Fulfill the most fulfilling; it is beautiful, really, if I can imagine...

Fulfill the most fulfilling
It is beautiful, really
If I can imagine
Myself
In a state of glory
From just awakening
From just brushing
And breathing
And blinking
Solitary
In the cold brisk air
Rising renewed
In my own existence
For myself •

Self-love. We all hear about its importance, but what does it really mean? From my experience, it means selfishness enough to put our health and well-being first, without later neglecting that of others. It means saying "no" more often than "yes", as that "no" could save our sanity. It means solitary vacations and dinner nights, in order to learn to enjoy our own company. It means purposefully being alone, without giving in to the temporary, uncomfortable loneliness. When we love ourselves first, when we give ourselves that opportunity, we are choosing freedom — freedom from manipulative and one-sided romantic and platonic relationships; freedom from forced partnerships, chosen only for companionship, chosen even when that companion is toxic to our mental health; freedom from requiring acceptance from others; freedom from others opinions and judgements.

When we love ourselves, we are free from all of the weights of the world. We give of ourselves in our own time, when we are ready, and when it suits us. Finally, when we love ourselves we can lose anyone in our life and still have our being, our identity, intact. Because the loss of another does not mean the loss of one's self. Because we are here. We were here before them, and we will be here after them. No matter who is or is not in our life — when we love ourselves, we are solid, self-assured, and capable of seeing the opportunities in every challenge. •

Poem from Four Years in Chrysalis
© Aisha Tariqa Abdul Haqq Publishing
Follow @AishaTariqa for more original poetry and inspiration •