Hey Kid

You create yourself with your choices

but you can't choose everything about yourself

you must also discover

it is okay to be confused by what you learn

finding guidance can be challenging

so here are some lessons I've learned

.

No matter where you come from

or who your parents are

you are alive

so take care of yourself

celebrate

run through the park

sing

.

Forgive your mistakes

and love yourself

if you do

you will be okay

no matter what

you will be loved

wherever you go

.

Have hope

the grander the better

you are the golden morning

hold you head high

smile goofily

you are the crooked sunlight

that coalesces

with silt

.

You belong

so be gentle with yourself

and others

full of thoughts

full of laughter

find common ground in

the sand between your toes

the grass on your soles

the snow

and share your stories

.

Keep a clear head

you will figure out

the clarity of a cloudless sky

of an open door

a gentle breeze

in the quiet hours before the city rouses

the cold water from the tap

deep breaths

the gift of presence

.

Accept yourself and be grateful

cherish yourself through your struggles and difficulties

allow heartache to teach you compassion

for the ones you love

and strangers

and yourself

you are who you are

and you are enough

.

2020