Sixteen Again...and again

SO...
When is it going to happen?
When will the feeling of being 16 go away?

The insecurity
The feelings of inadequacy
The need to be included

I thought I was done feeling this way

The time
The therapy
The wisdom

But here I am
Again
Almost 30 years later

I'm genuine
I'm honest
I'm inclusive

Yet I forget that others don't have to be.
But my optimism just keeps hurting my heart.

I'm not going to quit.
I will continue to be inclusive.
And I will model this for my kids.

Despite our expectations of others
We can't change what we value
So we don't get hurt.
I wish it were easier...