Who I Am Apart From Accolades and the Opinions of Others

I Am

I am not intelligent in comparison to another’s mind. 

I am intelligent with no because’s.  

I am not an artist because my art is appreciated.

I am an artist because I was born to be. 

I am not well-designed because of another’s presence or absence of words.

I am well-designed because I said so. 

I do not become beautiful when a male voice declares me to be.

I became beautiful the moment I declared myself to be. 

I am not anything because of anyone else’s something. 

I am because I am.

Have you ever sought after validation in things or people? Do you know who you are apart from the praise of others?

Image via Emily Fages, Darling Issue No. 12