On the anniversary of my birth, I am making a proclamation to myself. I am stating a solemn vow that prevails over all previous commitments. This I say to me.
I vow to never leave you alone to chase after another. I will not betray you and forsake you, no matter how promising the potential appears.
I vow to never let someone enter your body that does not love and respect you completely for all that you are. I will not prostitute you to hang onto to a man or to win his love.
I vow to never rob from you again to fulfill another’s needs. I have forced you to go without in order to give what was beyond my means.
I vow to care for your physical body. I will bring you only healthy foods. I will nourish you and keep your muscles strong. I will not shame you for the lines on your face or the width of your waist. You have taken me all around the world, healed yourself from traumatic injury and yet I still demand more and more from you. No more.
I vow to listen to your knowing. I have ignored you and pretended not to hear the warnings you relayed. I am tuned in and receiving.
I vow to stop pushing you so hard. You are here to feel joy and take time to relax. I will ask for help and not expect you to do everything on your own. I will allow you to lie on the couch and read a book when you need to recharge. I will take you for walks just to restore you and let you breathe in the pines and the damp earth.
I vow to protect you. If others enter your space that attempt to bully, manipulate or pull you down, I will lead you away to safety. I will surround you with people that are uplifting and loving. These people will mentor you and provide guidance to become all that you can be. I will be sure that anyone near you is in their integrity or their time will be halted.
I vow to support the child in you, the one that likes to blow bubbles, pick flowers and sing. I will encourage you to find ways to express yourself and use your creativity. I enjoy all the ways you bring laughter into my life. I will help with your search for new ways to play and find happiness.
I see the light in you. I see the quiet wisdom. I see your kindness, your generosity and your inner beauty. I have betrayed you, stolen from you, lied to you and neglected you. I am sorry it has taken me so long to see who you really are. You have always been here. I love you and I cherish the life that we make together. Situations will change but this commitment is resolute. I give you my word.
