dark.

You wake from a nightmare, frantic, panicked. But, it wasn't a dream...this is real life. You begin to cry, and want out, as quickly as possible. But, still you see nothing. Only darkness.

Something more is out there. Warmth. Comfort. You feel it, radiating. So close, yet out of sight.

Screaming, "Help me!" You reach out in frustration, hoping your hand will touch something real. To bring you back.

Frustrated and full of fear, you sit with your face in your hands, sobbing. Feeling the tears stream between fingertips.

Then, you blink.

A flicker of light.

You blink again. Faster, willing the drops of salty water to leave your vision.

Everything is clear again. Every damn thing. Beautiful. New. Full of life.

You were so panicked and afraid of what was out there, so stuck in your land of nightmares...you didn't even realize, your eyes were closed. The dark prison where you were trapped, was all in your head.

So, open those beautiful eyes. Consciously use them to see good around you. The moment you stop looking for light, darkness will cover your eyes again.

Seek the radiant rays as a road map, and you'll never be lost, alone, or blind with fear.

<3

~~~

training.

"I wish...I...well, it's not fair. Just never goes my way...then you... make me feel. Ugh. It'll never happen. Why don't you just...?"

What? Why don't I just what? Stop encouraging you? Stop pushing?
Fine, I'll give it a rest. But remember this: life is a footrace to get to your dreams, and by the time you stop whining others will have a head start.

So, step up. Stop wallowing in the attempts of moments past. Strap on your sneakers, exchange complaining for training, and look towards the finish line.

Put one foot in front of the other. You'll get there. I promise.

Ready...set...?

Go.

begging.

It's come to this.
I'm begging.

Please don't keep your gift inside any longer. Your insecurity is selfish. Depriving others of the inspiration they need. Somewhere out there, a person is waiting for you to spark a blaze within them.

Your message of love throwing the unconscious thinkers off balance, but only at first. Dizzy, spinning, nearly out of control. Blindsided by burning love. Don't worry, the warm feeling will compensate for brief confusion. Wrapping them in a blanket of comfort and passion.

Then, a whisper...

"Thank you."

Because your action gives them hope. To try. To share. To live.

race.

I've heard your cries of martyrdom. The tireless mouth vomit of ways you've been wronged. Shoulders hunched due to this burden you constantly speak of.

Listen to me.

The world...is...not...out...to...get...you.

I repeat, the world is not out to get you.

I mean, let's be honest, the man/woman/being/spirit/whathaveyou upstairs has better things to do than plan ways to make your life horrible. ;-)

Challenging circumstances are simply steps in the staircase of life. You can do one of two things. 1. Pick yourself up, push on and get to the top sooner rather than later. or, 2. Step up and down on the stair giving you trouble, over and over. Refusing to accept your lack of forward movement...even though everyone can see you are simply spinning your wheels.

It's all about choice. Now, let's go. You and me.

Race you to the top?

star.

Your dreams have suffocated, before being given the chance to leave your lips. I can see them behind your eyes,screaming to be heard.

What are you afraid of? They are your thoughts, and belong to you...nobody can rob you of them, unless you allow it.

So, stand up. Open your mouth. And speak the song of inspiration. Not for me, or mom, or dad...your friends or foe. But for yourself.

Once the birds, trees, and flowers hear your plans...they'll sigh with delight...blooms opening and branches waving in applause. For, what was once but a thought, is now spoken word. Real. And within' your means to accomplish.

Now feel the freedom of your announcement propel you to new heights.

I'll see you among the planets and moons...for you are, and always will be, my favorite star.

rise

Don't let it end.
This day.

And poof. It did.

But the feeling remains. This warm glow within, causing me and you to puke rainbows and dance with the butterflies and hummingbirds.

It stays because time doesn't even exist in this fairytale land. Here, a handful of us are dodging the darkness emitted from those sad, angry people who call themselves friends.

Maybe they believe they are showing love. Even when they spit fire. We don't hear their vengeful words directly, but the warmth of the flames licks our backs...and we know.

Our wings protect us. Lift us up, over this land of hills and treacherous trenches. Smooth flying, untouchable.

For we've found this mecca on our own...and nothing anyone can say, will ever take it away from us. Here in our hearts. We know...we must stay and protect, or risk losing it all.