I am afraid of rejection.

I am scared that maybe I’m not enough.

I am cautious at the world I once thought I knew, afraid that it too has lost its spark.

I am overwhelmed with the idea that maybe I don’t matter.

I am convinced that the people who say they love me simply feel sorry to leave me. 

Afraid that I am too little.

Afraid that I am too much. 

I am longing for acceptance yet too intimidated by rejection. 

Scared I am too quiet.

Fearful that my voice is a repetitive siren that wards people away. 

I am struck by the feeling that one day I’ll wake up and no one will love me, no one will care about me, no one will listen to me. 

I am fearful of the “no’s”.

I am daunted by the “nevermind’s”.

I am worried I have no purpose. 

I am terrified that I take up space and waste people’s time.

I’d like to think I am afraid of the world,

When in reality, I am afraid of myself.

But I am not defined by these fears.

I am also brave.

I am strong.

I am worthy.

I am determined.

I am creative.

I am beautiful.

I am resilient. 

I am the sum of all of these wonderful things.

Good and bad. 

Big and small.

But no matter what.

I am not alone. 

I am me.

And that is enough.