Someday I will stop putting myself down.

Before getting to know me,

people assume I am reserved and aloof,

But my true friends know

I am a ball of tangled nerves on the inside.

This anxiety eats away at my core,

In my worst moments,

It consumes every ounce of optimism,  

Every cup of encouragement,

Every tablespoon of relaxation.

It’s almost funny.

How deep down I know

My own expectations

are impossible to meet,

And yet I still succomb

to my sweaty palms and racing heart

Telling me, “Run away.”

I don’t want to run away.

I won’t run away.

I want to change.

I want to stand up

for what I believe in.

I want to get to know people

for who they really are,

Unashamed and unafraid.

I want to see the world

with eyes that see

the glass half full.

Someday,

I will rise above my insecurities.