Recognition

I used to search
For signs
That I was worthy

Knowing

I was worthy
Only

If someone published my work

If I was given a promotion

If I was recognized

By someone
Higher up
Than me

If someone

Or something
External
Said I was worthy

But I had it all wrong

I know now
That the best recognition
I could ever ask for
Is my own

Me

Recognizing
Me

Knowing

My words
Are important
Because I wrote them

Respecting

My own work ethic
Because I know
It’s solid

No longer needing

Validation  
From the outside

Confirming every day

My own worth
From the inside