Our parents tell us

that the only thing we need to be

is ourselves,

that what we are inside is enough,

that we are enough.

But when the images

that we project upon ourselves

are corrupt,

and skewed,

and perverse,

and wrong,

then how can what is inside of us

be anything but the same?

 

Modern society shows us

what we need to be:

beautiful,

flawless,

fit for TV,

while the actual human being

hearing those things

sits at home on their couch and feels

inferior,

like they

are not

enough.

 

Though the consequences of those words,

may only be visible on the outside,

they go much deeper.

The perspective of the times has changed.

Even those who claim to be unaffected

are unconsciously affected.

A disease has descended upon the minds of the young,

the idea that what is inside

is not what is important,

that was it important

is what is on the outside,

and that what is on the outside

should be perfect.

 

How does such a simple idea

have the ability

to wrinkle our skin,

wash out our hair,

and fatten out souls

to the point

that no one believes differently?

How has the fact that we are not perfect

become the original sin?

How has the fact that we are not perfect,

made us not whole?

 

The problem with this world

is that none of us are whole,

none of us perfect,

none of us,

none of us.

What we need to realize

is not that we are not perfect,

but that being not perfect

is

not

wrong.

Instead of scrutinizing

every ounce of fat,

every blemish on our skin,

and every inflection in our voice,

we need only look

at what is inside.

Because

we

are

enough.

We are.

 

The miracle of life

should not be something

that someone can look at and say,

you're wrong,

you're not good enough,

you're not perfect.

Because

life

is

perfect.

So everyone that ever told you

you're not good enough,

is wrong.

Because

you

are

good enough.

You are.

 

Perhaps the problem

isn't that we try to be perfect

when we shouldn't want to be.

Perhaps the problem

is the we don't listen to our parents

when they tell us

that the only thing we need to be

is ourselves,

that what we are inside is enough,

that we are enough.