Doing the World Different

I don't want to be like everyone else.
I want to do the world differently. 

I want to be okay with not being okay. 
I want to make friends with my demons. 
I want to sit in the dark with people. 
I want to find beauty in the tragedy. 
I want to try and try and try again. 
I want to stay when things get hard. 
I want to forgive the unforgivable. 
I want to love the unlovable. 

I want to be patient with those who are impatient.
I want to be kind to those who are unkind. 
I want to be strong for those who are weak. 
I want to be steady for those who are shaking. 
I want to be soft for those who are hard. 
I want to be a safe space for those who feel shame. 
I want to keep my heart open with those who have shut down. 

I want to check on the people who wouldn't think about checking on me. 
I want to cross oceans for people who wouldn't cross the street for me. 
I want to keep loving the people that leave me. 
I want to believe in the fundamental goodness of people. 

In a world that has tried to silence my voice, I choose to speak. 
In a world that has given me reason to weep, I choose to laugh. 
In a world that has given me an overwhelming burden to carry, I choose to dance. 
In a world that has given me reason to be afraid, I choose to find joy. 
In a world that has given me reason to hate, I choose to spread love.

And just like that, the magic has returned.