Forever Paisley

“I love you in spite of your history, your faults and your pain.”
Fully aware of what he was referencing, I turned my head, took a deep breath and nodded.
A simple action.  An action that devalued who I am.

In spite of, he said.
In spite of, I accepted.

Months later, those very words keep running through my head.
In spite of.
Months later, I realize that I deserve to be loved …
Not in spite of, but because of.

My history, my faults and my pain have shaped who I am.
They have contributed to my strength, my success and my growth.
They have allowed me to see the world differently, better understand those around me and most importantly …
Love myself.

Don’t love me in spite of.
Love me because of.

Day 10,193. Realizing worth.

Cherrettie