a gentle intervention
hello, good day
to all the parts of me I try to hide
today I greet you with warmth
don’t shy away, I promise I won’t push you away this time
let’s talk about how you are.
I’ve noticed you get defensive when certain people address your flaws
I’ve observed how you use your words to bite friends when you’re worried they may hurt you
I’ve even seen…
wait! please don’t go. I’m not here to judge.
we are on the same side.
of course you have flaws, dearest — much like every other person around
what are you telling yourself and your son when you flince in disgust at the mere mention of them?
I think there exists a world where our flaws can be faced with a sensible amount of curiousity and determination to be better. let’s work together to build it.
perhaps we can resolve to listen when someone helps us see where we could be less wrong
we will never be right. we will never be perfect.
but we should try to be less wrong.
regarding visciousness — we will not hurt less by hurting others. truth be told, we hurt ourselves just as much in the process.
the parts of ourselves we are proud of, the parts who act as a good partner, friend, or family member.
remember… love comes with a frightening load of vulnerability. yet we choose it everyday, don’t we, lovely? of course we do!
when you feel the bite arise in your throat, slow it down.
remember what you could be doing to him, to her, if you choose malice over benevolence.
is it worth it?
one last thing… remember those flaws? the ones we all have?
they do not make you any less —
any less deserving of compassion.
any less deserving of love.
any less deserving of forgiveness.
Imam al Shafi’i (RA) once said:
“My sin had burdened me heavily. But when I measured it against Your Grace, O Lord! Your forgiveness came out greater.”
make amends. seek forgiveness. then allow yourself to move forward.
thank you for your time, self.
I commit to address you with the same tenderness in our next encounter.
bis bald.
