Her hands had known
and touched and felt
the best and the worst
that life had to offer.
They’d held a newborn
they’d kneaded bread
they’d mended sweaters
they’d caressed her man
felt a rose petal
petted a cat
soothed a boo boo
prayed to God.
Her hands had seen
their share of toil
and despair
triumph and joy
sorrow and love.
“I’ve made mistakes in my life. I’ve let people take advantage of me, and I accepted way less than I deserve, but I’ve learned from my bad choices and even though there are some things I can never get back and people who will never be sorry, I’ll know better next time and I won’t settle for anything less than I deserve.”
Seriously, be strong and know when enough is enough. Take your stand, speak up and refuse to let others hurt you. Throughout your lifetime some people will discredit you, disrespect you and treat you poorly for no apparent reason at all. Don’t consume yourself with trying to change them or win their approval.
Today I decided to forgive you. Not because you apologized or because you acknowledged the pain that you caused me, but because my soul deserves peace.
