The definition of you

You are not defined by your past.
You are not defined by mistakes you've made.
You are not defined by jobs lost.
You are not defined by angered friends.
You are not defined by pains inflicted upon you.
You are not defined by trials.
You are not defined by lies.
You are not defined by bad decisions.
You are not defined by losses.


The definition of you . . .


is how you have responded to each
and every one of those things.
is if you've allowed it to diminish you
or forge you into something better.
is victory in spite of battle.
is lessons learned.


The definition of you
is a scarred and careful,
tenacious and determined,
beautiful soul . . .


if you allow it to shine through.