LIBERATED ME by Alyscia Cunningham

I wrote this poem on November 14, 2015 in the wee hours of the morning...

It emerged as I laid in my bed thinking about how grateful I am for my growth. On March 17, 2014 I turned 35 years old. Right before my birthday it seemed as if there was a click and something changed in me. For the first time since I was a child I looked out for my needs first.

I had to make decisions that would shake some of my family and friend relationships. Instead of being concerned about what I should do I did what was best for me. Some of my decisions weakened some of my relationships yet strengthened others. My spirit would no longer allow me to sacrifice my sanity to please others.

Although I have honestly always been strong minded, somewhere along the way I molded myself into what was expected of me and not what I expected of myself. It was close to my 35th life cycle here on Earth that I choose to free myself no expectations, judgments and fears. In turn I believed that genuine relationships would liberate with me.

Photography by the author, Alyscia Cunningham

Liberated Me

by Alyscia Cunningham

I am NOT the same,

as I was before.

Five years ago,

I accepted more.

But as I've grown,

I can't ignore,

my spirit freed,

the molded me.

Forgiveness lives,

from my distance,

I keep you there,

and in my prayers.

My love is true,

And I love you,

but today you see,
liberated me.

Photography by the author, Alyscia Cunningham

Alyscia Cunningham is an author, photographer, entrepreneur, speaker, wife, mother of three children and a creative soul. Through her lens, Cunningham captures and celebrates raw beauty, as she believes the media not only does a good job of focusing on our insecurities but also profiting from it. Her previously published book, Feminine Transitions, and upcoming books and documentaries are social-change projects challenging the "idea" of beauty. Alyscia started journaling as well as writing poems and short stories at the age of 10, and has has kept all of it all in her memory box. She says one days she'll have the pleasure to sit with her children and read to them some of her childhood writing. Connect with her on Facebook here, or visit her website.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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