Says who?

I give myself permission

To be who I am

To break rules

even my own?

yes.

To live for me

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson regarding 'NO RULES.'

Trust

Allow people
        to show up

As they are

Then choose
        if that is

            acceptable

        enough
for you.

Do not expect them to be someone they are not

Or do something they are unwilling or unable to do

Accept, allow, and receive

Any goodness

Any kindness

Any love

Or presence 

Accept and receive

The information 

people’s actions give you

If you like what they are offering you,

Mesh, meld, support one another;

If you dislike what they are offering you,

Speak up and let them know

If they hear and
    honor you with positive change

in their relevant behavior or choices

You can choose to continue forward together
    if you so desire;

If they “hear” and
    continue to dishonor you:

Remove access from 

either them or yourself

Whenever possible

And move forward without them.

Build trust in yourself,

         for yourself

        to yourself

First.

    Show up for yourself

    Hear yourself

    Honor yourself
    Respect yourself

            your needs, your desires

It will make it that much easier

to decipher your trust in others.

Whether you trust them to show up for you

or whether you trust them to disrespect you

or anything in between.

See their actions.

Recognize the pattern(s)
Choose accordingly. 

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson regarding 'Trust.'

What is love? 🎵Baby don't hurt me / Don't hurt me / No more🎵

Love is a sweet balm

on the stinging, itchy cuts
and wounds of my past

I spread it thinly across

my entire being

the aches and “broken” parts

of which there are many

A veil of truth and light

a beacon of hope for better

It cleanses and calms

the dark swirling storms
overhead

It helps to create a

healing homeostasis

that I can grow into

That I can grow from

into something more

something different

Someone..

who I was always meant to be

Deep down

It fills the cracks and crevices

of my broken heart 

of my torn ligaments

of my sore muscles

of my fractured bones

So that I may feel whole again

maybe even..

for the very first time.

Love is a sweet balm

that brings me back

to who I truly am.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson inspired by Antoinette Klatzky regarding 'Love.'

Escape Hatch

I am safe

In and of myself

I am safe

I am capable

I am true

I am deserving of love and decency and respect

I deserve to feel safe in my own home/living space

I deserve to feel supported everywhere and anywhere, 

including my living space/shelter

I move forward

I belive in me

I trust me

I love me

I am responsible for removing myself from 

dangerous, hazardous, unpredictable, unsafe, insecure, and/or unhealthy situations

I prioritize me

I prioritize my health and safety

They are non-negotiable

I ask for healthy and respectful communication

It is a non-negotiable

I ask for help and support when I need it

And I receive help and support in abundance

My life is filled with privilege and peace

Peace of mind

Peace of body

Peace of heart

Peace of spirit

I deserve ease and positive, healthy abundance

And I welcome them all freely into all aspects of my life

I love you

You’re amazing

I am escaping unpredictable abuse

so that I can

Hatch 

or launch myself

into safety

Empowering health and 

Standing confidently rooted in my well-being

Asking for what I need

Leaving or escaping when/wherever it is not offered

Gravitating toward

and grounding into

and hatching 

and blossoming

and blooming

and thriving 

when/wherever it is offered :)

I will not be returning to the muck I once lived in

I no longer accept less than I deserve.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson regarding 'Escape Hatch.'

Belonging

Naysayers said it was impossible 

They said it couldn’t be done

They said I/t was too much

They said how dare I even try

But upward and onward I went

Learning in each and every step

That I am worthwhile

That I am lovable

That I belong

Up, up I go

Enjoying the views 

along the way

Each step, each look,

each breath

A testament 

to my journey.

I am a delight

I am love(d)

I deserve good things

I embrace my truth

Up, up I soar

Higher and higher

No longer looking down

but out—

Out into the world

Out into the expanse

Out into the wild

Filled with beauty,

and light, and wonder

Radiating from within

and everywhere

all at once

I belong.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson in response to my personal "Alps."

Little Red

An evil predator in plain sight

Their sweetness merely a facade.
Untrustworthy; behind their smile

lies(,) hatred, and contempt

Never safe, never knowing
who might appear..

The menacing creature slowly

Tore away at my innocent heart

This red cloak, a feeble attempt at armor
Protect mine eyes from witnessing the violent slings

Dampen mine ears from hearing the grizzly snarls

Yet lacking a dagger, I still was exposed 

down the middle,

at my core.. 

As their claws sliced and scratched 

away at my insides.

Seeking refuge in the forest;

Nature, my only friend

My safe haven

From the deadly beast

Awaiting me at “home.”

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson in response to my favorite folktale.

Rage Against ‎️‍🔥

Love yourself fiercely!

Day in and day out.

Cherish your quirks.

Adore your processes.

Honor your boundaries.

Worship your body.

Appreciate your attachments.

Enjoy your escapades!

Find beauty in the mundane.

Find possibility in the uncertainty.

Find light in the shadows.

Do not go quietly into your grave.

Choose yourself first, above all else.

Wail! Laugh! Be! 

exactly who you are

at your core.

Tear everything else down.

Written by Rose A. Fitzgerald during a Therapeutic Poetry Workshop courtesy of SocietyX with Lisa Ann Markuson in response to "Do not go gentle into that night" by Dylan Thomas.