Anthem of Rights: Reclaiming Autonomy and the Power to Assert Yourself

This poem is more than just words for a frame—it’s a daily reminder of the strength we all carry and the human right to assert ourselves, no matter the situation. Life will always bring its share of challenges, but we must never hand over our power to others. Even in circumstances where our ability to fight back feels limited—whether as a minor or in situations of authority—we can still choose how we assert ourselves.

As a teenager, I was silenced, smothered, and taught that speaking my mind would have consequences. Some battles were worth the fight, but over time, exhaustion set in. Now, I refuse to let anyone take my autonomy or dignity. There’s power in knowing what you will and won’t tolerate. Not everything can be fought for, but mistreatment is never acceptable. Let this poem be your anthem, a declaration that your boundaries and your voice matter — always.

Anthem of Rights:

I can stay and I can go

I can say yes and I can say no

I can take care of my body

I only have one after all

I don’t have to trample my boundaries

I have body autonomy

I won’t let you get in front of me

I won’t let you tell me no

I can be who I choose to be

You have no say in the matter

I will not only be

a darkened kaleidoscope of trauma responses

that overtake my body

disallowing me to breathe.

I can create my future

I am allowed to be me

I can be in my present

I am allowed to be free

I am no longer locked away

inside my own mind, where I am blind

and all I do

is suffer and bleed

I will not live in the past

I am done with this PTSD.

Anthem of Rights is a call to action and a source of strength for those who’ve felt powerless. It’s a proclamation of the inherent value of your autonomy and the choices you make to assert it. While life will test us and push us to our limits, it’s crucial to hold onto the fire within—the part of you that knows mistreatment is never okay.

Let this piece serve as a daily encouragement to honor your boundaries, defend your dignity, and fight for what truly matters to you. The power to reclaim yourself is always worth the effort. Never forget your worth or your right to be treated with respect.

Keep the empowering message of Anthem of Rights close by purchasing this inspiring print. Hang it on your wall as a daily reminder of your strength, your boundaries, and your right to stand up for yourself. Let it encourage you to hold onto your power, no matter the challenges you face.

You can purchase the print here: https://www.dreamsreaped.com/shop/p/an-anthem-of-rights-ptsd

If you would like to hear a narrated version of this poem, visit my YouTube channel DreamsReaped, or click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvCuYjTEUHg

Don’t stop here—join me each Monday for more poems that delve into the journey of PTSD recovery, the path to healing, and the profound role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges. Let’s walk this road together.