By Christina Butler, Women’s Writing Program

“It’s time” has some wait to it.

In movies there is always a pregnant woman uttering those words as a man runs around with a suitcase.

It’s time can mean so much more if we remove motherhood from the equation. As my kids need less of my time, I am left with too much freedom which I am unsure what to do with.

So maybe it’s time to take off the masks and hats you wear to be accepted in this world.

It’s time to peel off the layers of armor you have donned to protect yourself from cruel intentions.

It’s time to remove the cloak of invisibility you have buried yourself under to prevent eyes from catching any bits of you.

It’s time to open your heart to the affection that is aching to be accepted by you.

It’s time to be content with the wrinkles and creases that line your face.

It’s time to wear the lipstick you bought yet continue to wipe off your lips.

It’s time to embrace the curves of your body and drape it in the rich textures you have waiting in your closet.

It’s time to tell people how you feel and not expect anything in return.

It’s time to embrace trust and compassion for how far you have come.

It’s time to walk with your shoulders back and your head up.

It’s time to dance whenever a song moves you.

It’s time to listen to the little girl inside who wants to write her name in the sand and make flower crowns.

It’s time to be grateful for the gifts you have received and return the ones you are done with.

It’s time to burn the candles and do the spells.

It’s time to seek out your guides and get into the business of magic.

It’s time to stop wasting the days and nights with inner turmoil and self-inflicted fights.

It’s time to slip out of the dark and get into the light, it is the least you could do.

It is time.