We spend a lifetime tracing our footprints on this shore
Only to have them erased by time, no matter what beauty or allure.
The waves of time move swiftly, sweeping each moment into the ocean.
And we are all destined for the same fate, with very few exceptions.
Time must clear the canvas of life for those following behind,
Our life is a one-time gift; there is no option to PAUSE or REWIND.

Some touches feel like a gentle, steady rain,  
Washing away sorrows and nurturing us to heal.  
Others strike like a sudden gust of wind,  
Knocking you down, leaving you lost, without glancing back.  
Then there’s the enchanting snow, soft and light at first,  
Yet it quickly hardens into spirit-crushing ice.  
I find comfort under a warm, weighted blanket—  
A familiar source of solace, always there when I need it.

Practicing intentional gratitude is how I met the happiness family.
Manifested in many forms, each has a unique charm and beauty.
On days I am mindful and present, I encounter them frequently.

It is a blessing to share morning tea with a spouse who genuinely cares.
A call from my son, excited about art, writing, or life, I love hearing the insights he shares.
Drinking water from the kitchen tap, with no thought of germs, is a stark reminder of privilege.
This old picture of me with bouncy hair takes me back to the time when I was young and full of courage.
I feel elated when happiness comes knocking on my neighbor's door.
It's delightful to celebrate and spread joy, regardless of who it's meant for.
Each moment offers a new perspective that counters the pain I bear.
Instead of continually seeking happiness, I aspire to become a happiness-watcher.

No amount of rain,
A flowing river,
Or even the ocean --
can quench our thirst.
If we can't shed the armor--
We live encased in-- First.

Some say we women should be more brutal, ruthless, and bad-*** to thrive. Let's redefine what it means to be strong.

Instead of a constant supply of external approval, affection, and affirmation. Let's return to the old tradition and cultivate our feminine divine traits, establishing a sustainable source of inner light and self-love.

The most important love is the one we give ourselves. Self-love is NOT a luxury; it's the foundation for a glow-up.

Every so often, the universe conspires to bring us together, a testament to the strength of our bond.

Yet, circumstances pull us apart, leaving behind a bittersweet trail of cherished memories.

The seasons change, and we age, yet the walls between us grow taller.

We find ourselves trapped between societal expectations and our desires, battling both our hearts and minds.

I can sense your fear of judgment and your anxiety about what lies ahead. I have also made commitments and genuinely wish to keep us connected. To exist in harmony, we must pursue our predetermined paths.

I yield, knowing that upsetting your world would destroy anything we now have. We part again. Like distant stars in the vast sky, we will orbit one another, separated by enormous distances.

I bid farewell yet hold onto the hope that our paths will cross again before life’s currents pull one of us under, and maybe next time, you will choose your heart.

How can I blame you for leaving me behind when you are still finding the strength to stand up for yourself?

While falling in love felt magical,  
I forgot that self-worth was essential  
For reaching my maximum potential.

In seeking love, I found clarity about things that love was not  
What began as a love bombing, making me feel giddy and soft,  
Quickly turned into:  
- Breadcrumbing and ghosting  
- then gaslighting and being shut out

You withheld communication, and I longed for our playful ease,  
Being left out in the cold depleted my inner peace,  

Your on-and-off affection left me questioning my self-worth
Your gaslighting made me doubt and second-guess every truth,  

Being treated as just an option didn’t align with my soul
It conflicted with self-respect, which had been keeping me whole

Confronting this truth broke and then mended me, though it had always been clear  
Our encounter was simply toxic — it was neither love nor care.