This world is full of suffering, yet it can also be the source of much joy. Either way, what we make of it is determined by our thoughts. In our darkest moments, the light may seem to have disappeared, but it’s always there. I wrote this poem after learning of Anthony Bourdain’s death.

When your days seem bleak,
or your life doesn’t seem to make sense, when you feel alone and no one seem to  care, when you feel overwhelmed and suffocating, burdened by life’s responsibilities,
when you feel lost and can’t find a way out of the forest,
keep going
you will find the trail again.
There is an intelligence behind everything
your precious life
the gift that you are
the miracle of you
have a reason to be here.
This is not our home, only a short stop for our souls,
a little more patience, wait a little longer, be here, use your sorrow to help others.
Use it to understand the pain that everyone goes through.
Feeling unloved, loneliness, shame, guilt are all part of being human.
We are not perfect yet
but we are on our way there.
We are learners to becoming love.
Find one,
just one that you can offer your love, a person, a group, a pet, a cause you can work for. Then you will no longer be caged by the ego, but free, one with all, filled with purpose. You are not separate, see yourself again in the beauty of a sunset, the blueness of the ocean, the strength of mountains, feel the warmth of a hug from a loved one, hear your essence in the laughter of children, filled with wonder of the miracle of life. Be patient dear one.
Remember that you are a beautiful light, love unfolding.