Mostly Michelle Marie

Today we in the United States, we are celebrating our Independence from the British monarchy and the drafting of our Declaration of Independence. Yay us back in the day!

I have been working for quite some time now on my Declaration of Independence and I’d like to share it with you; at least what I have gotten down thus far. I believe that my declaration will have edits, additions and modifications as things change and progress.

When, at last and finally, I have grown stronger than the bonds that kept me from growing, I will leave behind the chains of my captor along with the false beliefs that were my only constant companions.

I cast back to the darkness from which it was born the hate that only a fearful heart can carry. I give back the taunts and lies that plagued my spirit and kept me from believing in myself, my strength and my purpose.

I will exorcise the demons that have taken residence in my mind, living only for the fix, the drug, the drink, magical elixir that will cleanse my emotional palate, let something resembling peace wash over me like a cool breeze on a summer night.

Let that illusion that addiction needs to prosper shrink away and fall to dust; let the real light in, the light of truth and love of friends and family.

I will not hide from the truth, I will not bury my head in the face of adversity or fear. I will not squander my gifts, nor will I be ashamed of who I am; flawed, beautifully and completely unlike any other soul, striving for perfection like a fish swimming upstream.

I am a lighthouse for lost souls alone in the darkness, a star unaware it’s a guiding light for someone else. I am someone’s mother, someone’s sister, someone’s wild and crazy, curly-haired friend.

I am a soul having a human experience and striving to learn and grow, help and heal, and finally, become. I will trust in my intuition, keep the faith and live my truth. I will be unapologetically, authentically 100% me.

I hold these truths to be the cornerstones of my existence; I am thoughts brought to life, so I will be mindful and loving with those thoughts. 

I am not an island, nor should I pretend to be; people love me, they are waiting for me to open the door, pick up the phone, reach out and let that love in. I will do my best to believe that I’m worthy of that love, that faith, that patience and goodness.

I will treasure those moments we have, I will speak when the spirit moves me, I will wear that pretty dress for no reason other than it makes me feel good. 

I will write notes to my older self, to remind me of how things were. I will tell her that I’ve planted a seed that will one day bear gorgeous fruit for her. I’ve stopped pretending and started living, so she won’t have to bear the burden of all those masks I’ve worn.

I’ve written letters to friends that I’ve never sent, always waiting for a special occasion or time of crisis; I will no longer hold kind words like treasure to be hoarded. I will give praise, compliment and love without reserve or apology, for kindness is the cure for a wounded and weary soul.

I declare my independence on this day and every day that I am given until I’m called to the Great Beyond (not to be confused with Bed, Bath and Beyond) and whatever journey awaits me on the other side. 

Happy 4th of July, everyone!!