Learning and Growing...

After a While

After a while you learn

The subtle difference between

Holding a hand and chaining a soul

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning

And company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learn

That kisses aren't contracts

And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats

With your head up and your eyes ahead

With the grace of a woman

Not the grief of a child

And you learn

To build all your roads on today

Because tomorrow's ground is

Too uncertain for plans

And futures have a way

Of falling down in mid flight

After a while you learn

That even sunshine burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden

And decorate your own soul

Instead of waiting

For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn

That you really can endure

That you are really strong

And you really do have worth

And you learn and you learn

With every good bye you learn

Veronica A. Shoffstall

Life has so much to teach us. Open your heart and learn all there is to learn about life, love, yourself, your friends, family, neighbours, community, country, the world ...

Despite all the pain and sorrow in life, and in the the world, there is so much beauty, so much joy, so much hope. So much to learn and understand, and accept. Even though we don't always understand, and even though there isn't always an answer, we can learn and grow through all experiences life has to offer - good and bad. Sometimes we choose to close our eyes and our heart and soul, and we shut ourselves away, refusing to take more risks, afraid of yet more pain... but in doing this, we miss out on fully experiencing the good times too...

Believe that you are strong. You have the courage to endure the darkest times, and to emerge with courage, faith and hope...

“In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given strength to continue and endure.”

(unknown author)