What is your Driver?

Of the many on planet Earth, living their lives

some are 'inner directed'

while most are 'other directed'

they need and seek approval

for every action they do

spend most of the time wondering

whether others respect, love them! 

The 'other directed', collect things

hoping for other's appreciation

are easily affected by body shaming

swayed by criticism, praise....

The 'inner directed' on the other hand

draw their self-esteem from within

it is inner voice that guides them

to feel good, to do or not to do

criticism and praise be damned!

A big threat though is the social media

luring the once 'inner directed'

to hanker after 'Likes' and "Wows'

Restoring balance, being open to inner direction

is the only sure way to tranquility and happiness!  

NB: This poem has been included in the anthology released during the Prime International Poetry Festival organised on 16th Feb 2020 at Mannarkad , Kerala.