There is a lot of good inside of me, but my biggest problem is deciding not to see it. I can be a loving mom, an effective therapist, an understanding lover, and a compassionate friend. But most days, I tend to reduce myself to a caterpillar — ugly in many respects, ineffective, and basically powerless against all the stronger forces around me. Of course, caterpillars can turn into butterflies, an amazing fact that gives me plenty of hope for the future. But there is a point of view would suggest I am already a butterfly. So why do I keep treating myself like a caterpillar? I am at the point in my life where I very much want to feel like I am soaring free and high, a beautiful creature who can go anywhere and do anything I want. And what I want isn’t fancy — it’s things like a healthy, loving relationship, and a peaceful and happy existence. But I also want to be able to feel and appreciate what I know I already have. Like when my kids tell me how much they love me, I want to take that to the bank, and never forget it for a second, especially when I start indulging in pointless guilt trips against myself. But as long as I keep my eyes on the ground rather than directing them towards the sky, I will be holding myself back from enjoying the wonderful life I already have, and that I have the perfect potential to grow into. Doubting and denying myself may come to me like second nature. But it’s never too late to center myself on my true nature: good, loving, and powerful. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.