Ray’s Rays, Number 19

The Ego Isn’t the Enemy

by

Radiance Angelina Petro

 

 

 

 

I don’t really know much. Sometimes

I don’t know my ass from a hole in the ground.

It’s a good thing I’m ace or that could be problematic.

I’m over half a century old, and I know a few things–

or, at very least, have experienced a thing or two,

but have I truly learned from those experiences?

That’s questionable in many instances as evidenced

by my making the same mistakes over and over.

So, at the end of the day, I don’t really know shit.

I do know one thing though—talk nice to yourself.

Unlike what I just did above, honor your experience

and what you’ve learned. I am over half century old

and I still struggle with deep self-hatred.

Start now. Right here—where ever you are–

say something nice to yourself about yourself.

Try it. If you don’t believe what you’re saying

say it anyway. “Act as if,” they say. “Take the actions,

and the feelings will follow,” they also say.

Start practicing now. I wish I could have started years ago,

but I didn’t. And there’s no finish line. I will keep striving

to love myself and like myself and honor myself and praise myself–

and if anyone says loving yourself is ego-shit—tell them

to fuck off. The ego isn’t an enemy. Be proud as fuck

for who you are, how far you’ve come. You’re fucking amazing.