The Journey Inward

So many years 
Spent shape shifting, 
Waffling, bending,
Compromising, sacrificing,
Quieting, Denying,
Being what I thought
Others wanted me to be,
Putting their comfort
Before my own.

So thoughtful, caring, selfless, altruistic,
Right?  
Let's be honest, it was for me, not them.
I was fearful.
Fear of disappointing, letting others down,
Fear of letting them see me, 
Know me, hear me,
Fear of not being liked,
Not being perceived as happy, easygoing.

Borne from Parent Pleasing,
And now put to rest (mostly),
In favor of 
Authenticity, Embodiment,
Empowerment, Freedom,
And not really giving two F*&%)'s!

People pleasing-
A misnomer.