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only if it is unconditional.

how do you know someone loves you? they do what they’re supposed to do for you because they want to and because it makes them feel good to see you happy.

how do you know you love you? you do what you’re supposed to do for you because you want to and because it makes you feel good to see you happy. seems harder when we say it that way, isn’t it? of course it’s easier to make the grocery list when it’s you shopping the shelves instead of you shopping within yourself. let’s make the list anyway.

i want to be loved in all these ways, by (becoming) someone who: i can trust –not because they are perfect– but because they are human and they’ve taught me that i am safe to shed my armor and stay in my body, sits with me even when and especially when my feelings are too big, gives me the space to figure out what’s right for me, takes the time to honor my needs even when no one else will, encourages me to shine, protects my energy with respect and reverence, knows how lucky they are that i am me and not anyone else, wants to spend time with me because they’re curious what it’s like to be me and because it seems pretty fun, doesn’t let me turn away from the mirror even if i don’t like what i see, reminds me that i don’t need a mirror to know i exist and that i matter, is patient with me even as i slowly outgrow all the ways i have been inclined to seek or fix or serve or shrink or give myself away to anything or anyone outside of me, blesses my journey with kindness and compassion, chooses me because i am already chosen.