Yeah But

Learning to be—unapologetically me!

Do you cast off words with a "Yeah, but"?
Do you think it's false?... You don't know what
They may have perceived—
Something you've achieved.
Take it in. Leave the dismissive rut.

How often is "Yeah, but"
The phrase that comes to mind?

I need to answer that for myself.

Yesterday, as I left a service counter,
Staff woman said,
"It was nice to see you, Sweetie.
Have a good one."

I thought, “That's what folks say to Old People.”
Even though she had been authentically
Glad to see me, I dismissed her good wish
As what was required for my age.

Do you do that?
Dismiss someone's words because
"If they really knew …?”

You are told something like,
"That's a great skirt.”

Your mind cranks,
“Yeah, but …
If you knew it's been in my closet
For 30 yrs you wouldn't think so.”

You hear, "I like the colors you are wearing.”

Your mind cranks,
“Yeah, but ...
If you knew how often Mama told me
NOT to wear red and orange together,
You wouldn't believe that.”

You hear, "You are so brave to bike
Across the U.S."

Your mind cranks
"Yeah, but ....
If you knew how scared I am
Each time I start a trip,
You wouldn't think so.”

You hear, "Your posts are relevant.”

Your mind cranks
“Yeah, but ...
If you knew how much I wonder,
‘Are my words a fit in someone's else's life?’
You wouldn't think that.”

Time to take in the affirmations.
Time to trust the feedback.

Time to remove the
"Yeah, but ...."
Filter.

May you believe those positive words.
May you let your mind,
And heart,
Receive and cherish
The giver and their regard.

Hugs,
Lin