Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and girls, Workers. Dreamers. This message concerns you: Please direct your attention From every billboard and blinking screen, From polished mirrors and passing cars, To the small, Quiet space behind your ribs. Kindly note: The voice that says “too much” And the echo that whispers “not enough” Have been misinformed for quite LONG enough. This is your heart speaking: I regret to announce The standards you were issued Arrived misprinted, Three sizes too narrow for a human soul. This is your heart speaking: Not the headline. Not the hallway gossip. Please remain seated Inside your own skin. This is your heart speaking: Kindly retire borrowed metrics. You are officially cleared To stop watching for new clicks. This is your heart speaking: Effective immediately:: Comparison has been delayed... Indefinitely, Due to lack of usefulness. This is your HEART SPEAKING! All previous memos Suggesting you earn your worth By shrinking, Pleasing, Vanishing, Have been marked “returned to sender.” In their place You are hereby authorized To take up space in every room you enter. This is your heart speaking: Not the yearbook. Not the passing glance. Please remain present For your own life. This is your heart speaking: All prior insults are now archived. You are officially cleared To love yourself on sight. On sight. In case of sudden doubt: Locate the nearest memory Of surviving what you thought you couldn’t. Hold it gently to the light. You may need more light. This is your heart speaking: If you misplace your courage, Check your breathing; If you hear it, You are not failing. Final notice! You do not have to earn The right To be on your own side. This is your heart speaking: Not the loudest voice, But the truest one. This is your heart. This is your heart speaking: Repeat as often as needed. Out loud. You are officially cleared To love yourself.
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