Self-control (poem)

Hard it is to be independent
of others, when in their presence
I wrestle with negative emotions and feelings,
which are completely my own.

Easy it is to be independent
of others, when in their presence
I let only positive emotions and feelings
remain in my control alone.

What then is the difference
between negative and positive feelings
but the responsibility for
one's emotions in the face of others
which compassion provides?
This is the gift of loving-kindness.

For loving-kindness has been there
from birth until death, which is not
the choice of any person —
and grateful am I to my Higher Power
for knowing the difference between
what I cannot change and what I can!

A Worthy Struggle for Life as It is (poem)

Sometimes I make the mistake in
trying to live life as it should be,
only to realize the misery
that causes me and the people
who matter most in my life.
Sometimes it gets me down.

It's not others who get me down
as much as I get myself
stuck in the chains of my undoing.
Be it habit of mind or tendencies,
my behavior is in my hands,
though sometimes I regress.

Yet I can bounce right back
when the heartache has gone away -
all it takes is the willingness
to accept what cannot be changed
with a peaceful heart and clear mind,
and gracefully carry on.

Bravely do I carry on, accepting
what I am responsible for.
Living day by day helps me
to keep focused on the task:
to live my life as I see fit -
a worthy struggle for life as it is.

Humility

Unless the ego is deflated by life's travails, no one comes to know that humility becomes our deepest and greatest strength.

For humility is found when we ask others who offer to help to guide each of us through life.

This guidance is meant to be use as spiritual support, not to be misused as a crutch.

Indeed, humility helps us to see guidance as the support help us stand on our two feet.

In this way we come to realize self-sufficiency.