A poem: Up

Up

It’s time to pick yourself up from the floor,
to look around and discover what’s worth living for.

Start slowly, baby steps, there’s no rush
take a moment to breathe, gentle hush.

Put your phone down, give your eyes a break,
take some time off the screen, for your mind’s sake.

Get outside for a walk, alone or with another,
have a chat, connect and laugh, find out about the other.

Open your eyes and notice the amazing things you see:
the birds playing, the fruit growing, the shape of that gnarly old tree.

Start to think about the little things that daily bring you joy:
clean and tidy up your space, arrange a picture, a favourite toy.

Tap into what you used to love when you were a child running free
the things you loved when you were eight change little, you will see.

What’s that favourite song you love, that dish that brings delight,
seek out magic moments: sunrise, sunsets, cuddles and candlelight.

Really think about the people you choose to let into your life,
do they build you up or tear you down, create gossip, drama or strife.

These will be your circle defining how you view the world,
do they moan that life is a terrible drag or see a wonder slowly unfurled.

There is no defined path for you, but with each step that you create,
one thing guaranteed is that it’s unlikely to be straight.

But as you meander along life’s way, remember you have the power to choose:
your attitude, your friends, the tools you decide to use.

Is it dance, poetry, music, do you like to paint or write?
Concentrate on what you truly love, and your dreams will surely take flight.

Alexia Pinchbeck