Simpler than ice on water is the free floating thought I am enough except those words are wrapped in chains and sunk to the bottom of the ocean for many who write with me. Insecurity breeds faster than rabbits and with less joy. Folk tales warn us away from conceit. Is self-love a conceit? Is the idea that I am a person who holds value a selfish one? I cry it is necessary if I am to share breath with assailants, if I am to create a better me than what was fashioned by clumsy hands and penises. I am not the shape they molded me into. But, in order to be more, I must believe I am enough.
And so must you.
There is no compulsion even excepting I believe even the predator has value; if they knew their worth they would witness what exists in everyone. And would they strike if they saw what they were harming as a mirror of their innate beauty?
Even when you don't have enough or think you don't do enough or feel you couldn't possibly meet whatever standard you have set for enough, know there is someone out there who sees you as valued. Throw aside the tired feeling of this t-shirt chant and claim its meaning. Assign it to your heart. You are enough.