02 Nov I am Enough from Jennifer Belthoff
Why is it so difficult for me to be kind to myself? Why do I struggle to be gentle with my soul, to love and cultivate my spirit, and truly see myself? It is easy for me to nurture others. To reflect back to them the truth and beauty I see in them. The same truth and beauty that they are unable to see in themselves. I am able to hold up a mirror in front of their heart and soul and reveal exactly who they are. However, I am unable to turn this mirror around on myself and get a glimpse of my true reflection.
As time has pushed me forward I have learned that the most important thing I can do is to be kind to myself. Being kind to myself allows me the opportunity gain strength in who I am. It opens up my eyes, my heart, and my soul to the understanding that being me, just as I am, is enough. When I have that strength I am able to show the most vulnerable pieces of myself and connect with others. It is this bonding that brings the light into the darker days and reveals the beauty of the human spirit.
Writing is a way for me to show the most vulnerable parts of myself. It gives a voice to the pieces in me that are hurting or want to be heard. In speaking my truth I connect with others who understand or may have gone through the same struggles. This connection reminds me that I am not alone. We are all on a journey. At times that it may be filled with laughter and delight and other times we are overcome with tears and sorrow.
The beauty of life is that we are living it. Seeing, loving, dreaming, singing, dancing, believing. The magic swirls around us when we are able to know in our hearts that we are enough. And we are. No matter where we are on our journey we are exactly where we need to be.
……….
Who do you think you are
To be seen
To be heard
To be loved
Who do you think you are
To show yourself to the world
Dance in the moonlight
And infuse inspiration into the universe
Who do you think you are
To believe in possibility
Soak in the love of others
And embrace the world around you
Who do you think you are
To emerge from the rubble
Growing strong and brave
And shining your light all around
Who do you think you are
You are someone
And that is enough
………..
About Jennifer Belthoff
Jennifer Belthoff has finally discovered that she is a writer. She shares her story through her poetry and photographs. Her words are the key that open up her heart and show the most vulnerable pieces of her soul. Jennifer goes off on adventures to learn about the most sacred parts of herself and to connect with other like-minded souls. You can view life through Jennifer’s eyes on her blog.
Jeanne
Posted at 17:42h, 02 NovemberI used to be in HR, and we used to say "We best teach what we most need to learn." But, you've captured it so nicely in verse. Your style is reminiscent of Mary Oliver's poetry. Very beautiful, and oh so true. You are someone and that is enough.
lisart
Posted at 23:58h, 02 NovemberSo proud to be your friend! <3 to you Jennifer:)
kelly
Posted at 02:35h, 03 Novemberit makes me so happy to jennifer here spreading her love and her words. she is a ray of sunshine…4reels.
stefanie renee
Posted at 03:34h, 03 Novemberso happy to see you here, to hear your words and know that they are so very true!
xoxo
marilyn
Posted at 04:58h, 03 Novemberthis is just so… jennifer! beautiful and full of brave truth and vulnerability.
chrissy
Posted at 05:38h, 03 Novemberjennifer….you are one of the BRAVEST women i know. sooooo blessed to call you my scarf sister. rise onward!
c
kolleen
Posted at 13:44h, 03 Novembersweet sweet Jennifer….
you are SO enough!
your writing speaks to me on so many levels and in so many ways.
i am so proud of you and so happy that you KNOW…really KNOW, that you ARE a writer. (and a darn good one at that!!!)
loving you much, my dear friend.
ooxxooxx
k
valerie
Posted at 16:17h, 03 Novemberyou are such a gorgeous light in the world jennifer. it (and you) and such an amazing thing to behold. you are more than enough, just as you are!
xoxo
jen mcgown
Posted at 21:11h, 03 NovemberI'm so excited to see you have finished and to see it in print! your words are an inspiration, and just what I needed to read!
Sam
Posted at 11:56h, 04 NovemberJennifer, this is just beautiful…and your manifesto is so powerful. I feel lucky to have heard it when you first introduced it to the world…and to read it here! Your thoughts have given me some real insights into some loved ones…who are incredibly capable of loving on me and everyone else, but crucify themselves.
Ellen
Posted at 22:15h, 04 NovemberJennifer,
Wonderful wisdom, I too like you, can help people with their mirrored image, but struggle with my own! Your words are poetic and you have a way of seeing the truth and revealing it so eloquently~! When I read your words, I also see glints of light, they spark ideas for me.
I think words can help people forge bonds, build bridges, and see things clearly. I know they can also be painful, but I like to think of words as the soul speaking, through the magic of minds and hands, our keys. Writing givies us a way to have another voice! So happy, your voice is getting louder and stronger as you come into your own~ xXx
mario
Posted at 00:57h, 05 NovemberI love to see you are doing what you love. it is great and I am happy for you. Keep smiling and keep spreading around what you have couped up in that noggin.
mindy lacefield
Posted at 03:14h, 11 Novemberjennifer, you have totally turned my world into a beautiful place. you are MY star that shines down so that little girl in me can find her way when the darkness engulfs. you pulled me up and shone your light. what a gift you are! i love you more than i can ever express. as i told you before……your words have affected me more than any other. thank you for that. xo
elk
Posted at 12:55h, 12 Novemberyour thoughts and verse are so clear and inspiring ..thankyou