
Before-word: At the start of Black History Month (USA), this is a declaration of self-worth—unapologetically claiming space and authenticity in a world that rushes to erase difference. In a time of deliberate pushback against rights, equality, diversity, and inclusion, this piece stands as an affirmation: We are enough. Whole. Complete. We belong. And we are undeniably deserving of the rights that are inherently ours—by virtue of being human.
I am enough.
Not almost.
Not maybe.
Not if only.
Not someday.
I am already—enough!
I have enough of what I need
to be the exceptional me
Not a watered-down, shrink-to-fit version
But the bold, distinctive, unstoppable me
I am enough!
Worthy of love that doesn’t come with conditions
Worthy of acceptance that doesn’t ask me to edit myself
to fit someone else’s visions
I am enough!
Every piece of me—flaws and all—God-stitched
Created in brilliance
Imperfections sculpted into strength
I’m not here to erase or to apologize
I am enough!
I won’t fade into the background
Or try to fit into someone else’s selfie
when I was made to standout in my own spotlight—
That’s why I won’t dim my shine
And when the world tries to measure me by numbers, by titles, or by expectations
I will remind it:
I am not defined
by the weight of opinions
or the shifting tides of approval
I am not a sum of my scars
a reminder of my mistakes
or a static product of my past
I am the story still unfolding
the light that keeps shining
the melody that won’t fade
I will not apologize for the way my laughter echoes
like a song too bold to be silenced
or for the way my body, my presence
take up room
I will not wait for permission
to own my voice, to own my space, to own my destiny
I am enough!
Enough is not the bare minimum—
It is abundance
It is power
It is truth
It is waking up whole
even on the days I feel broken
It is standing tall
even when my knees tremble

So here I stand—out:
Unapologetic.
Proud.
Unshaken.
No more proving.
No more waiting.
No more asking permission.
As I stand
As I breathe
As I be
I am enough—just as I am
The effervescent, quintessential
Me
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In creative solidarity, Dee
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you are my Maya Angelou.
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Yassy this is such a HUGE compliment. I admire Maya immensely and love her work. I’ve written pieces then come across a body of work of hers and see so much of me/my style there. So your comment is an affirmation. Thank you.
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You deserve accolades for your work, Dawn. So happy to be reading you. Love your work.
And you are so very welcome.
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You’re just making my Sunday better and better. Thank you fellow lover-of-words!!!!
Your work inspires me too. I’m working on a poem and response inspired fully by your “love is in the air” (or is it?!) poem!!
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Lots and lots of ink to your wonderful quill, my dear wordsmith.
Thank you.
Looking forward to your ‘ love ‘ po!!
Hugs ~Yasmin
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“Lots of ink to quill”—another muse worthy combination of words. Love that blessing Yassy. Right back at ya 100-fold!!
Love po evolving 😉
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Spill some ink , dear one .. let me know when your poem is alive and posted. Dint want to miss it.
Evolve and happy metamorphosis and dawn renaissance to you.
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❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕❤️❤️❤️ love it all. Receive it all.
Yes I’ll link the post to you. It’s turned out to be a tribute to your poem actually.
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I just read it. I am overwhelmed. You write with a wonderful power that radiates from your pure soul. Thank you, Dawn. I see your heart and send you a hug. 🤗
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Thank you Yassy. I only write what moves my heart. I read your poem and it resonated so strongly, the response almost wrote itself!!!
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You are a natural. A gift of writing. Anyways , you are welcome. 🤗 see you. And thank you for writing !!
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Thanks Yassy. Wishing you a wonderful hopeful week ahead. A true pleasure chatting with you today. Cheers 🙏🏽🌺🙏🏽
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Dawn, I put your post under my post if that’s okay with you.
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Absolutely ok!!!!! Thanks dear Yassy!!!!
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You’re a beautiful and talented force, Dawn! Thank you for sharing your empowering message! 💖
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These days are begging for centering the rights of all people —empowering messages needed. So glad you stopped by. Appreciate your feedback poetess Michele !!!
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The absolute truth and you lift us all up! Always a joy to stop by. Thank you and wishing you a beautiful week. 🌺
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You’re awesome!!!! Using all the spaces we occupy to be a light and to bring positivity is very much needed in our current state of affairs. You do the same with your gifts and talent Michele. Happy new week!! Let’s make it count.
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Let’s! Thank you, Dawn. 💛
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Absolutamente!!!!
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YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!
I AM ENOUGH!!!
These words are truly powerful! Remembering that “I AM ENOUGH” can be a game-changer for our mindset and motivation. It’s a great reminder to focus on our strengths, celebrate our accomplishments, and practice self-compassion.
Keep shining your light, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way!
Thank you for sharing these encouraging words Dawn!💜🙏🏾
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Thank you. Wish I knew who wrote such encouraging words. Nonetheless I appreciate you!!!! Thanks for stopping by engaging. Cheers 🙏🏽🎊🙏🏽
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You are than enough my sister, dearSent from my iPhone
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Hey sister dear!!!! 100%. We’re all enough!!! Big hug 🤗 nuff love ❤️
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Beautiful and powerful. Thank you for sharing this here.
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Thanks for stopping by Melissa. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers 🙏🏽🎉🙏🏽
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Inspiring Dawn !💕
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So glad you found inspiration here Maggie. Cheers 🎉🙏🏽🎉
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Dawn 💕🙏💕
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❤
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Hey Khaya. Thanks for the ❤️!! Happy new week ahead.
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inspiring, Dawn…🤍
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Hi Destiny. So glad you found inspiration here!! Thanks for stopping by. Cheers 🎉🙏🏽🎉
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Bravo! Oh I love this wonderful message of self affirmation Dawn. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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Thank you dear, Sadje!!!!
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You’re most welcome. You should submit it to spell words and Masticadores Philippines!
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Hi Sadje!!! Thanks. You’re always so encouraging. Appreciate you!!!
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My pleasure dear friend
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❤️🙏🏽❤️
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Powerful and beautiful, Dawn. Love it. 💕
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Hey Grace!!!! Thank you very much!!!
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My pleasure 💕
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🎉🙏🏽🎉
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Maybe it could just be me, but the audio doesn’t match the poem. 🥺😩😔 It sounds very much like another poem and not the one shared?
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Thanks for flagging it trE. You’re right. Technology not working with me in this …
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No worries. You’re most welcome. 🙏🏾🩵
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💕
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I love this, Dawn! 💖👍🏼👏🏼
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Thanks so much Eliza!! Much appreciated 😉🎊🎉
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Wise words! 🙂
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Thank you!!!!
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