When I predict my death will happen
sooner or later,
I re-focus on enjoying the present-moment;
I re-focus on discovering opportunities
for joy and happiness
in my current situation;
I re-focus on discovering opportunities
to improve my current situation
to increase my joy and happiness
in the present-moment.

Sometimes I write poetry to cope:
freely expressing
my emotions and thoughts,
relieving my mind
of burning exploding emotions
and incessant thoughts
which were seeking my attention.
Once I have carefully clearly listened
to distressed emotions and impelling thoughts
they dissipate
leaving my mind in peace.

Once I have clarified
in a poem
what I am feeling and thinking,
then I philosophically reflect
on what I am feeling and thinking,
striving to discover wisdom
about the practical issues
my emotions and thoughts
have raised in my mind.
Thus, poetry is my path to wisdom
by which I achieve more joy and happiness.

When my emotions and thoughts are racing
out of control,
I record a voice diary
using my computer microphone;
I express freely
every emotion and thought
as it arises in my mind
without censorship;
I cry, sob, wail, scream -
but as I dry my tears
all the emotions and thoughts
that were pent up inside me
waiting to explode
are now dissipated
and I achieve peace of mind.

Quiet solitude
is freedom
from others' demands,
is freedom
from the noises of the world.

In quiet solitude
I can focus introspectively
on my emotions and thoughts,
becoming more self-aware,
and discovering
how to improve my mind-functioning
towards optimal joy and happiness.

When trauma from my past
is bothering my mind
I re-focus on achieving joy and happiness
in the present-moment.

Is the challenge of living
to build a Kingdom of Heaven
here on Earth?
By striving to discover
in our current situation
opportunities for joy and happiness,
and striving to discover
opportunities to improve our current situation
to increase our joy and happiness?

Acceptance
of what I discover
my self to be
brings me peace of mind.