if only human babies
came into this world
feeling unconditional
self-acceptance
or that they had a deep
understanding of themselves
seeing only a healthy, positive self-image
possessing a tremendous amount of self-respect
right from the beginning
it would be helpful
for them to know how
to enjoy their own company
able to forgive themselves as necessary
when to say no
and mean it
respecting their boundaries
to be proud of themselves
and their achievements
that it was ok to accept applause
and to pursue their dreams
to understand that challenges
are a part of growth
that they possessed the strength of character
to know what was best
if only they knew all these things at birth…
less damage would be done as they aged
as they felt the cruelty and destructiveness
of the older generations
or the indiscriminate hazards of life
if only their first love would be themselves…
if only we would teach them they are worthy of that love…
