Do not ask me to walk behind you, for I will not follow. I will only walk along side you as an equal.

Do not ask me to keep silent about a situation when it will only fester and grow through silence. I will shout the alert from the rooftop and shine a light on it.

Do not ask me to quietly accept the weight of an obstacle. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to move it.

Do not ask me to accept defeat in any endeavor or to believe that defeat is permanent. I will only accept with grace a temporary setback. Defeat is only permanent when I believe it is and do not learn from my mistakes.

Do not ask me to run from fear; it will only follow. I will stand firm and look at it. I will watch as it becomes like a balloon deflating and know that it was only my flight that provided the wind for its growth.

Do not ask me to shrink away from the dark. I will fling my arms wide to embrace the night. I will sing to the stars and talk to the moon.

Do not ask me to run for cover from the rain. I will revel in the feel of the raindrops on my face. I will taste the sweetness on my lips and splash in the puddles.

Do not ask me to look away from the one asking for assistance; nor to ignore the silent, unasked request. I will reach out my hand and assist them to their feet. I will allow them to lean on me until they are strong enough to stand on their own.

Who am I? I am the quiet little voice that is with you always. I am you. You are me. Together we are I AM.