Journal Entry 16: Preparing for my Blue Rag

Ragger's Creed

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend to all-the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift.

Myself

I have to live myself, and so I want to be fit for myself.
I want to be able, as days go by, always to look myself straight in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting sun, and hate myself for things I have done.
I don't want to keep on a closet shelf, a lot of secrets about myself,
And to fool myself as I come and go, into thinking that nobody else will know, 
The kind of man I really am. I don't want to dress up myself in sham.
I want to go out with my head erect, I want to deserve everyone's respect;
But here in the struggle for fame & wealth I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.
I can never hide myself from me, I see what others never see.
I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself, and so,
Whatever happens, I want to be self-respecting and conscience free.

Today I became a Blue Ragger and made a goal for myself in the hopes that through achieving this goal, I would learn to love myself and become a better version of myself. It's time to let it go. <3