Caren Krutsinger | + Follow Poet |
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It Is Not Selfish To Save Yourself

There is nothing selfish about saving yourself.
It is called self-preservation.
I do it all the time.

There is something empowering about doing what your heart says.
I do not let others pressure me, persuade me or provoke me.
Their ideas are not mine, and I feel no need to live my life their way.

Once upon a time I was a woman who tried to please everyone.
Remember the old story about the man who was carrying the donkey?
Because people shamed him into doing it, rather than letting the donkey carry him?

I used to be that person.
It is a sad life, to always try to please others.
Totally dissatisfying.

It is not selfish to save yourself,
To live your life your way, 
and to follow your heart.

It is empowering.
I say do that.

Copyright © Caren Krutsinger | Year Posted 2021

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Shirley Hawkins Date: 4/27/2021 12:30:00 AM I liked this free verse. it is sad, that life teaches us this. Old habits die hard and I struggle with with this all the time of late. Good one Caren... Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/27/2021 9:05:00 PM I have to admit I was raised to always put other people first, so this is a struggle for me also.

L Milton Hankins Date: 4/26/2021 10:50:00 AM You know, Caren, we all have to learn that lesson. As I got older, I learned not to give a hoot about what anyone else thought about me, it is what I think of myself that really matters. I find myself increasingly answerable only to me. Login to Reply Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/26/2021 12:26:00 PM It is such a relief when you get here.