Page 4 - THESELF

BLACKOUT POETRY

PRIORITY

I noticed that I have been failing to take care of my own body for quite a while now. I always
decided and chose to prioritize others before myself. This is because I know I can handle myself even
after helping others. I didn’t know but I have this initiative to look out for others before myself. I always
wanted to help them recover even If I was the one failing. I always wanted to cheer them up even if I was
the one kneeling down. I always wanted to make them feel that there is someone with them in this journey
even if I was the one feeling alone. In fact, today, I saw my girl best friend. She hugged from behind. I
never knew why until she started a conversation by asking me, “How are you?”. Then it finally made
sense. Maybe it all takes one question to finally answer all the other inquiries. Maybe it only takes one
conversation to realize that they’re not okay. Maybe it only takes one person to make them feel they
need someone. Maybe it takes one who notices they’re struggling to make them realize that they should
prioritize themselves first before reaching out to others. That’s when I realize I was at my worst and the
hug finally calmed the storm. Now it came to me, I have to take care of myself. I have to be stress-free
instead of being stressful. I have to explore new things instead of sticking to the usual. I have to celebrate
my victories instead of mourning for my loss and I have to become the best version of myself not just for
others but for my own sake.