I look at the mirror and stare at myself for an hour
– no words, no blinks, just thoughts

if our breathing and existence solely aim to please many, then we would die along with the frustration of never being able to reach it

the toxic culture is immortal
for in this world, insecurity is an heir
to the throne of vanity;
worshippers of the elite could one day become
the high society that creates standards
of beauty and happiness,
ignoring those who do not meet or cross the line,
and those who can’t will either breed more unsatisfied selves or forever be imprisoned in the struggle of becoming good enough

but how much is good enough?
what could we (or should we) offer just to receive a little amount of attention that is fleeting and temporary?

Earth is heavy-hearted seeing her children wandering in the wilderness,
consuming a daily dose of pressure and anxiety from the fabulous world of the social norm

how long would it take for us to realize that our minds are being polluted by the idealistic snapshots and stories of these figures we idolize?
every post is an invitation to dive into the pool along with those who have been persuaded to distort their raw beauty

who would dare say that one should be disgusted by her flaws?
who has the audacity to teach about loathing oneself,
convince you to compare your life with those you see
and force you to be someone you’re not?

our thirst is a threat to our mental health yet here we are drinking from the same cup of the perfectionists

wouldn’t it be more liberating if we break free
from the suffocating desire to be wanted and accepted by our fellow beings?
it is a relentless chase after the wind

life is neither a contest nor a beauty pageant,
no one should aim for the crown
for we have our own
your self-worth isn’t tied by the color of your skin,
the weight of your physique,
or even by the unsolicited opinions of others

whatever you do (good, bad, better, best)
there will always be criticism at all ends
it’s not worth living if we live for the praise of others
hence, it isn’t necessary, much less required to make every effort to alter the uniqueness gifted to us

must you be too proud to not allow a kind word to water your soul with a genuine appreciation of your natural self?
pretension is nothing but poison
that slowly kills your confidence
your body is a museum of art
your authenticity is meant to be celebrated
it is time to refresh the feed

through the broken glass, I stare once more,

mirror, mirror on the wall
who’s the merriest of them all?