I thought life was a play,
with the script composed
for the role I was to inhabit.
Designated stage directions
were set for me to follow
for my life to work out seamlessly.
All that was required was for me to
hit my assigned marks:
education, career, marriage, children,
for the production to be a success.
But others refused to
perform their parts,
changing the scene,
or departing before the play was finished,
leaving me floundering
on the boards, alone.
It took time for me to realize
that life had always been improv:
unscripted, hard turns, unpredictable.
I never had control of the narrative,
which caused needless suffering
in the light of the pain that is a part of existing.
Until I let go of demanding that my life
followed a script was I truly free
to find joy in the unknowing.
It taught me that every moment
was saying “yes, and” to whatever entered my life.
Category: Finding Serenity
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Life’s Unscripted Journey
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The Power of Tiny Little Joys
Inspired by Mary Catherine McDonald, PhD
The trials of this world
and the grief that it leaves in its wake
often blots out the beauty that still exists.
But joy can still be found in the simple moments of the day.
A bunny hopping across the backyard in search of food.
The hummingbird as it flutters from flower to flower.
Cumulus clouds painted pink at the close of the day.
The voice of a friend who lives far away,
but feels like she is just around the corner as you talk on the phone.
Walking into a meeting and feeling loved
by those who are on the same journey that you are on.
Finding a good book at the library,
and then curling up in bed to read it.
The sweet taste of your favorite
homemade ice cream, refreshing on a hot summer day.
Listening to a podcast that makes you laugh.
Discovering that you can be a part of an improv group,
where you can play and be a part of a community.
These moments might seem minor
in the face of the atrocities that are taking place in the world,
but they give us the resilience to continue on life’s path. -
A Garden Meditation
Walking along the garden path,
wrapped in the warm spring breeze
and anointed by the sweet nectar
of flowers that are on display
with their dazzling colors
begging me to draw nearer
as the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
feast on the seasonal harvest.
The birds, often hidden from view,
rejoice in song from bushes, trees, and cacti,
calling out to each other,
as they embrace the warmth of the sun
and the mating rituals of spring.
I breathe deeply all the gifts
that have been given to me
on this perfect day.
Not clutching the joy that I have received,
but treasuring this present moment of being alive. -
Reaching for Light in Times of Darkness
Inspired by the Images from the James Webb Telescope
When this world becomes too much,
with its barrage of news of cruelty,
and I’ve done all that is within my power to change,
I stretch my arms out to the universe,
and let myself be drawn into the beauty
of far-off galaxies,
images that are sent back to earth
from the space telescope wandering around the sun.
I lose myself in the brilliance of the nebulae
that are light years away,
where stars begin and end their lives in the dust of space.
The vivid colors dance across the cosmos,
unconstrained by the pettiness of humankind,
for we are mere specks in the grand design.
And yet, I must shine my light, too,
in this place that I call home. -
On Visiting a Garden Shop
The task was simple.
Buy air filters and a tomato cage for my blossoming plant.
But I forgot about the siren song that would greet me
upon entering the garden section,
with its intoxicating array of flowers in bloom,
singing for me to draw near and bring them home.
I did not have the wisdom of Odysseus to prepare
for my voyage along the aisles of yellow and purple daisies,
pink snapdragons, and fuchsia dianthus.
The white and rosy cacti blooms,
beckoned, if only to be photographed.
For they shine briefly before retreating
until spring comes again.
The sweet warm air was a balm for my soul
as I took in the majestic display of flowers
before summoning the strength to leave
with just four flowering containers
to add to my assortment of
patio potted plants,
who are always ready for more company.
Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems 