came the same feelings of shame and confusion

In the mirror I stand, and stare, and say,

day after day, the things I think I need to hear.

Until I tell myself, "it's because you're unloved"

And in this moment I found my answer.

Unloved? Not even close. 

Undervalued, unappriciated, misunderstood...

That's more like it.

And so I turn away from the mirror,

And I face my troubles-- releasing them

No more scrutiny

No more anger

No more hated for myself

I have walked away from the one who was bringing me down,

And now I look at myself and say, 

"It's because I love you"

"It's because I love you that I do things for me and for no one else sometimes."

"It's because I love you that I give myself the credit that I deserve."

"It's because I love you that I dont allow toxic people to impact my life and the way I feel."

"It's because I love you that other people can love you too."

And I relaize that no one's love

But the love I have for myself

Will ever matter this much.

Because without self love

There is no love.