Recently I was thinking about how to better appreciate the people who have touched me profoundly. As I reflect, I am mindful that these important relationships are often complicated and come with challenges and mixed, heightened emotions. 

Many of these people are no longer in my life, and our relationships are complete. As I reflect on this, I notice that I prefer to remember the magical moments of our times together. However, to take in the full scope of gifts and our time spent, I must embrace and love them unconditionally. 

Making this shift has given me new insight into having the courage to follow my heart and to have my own back. In the spirit of knowing it is never too late, I thank those who I once thought of as having made my life challenging. Looking back, I am able to appreciate the ways that those relationships gave me the strength to love myself no matter what and to always have my own back. 

Have Your Own Back

Love is having your own back                                  

It’s up to you to be on track       

Feeling through the darkest hours   

Finding strength within love’s power 

Love is having your own back         

As you watch your thoughts circle back

 

Love is having your own back.         

Please yourself to best giveback 

Honor other’s successes bold                                

Look toward what’s yours to control 

Love is having your own back         

Release the past rather than hold back.

 

Love is having your own back.         

Lean into what you think you lack

Humble with humility  

Past mistakes, forgive nightly  

Love is having your own back         

Rest if you must, and give yourself some slack

 

Love is having your own back.         

Time alone brings gifts to that

Embracing change opens your heart 

Holding space is a good way to  start

Love is having your own back         

Be who you are, and know love attracts.