....a new way of thinking

New to me most certainly. Methinks thy self-judgment be far too harsh... am I really that naïve? I am not sure what to think...
jj

Self judgment is a good thing though, better you judge yourself harshly, then listening to the appraisal of those who love and know you,  only to realize you agree with their judgment.... o_O  
Thanks for the read jj.....

Sweet Rain.......I know you've picked up the pieces of so many hearts that's weeped in your arms.......mine included.......you're such a strong woman and admired by so many of us......in our eyes you're the one that holds the wisdom of life......we look upon you as an immortal soul.......we've been ever so selfish in our wants to have you touch us with your healing luv........thank you for giving us a precious rare look within you.......you ever need anything I am here......take a chance and lean on another soul for a change.......you might just find peace within their words......just as you've given so many of us peace with yours.......purple luv and hugs left upon your page and heart xo :)

Hey Purple Princess, your reply is so kind and humbling. I thank you so much for that beautifully written response. I think this is just me exposing myself, penning a few of my vulnerabilities, revealing my internal flaws. I don't ever want to change myself because .... # ILoveMeSomeMe.  :) I just want to change the way I handle things within my control, you know- change my way of thinking. Cyber hug for this comment! Xo

Sweet Rain......what you call flaws......we see as luv and kindness......an honoring friendship and precious heart sharing her thoughts......never flaws within your ink or heart......remember this......we always see the worst in ourselves and yes at times the heart that needs to change is our own......I was taught that the hard way......sending ink luv back your way with a big purple hug from my heart to yours......MAWH!!! Xo :)

Knowing where you are gets you where you got to get
A lot of wisdom earned and stored here - much appreciated write Rain

So happy to feel your presence in my living room Whales, its been awhile Mr.!  I love your response! I endorse it too. Thank you!

Hi dear Rain,
A new you? One that won't be put upon? Great! I thought it would cost me friends doing this. It didn't, it cost me emotional hangers -on. True friends stayed true whilst the purely needy and greedy dropped away.
I found reading Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" helped me see self interest as a positive thing. Really you may ask? What has a mediaeval man advising princes on the way to rule kingdoms got to do with me? I read the book as a metaphor. It helped a great deal.
Your writings here are deeply honest and I wish you well for 2016.  
Tony

Hey my funnyman, never a new me,  the old me is perfectly fine! ;) Just a new way of dealing with things, situations, people etc.... A change that will be beneficial to me and my peace. This ink portrays fake friends, a lot of those in cyberland, my real life friends are just like family, but most importantly, this ink is about me and my personal reveal. I will google this book to read a few excerpts, per your suggestion. Thank you kindly my friend. I appreciate ya!

Sorry I misinterpreted your poem Rain. After re-reading it I now understand where you're coming from. Good luck with the project. :-)

Beautiful!!!
"....and just so you know...
I’m the same woman
with a new way of thinking."
I love it!
Happy New Year!
xo, Chanel

My beautiful, beautiful Enigma! It's been a hot second since seeing your lovely face around these parts. So happy you enjoyed this enough to take it home with you. I appreciate you luv. Wishing you happiness and prosperity in the New Year! :)

With my Xmas present from my sister in law being Qello, I have been checking out concerts. This write reminded me of Kenny Loggins doing "Conviction Of The Heart"

...of course I had to google the song, you know... :)
I'm kinda' fond of the lyrics too. Thanks Ted! Love seeing your ink love...

Hey Rain!!
Wow, I was sitting here thinking and hoping like " I can't wait to see her next piece " , And then it was there!! You had me at "My smile stands in the throats of bystanders" <<< that right there is some truth and omg I can relate so much. Your soul and energy shines through these writes and you're Beyond Beautiful. Hugs * Big Sis
P.s No umbrella for your Rain😊 Just let it pour I don't even mind that my natural hair will be a hot mess lol

Vivid, your words always make me wanna hug you! Just so damn sweet!  
…and If you can relate, then I know we’re kindred sisters. :)  
lol @ your last line. I love it! and hell naw, not gettin’ my hair wet, have me lookin' like  Mufasa by the head. Thanks darlin'

Cool poem..
Enjoyed...you are a strong awesome woman.  
Respectfully
Jen

This ink isn’t really about individuals, but moreso about (my personality.) I think you’re over thinking a bit.  
I’m pleased you gripped the positivity in this poem; that was the primary goal. Thank you Jen!

Gabe!!!!! :) Wonderful surprise! Thank you for the ink love, it’s been too long
Always loved your emojis, they make me smile inside. Thanks luv…

" my smile remains in the throats
of bystanders..." That right there
was like a book's worth of meaning n power! Awesome, n so are you my dear!!

Hey there Rich! Pleased you think so, and thank you for the pen kiss.

Love the bridge of change as the new year passes, outstanding use of common reality for all of us to easily get attached as we reflect upon out own while we journey upon the beautiful landscape of your exposed skin. Dignified lines of betrayal matured to forms of irresistible. The beauty of this wisdom is the freedom of expression, the knife that removes stiches that opens wounds of closed doors sealed from niave protection, thus closing the amazing gifts of our unbridled thoughts and emotions.

