checking in.

mostly truths.
i haven't shaved my legs since mid-July.
i wear my hair short, because that's how i like it.
i approach people,
no matter their race
no matter their religion
no matter their economic status
no matter their sexual orientation
as me.
as "hi, I'm Nicole. It's nice to meet you."
i make mistakes,
but i'm learning
to slow down
to process
to take a step back
to feel it out.
& then to think it out.
to take those moments to breathe,
to try to understand.
to accept.
to learn
& to move on.
i am learning forgiveness.
i am learning that forgiving ourselves,
is often times
the most difficult thing we can do.
the most important thing we can do.
& often the last thing we do.


talk
exchange
share
put yourself
your experiences
your opinions
your thoughts
your ideals
your values
your emotions
your heart
out there.
share.
create a safe space
inside you.
& around you.
of trust
and unconditional love.
for you.
of you.
by you.


& allow others to tip toe in,
as they feel comfortable.
as they need


listen.


encourage.
support.
be open
to
yourself
just as much as to others.
to fall
to stumble
to trip
to scrape up your knees
every now & again.
to skip barefoot through the grass
of greener times & days
with a smile on your face
& the sun dancing through your hair.


dance.
to your song.
as your body moves
as the music of life
& rhythms of emotion
move you.


love.
honestly.
loyally.
forgivingly.




proud.
of the woman i am becoming.