Year 2025 Poem: Unapologetically Me, by Moseka Ole Ntiyia

This year, I am the sun—
rising on my own terms,
glowing for myself first,
burning away anything that dims me.

I will nourish my mind, body, and soul,
not as a luxury, but as survival.
I will come through for myself first,
not as an option, but a necessity.

I will appreciate me, thank me,
stand before the mirror and nod—
not waiting for the world to clap,
but knowing I deserve the applause.

Yes, I have started this year thinking,
but every thought is planting something—
growth, wisdom, strength, clarity.
This is my foundation, my blueprint.

I am giving the world two things:
Silence to nonsense,
Kindness to those who earn it.
One of these will reveal my best self.

No dimming, no shrinking, no breaking.
I am not here to be played with,
not here to be small,
not here to be anyone but me.

This year, I choose myself.
Unapologetically.