Not sure why I always babble on, just wanted to say awesome job young lady, in every direction

…but…but... I absolutely love the way you babble on…. ;)  
 
Your words have placed the biggest smile on my face, as I turn in for the night.  
Simply lovely,  
Thank you, G!

I find writing truth to be so much easier than speaking it.  Wishing you every bit of courage to express the strength that you so clearly possess!
Happy New Year, and happy rebirth!

I think your comment summed up this poem and what I wanted it to convey,  
finding courage to express what I feel in a way that’s not offensive. Keeping quiet, nor going the fuck-off, haven't been effective resolutions for me. lol    
Thank you brokent!

gotta call yourself out sometimes & it takes a damn strong person to do that
love this self-exposé
xo  

...absolutely dancedoll, embracing your own flaws builds internal strength. Thank you for the lovely remark! xo

I got into management at a young age and as a result, I wasn't respected  as much as an older person would have......needless to say, I had to prove myself. One of the things I learned  was it's not just what you say but how you say it. It proved to be a great lesson in my career as well as in my life. Of course,  I had to find balance.

I personally love the way you are selfless, playful and funny as heck.  Your words have sent some great messages since I have known you and those sensual pieces create so much heat.   It's definitely great to know it's about you now. A new way of thinking can be a great thing. I will be here cheering you on ; )

Thank you Lena! Tone and delivery has always been my issue when I speak my truth, which is why
I've stifled myself in-regards to this particular flaw of mine. Some may call it something special.(I beg to differ..)
Indeed balance is the key. I'm highly appreciative of your words.

situational friends..heh heh..only know 'em too well
now all they get is the voicemail..bit your tongue so long
it's startin to bleed your truth..2016..a new way of thinkin
towards age old bullshit.....luvin this Rain Goddess

much respect

I don't do "Fakiends" (Fake Friends) :) Its quiet easy to tell them to fuck-off!
Thank you Naajir, appreciate you leaning your eyes....

It's a comfort to have poetry as a means of expression when the usual channels fail.  You sound like a true lady, Rain, considerate of others but now inclined to let those thoughts roll.

"I’m the same woman
with a new way of thinking.
~Rebirth~"

I love that graceful conclusion.  Born again as a local goddess.
 

A comfort indeed, I just need to transfer it into actions and reactions....
and you're so right Crow, God only knows just how considerate I 'am to people, even the ones who don't deserve my respect. Thank you for understanding me.

Everything you wrote resonated, but especially "choking from the smoke of my fears". Really beautiful poem.

Thank you so much Sherri! I will be over soon to check out your work. I just need a minute to calm down and find my happy place again. :)

Rain your use of language is exquisite. I enjoy immensely well written poetry. Words and syntax that challenge me to think/ponder. Bravisima!

*smiling and clapping hands excitedly* Such a joy to feel your presence in my area code. Thank you for the poetic love and new ink-connection, may it flourish in the new year....

nice, i can feel your determination strengthen with every line, i can fully relate to your sentiments, when your positivity causes you negative emotions/reactions returned, "I'm removing my own clothing to expose the skin of
my truth, and peel back layers that are new to you" ok then!, o, you mean in a literal manner, beautiful either way, lol, good luck on your resolutions goddess...

"I'm removing my own clothing to expose the skin of    
my truth, and peel back layers that are new to you" ok then!, o, you mean in a literal manner, beautiful either way, lol,"  
^^^^^^ lmbo, you've been gone too long! A hoot!  :) Thank you for truly getting this ink Dean! Understanding that I'm actually highlighting my flaws, exposing my weaknesses; unlike 'some folks' who seem to misconstrue my poems as being self-righteous and vain. o_O

And so the year 2016 is off to an articulate start. Way to go rain, it's good to read a piece from you that describes what's been eating at you all this while. Takes courage to "remove one's clothing to expose the skin of one's truth".  Absolutely loved it. I think it's inspired me to take the same route this year.

Much pen love
Dala

Hey there friend, good to see you in the new year. Soooo happy you get this ink! Indeed it does take courage to expose yourself and share with strangers your flaws, insecurities and whatnots. Thank you luv and pleased it inspired you.  :) #CyberHug

It's so cool the link between removing the old habits of hiding "those dirty little things" and the literal removing of clothes in the last few lines. I've definitely felt that weight of always listening to others and never revealing my own feelings. We all need to expose the skin of our truths.

Hey there Dakotah! Thank you kindly for the wonderful comment! Love your take on this.  Ditto the notion to reveal our true feelings and be free spiritually, so to speak!  Appreciate the visit! I'll be sure to hit you up soon.
Welcome to DU! :)

A very wise woman once told me, "you can't spend your life being a bowl of fruit salad just trying please everybody, at some point you have to decide, that you'll be better off being a peach."

Great thoughts put to paper here, Rain.  I loved it!  Power and respect to you, woman! :)

Caseeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! :) It's been way too long sir., wayyyy too long! Good to see you taking in the scenery, while leaving warm and positive thoughts. I do appreciate you! Thank you kindly fella.....