Peace and acceptance (Poem)

Sometimes I do not feel seen

Or heard or understood
By those who
I care about the most
I feel like they want to
Fit me in a box, but
The box isn't shaped like me
I do not belong in it

I am yin and yang
I have light and darkness
I am constantly changing
but I am uniquely me

And that's all I can be
But sometimes it isn't enough
And so I fall short of
Other people's expectations
Causing them pain
And disappointment

Then, it becomes a choice
Between my authentic self
And a version of me that
Others would like me to be
So that they can be happy
But as much as I care
I know I can't be responsible
For someone else's happiness
They must find it
Within themselves

All I can do is show up
In my authentic self
Knowing that I care
And that I am doing my best
So I choose to do just that
But when it isn't enough
The judgement starts
The labels flow in
Selfish, indifferent, uncaring

I feel the sting, but
I know I have a choice
I can allow it into my heart
And let it rip me from inside
Or I can politely refuse to accept it
And say - no, thank you
And just walk away for a bit
Knowing that I am enough
And that I have enough peace
And acceptance in my heart
For myself and others alike...