When we applaud ourselves first,
external praise becomes an echo,
not a necessity.
I’ve lived long enough to know
that waiting for approval
is like chasing shadows—
they vanish as soon as you reach them.
But within me,
a quieter rhythm calls.
It says: recognize your own hands,
the strength in your scars,
the tenderness in your staying.
It is the quiet courage
of owning my own light—
not borrowed,
not begged for,
not defined by applause,
but burning steady,
like a lantern
that refuses to go out.
And when I walk into the world
with that flame alive,
every echo of praise
is only confirmation
of what I already know:
I am enough.
-
Author:
G.Cabús (
Offline) - Published: September 2nd, 2025 22:46
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem was born from a single reflection: “When we applaud ourselves first, external praise becomes an echo, not a necessity. It’s the quiet courage of owning our own light.”\r\n\r\nI wrote it as a reminder that true strength comes from within. Too often, we wait for validation, approval, or applause to confirm our worth—but that is a fragile foundation. Real peace and courage appear when we recognize ourselves first, when we celebrate our own growth, and when we choose to carry our light without fear of how others might see it.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 5
Offline)
Comments1
Knowing oneself well enough to recognize one's limits and abilities one's qualities which are the good and which need work and to feel good about who one is and what one does is a key element in becoming better. A lovely write
Thank you. I truly believe that recognizing both our strengths and our limits is part of the same courage—it keeps us grounded while allowing us to grow. I’m glad my words sparked that reflection in you.
You are most welcome
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