You Decide

I wrote this for a art exhibit of sorts. The theme was "what is courage to you..." Honestly the words came to me almost unbidden. I know I need to share this piece with as many as are struggling. Each decision has the potential to be courageous.

You Decide

Strength is getting out of bed
Learning to live with the darkness
That never seems to leave my head
Willpower is staying the knife
Poised above my wrist
Ready to distract my life
Endurance is choosing a smile to fake
Over each sigh I make
Bravery is saying hello back
To the kind stranger on the street
Using the social skills I seem to lack
Spunk is dancing with friends
When the gloom calls for tears
And books from covers to ends
Boldness is letting new people in
When I but want the loneliness to win
Determination is electing to eat
When the effort seems too great
To even try getting off my feet
Tenacity is crawling between the sheets
Each night to lay awake for hours
Believing dreams with come and replace my defeats
Pluck is celebrating each task that's done
Instead of focusing on the list you haven't begun
Courage is deciding to see trials
As opportunities to learn of my
Blessings that stretch for miles
Courage is deciding to live
With depression and anxiety and anything else
And opening my heart to God to forgive
Courage is deciding to thrive
Instead of just survive.

March 15,2015