How to Be Soft in a World That Wants You Hard

Wake up and let the tender light kiss your scarred skin

before the world does.

Slurp your coffee slow.

Breathe deep.

Do not apologize for existing.

Laugh even when they tell you

you’re too loud, too luminous.

Wear your heart on your sleeve,

even if the world calls it foolish.

Better to love and lose

than never have loved at all.

So love loudly and proudly.

Cry when you need to.

Let yourself be human.

Let yourself become silky soft.