1. You are a prayer in the most holy mouth

the space between clasped hands

a landscape so picturesque, any angle,

you are a reminder that magic exists.

2. Oh they will stop and stare

you most divine creature with unapologetic skin and fearless

features. Learn to take a compliment. Settle into being the center of things.

3. When you fall in love

let it be with a person who asks

nothing on you. Your existence should be enough.

If they do not kiss you urgently and often

find someone who understands that lips in the presence of love should ignite

passion.

4. Keep a few

great friends. When they tell you harsh truths

learn to listen for the love. Growth is necessary and annoying at times but

look and you always find the silver lining.

5

Buy the perfect shade red lipstick.

It, like the perfect black dress,

are weapons. Use them at will.

6.

Stop hiding your tampons.

You are a woman. You bleed.

Grown people this. If he is afraid of menstruation,

he is not prepared to be inside of you.

7. Do not apologize for existing, for being yourself.

Apologize when you are not.

8.

If you work hard,

ask for a raise

find your backbone and attach it to your standards, you deserve

the money that correlates to how hard you work.

9. Feed yourself kind words.

Chocolate, quality people, random first date,

solitude, orgasms, and books. You will need, really

really good books. Live in the story of them.

10

If all else fails repeat after me:

I am enough. I am enough.

I am most certainly

enough.