Speak Your Truth

I am-
A soft-hearted,
Strong-spirited woman-
Who has been through
Some extremely
Difficult times-
And feel grateful
To have survived it.

I prayed for
The courage
And strength
To be vulnerable,
Open and vocal-
Through poetry
About my life battles
Instead of
Hiding behind
A stoic face-
In silence.

My purpose
Has never been
For pity.
But, rather
To empower-
And be a voice
For all those
Who suffer
Behind closed doors-
Around me.

You-
Are not alone,
And your struggles
Are not a weakness.
And seeking help
That you need
To work through it-
Doesn’t mean
That – You aren’t
Strong enough-
To beat this.

Therapy
Can teach us-
A new perspective,
Better coping skills,
And give us new tools
To work through
Our personal traumas-
And inner unrest.

It should be
Looked at the same
As going to the doctor
When you are
Sick and require
Extra medicine
Or support-
In order to
Feel your best.

Our life stories
Can both connect
And unite us-
Bring us together
To help one another
Through-
Rather than separate
And divide us.

Human connection
Is a reflection
Of our own life journey-
Where we’re at,
How we relate,
And what we each have-
To offer.
Speak quietly
Or speak loudly
But speak your truth
Proudly-
And watch
The world around you
Grow softer.

-Tanielle Childers ©️ 10.20.23