A life of love requires a certain amount of other-centeredness. However, without help from above this can be exhausting. Sometimes a careful look inward in conversation with the one who heals can help us venture out of ourselves with renewed energy. Gina Lacayo beautifully captures this inside out journey in her poem Self Discovery. What do you see when you look within?

Come here,
take a look,
face the mirror.
Stare.

Get closer,
raise your gaze.
Lock eyes with your reflection.
Stay.

Look some more, it’s ok
your eyes are ready to hold your fate.

Fear will strike,
you will paralyze.
The heart will sting
while you lower your eyes.

Look again.
Find your gaze.
See the pain.
Stay.

Is that you in the mirror?
Is that you inside me?

See your beauty
see your pain
see your fragility
see your strength.

Accept the energy
in your tired eyes.
Rejoice in your reflection,
hold it tight.

Look some more.
Explore.