They will watch,
and measure,
trying to fold you into edges
that were never meant for you.
Whispers may feel like walls,
but walls are only shadows
when you choose to walk through them.
They’ll say: fit in.
But fitting in is shrinking.
You were made to expand,
to take up space,
to spread your wings.
Live as boldly as you dare.
Let the world see your full spectrum,
even if they turn away.
Freedom doesn’t arrive.
It’s claimed.
So claim it.
Day after day.
Live unfiltered.
Live vivid.
Live true.
Women are often expected to conform to acceptable versions of themselves. The Courage to Be is a reminder that real power is found in showing up without apology. This poem is a call to every woman who has ever been told to tone it down, soften her edges, or hide her truth. It’s now time to live authentically, boldly, and without restraint.