This week in the girls groups we discussed how we feel about ourselves and whether or not other people see us they way we do. Is the picture you have of yourself in mind the same picture being portrayed to others?
We discussed personality traits and characteristics and then worked on identity poems. Who am I? A very important question. Our self-esteem all wrapped up in our identity. Our self-esteem is our beliefs and feelings about ourselves and sometimes what other people think about us, say about us, and/or do to us can have negative or positive effects on our self-esteem.
In being on a journey to help others develop positive identity I understand the importance of having space and time to express feelings and write freely. Everyone in the sacred circles this week wrote 2 poems: one about themselves and another about why people might be talking about them. I wrote the following pieces during this session
Who Am I?
On the Native American Medicine Wheel,
As a leader
I fly like an eagle, big ideas, big picture, visionary
open minded, flying above and carefree,
soaring through life
But I am also like a deer big bright eyes open wide
loves to laugh and smile and get along
and gather together with friends and collaborate,
loves to read, learn, grow and share
good mother, friend, daughter
Smart and observant like a bear
Yet Quick to act like a buffalo
warrior, confident
fighting for daughters, sisters, mothers
Why Do People Talk About Me?
Why do they make fun of me?
Saying I'm fat, short, skinny, with bad acne and smelly
Why do they call me names?
My mom always told me "Don't Worry. It's Jealousy"
So I'd try not to let it get the best of me
And be happy to be me
Don't have time for negativity
I'm free!
I'll keep living my life like it's golden
It's the God in Me
