Life is Beautiful

I don't care what anyone says - 

Life is Beautiful!

Yes, we are going to have struggles -

Yes, we are going to have heart ache - 

Yes, we are going to have strife -

Yes, we are going to have disappointments.

And yet, through it all -

we'll have a beautiful life.

The first snow fall of the season - 

pristine white all around - softly falling to the ground.

The first time you see your newborn child -

checking to ensure there are ten toes and ten fingers, 

that all is right with your new creation.

The long hugs with your significant other - 

that healing feeling that you will be safe after all.

The first peek at Spring flowers -

just coming awake after their winter hiatus.

The first smell of coffee in the morning - 

knowledge that you are going to be able to face the day.

These things are just a few of the moments that can make or break your momentum for a beautiful life.

Yes, I know that it's not always this simple.

Life is going to throw hard ball situations at you.

You will love and you'll have to say goodbye.

You will laugh - and you will eventually cry.

You will soar - and one day you'll come crashing down.

You will write or sing - and realize you have no audience.

You will give all you have - and still feel empty.

You will struggle and you will feel defeated.

I am talking about living in the moment.

I am talking about enjoying the ride.

When life literally knocks the breath out of you - 

yes, take a moment to recover.

What I mean is - yes, you're hit - 

Get back up again.

Get out there and play the game again.

Get going and take another chance.

Get the mentality that you won't fall so fast next time.

This life we live isn't meant to just be suffered through.

This life we live is meant to be a 'curtain call'.

Love and live.

Try and succeed.

Laugh and cry

and most of all remember:

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL <3

Looking Back - A Poem

Looking Back

*A Poem*

At times, I find myself looking back 

like you would in the rear view

- - - 

I reflect upon the memories dancing in my mind, sorting out what was true.

The past is a tricky world, 

it's colors are not always clear enough to fully see

- - - 

The visions float in and out -

 distorted by emotions that used to be.

The initial grieving process is long and painful 

and slowly brings acceptance

- - - 

Time continues to close the gaping wounds inflicted and eventually is past tense.

We cannot change the actual events 

from what has already 

been placed in history 

- - - 

Instead - we grow to a comforted place where it becomes part of our story.

Events, people, places and trials all combine 

within us to create 

who we are to be

- - - 

Past, present and especially future continue building our character that all can see.

Looking back in order to learn 

what not to repeat, 

the times we found that we had to pause

- - -

Pause to perfect ourselves in ways 

that we may not immediately see or 

even know the cause.

As we take that second glance - 

delving backwards for only a fleeting stay

- - -

Never stay too long in the past - 

rush back renewed to your present day.

Embrace your flaws, your cracks, your past scars 

for they are all lessons for the now

- - -

Lessons to remind you of what it takes 

to be strong today, 

teaching you how.