Midnight Orchids

Dr Maya Angelou has said We are Phenomenal Women; Phenomenal, that’s who We are. She said it’s in our stride, our step, the stretch of our arms, and in our smiles. It took me almost a lifetime to understand properly what self-love is and the liberation that comes with it. Freedom from the opinions of others, freedom from expectations. Free to take up space and own it. I love my Authentic Life

It’s not the size of my dress
But what fills my brain
It’s not the diet you want me on
It’s the soul food I eat
It’s not the size of my cup
But the joy I drink.
Woman. Extraordinary.
Extraordinaire, I am.

It’s not the fat that you judge
But the abundance I feel
It’s not my wobbly arms
But my strength holding it together
It’s not my double chin
I'm twice the woman you think I am


It’s not the blush of my cheeks
But the flowers I bring
It’s not the greying of my hair
But the strands I weave 
Woman. Extraordinary.
Extraordinaire, I am.

It’s not the tyres round my belly
But the way that I roll
It’s not about my cellulite
But the dimples I smile
It’s not the shape of my lips
But the words I form
Woman. Extraordinary.
Extraordinaire, I am.

It’s not the numbers in my bank 
But the wealth of my experience.
It’s not the car that I drive
But the road that I travel
It’s not the shoes that I wear
But the path I have walked
It’s not the bags under my eyes
But the wisdom I carry
Woman. Extraordinary.
Extraordinaire, I am.

It’s not the wrinkles you see
But the maps of my life
It’s not about my height
But the depth of my presence
It’s not the crows’ lines of my eyes
But the freed bird that sings
Woman.  Extraordinary
Extraordinaire, I am.

It’s not about your perception
But my reality
It’s not about your anger at the world
But my embracing of humanity
It’s not your perpetual critique
But my peace mentality

It’s not the brokenness of you
But the wholeness of Me
Woman.  Extraordinary
Extraordinaire, I am.