SURRENDER TO THE JOURNEY

“When you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails.”

H Jackson Brown Jr.

I retreated to heal what was necessary

Because I had no other choice, I had to do it alone

It took strength to wake up every morning and wrangle my anxious thoughts

Shame was a painful response to the perception of being guilty

Fear consumed me when my perpetrator tormented with immoral transgressions

It took determination to make it through each day when few knew of my battle

I had to fight through the darkness of depression

There were moments it felt like I would be pulled under

The waves kept crashing, dragging me deeper into the abyss

I stared up at cloudy sky wondering if I would ever see the sun again

Was angry at God and couldn’t understand his plan

A voice deep inside said don’t give up, you will survive

In the midst of the storm, rainbows are born

The vulnerable lessons have transformed me

I’ve grown to learn that life’s big waves won’t defeat me

Some storms bring rain

Some storms bring light

Some storms are damaging but give us insight

Women like me are reborn in the downpours with lightening in our souls and thunder in our hearts

Courage sometimes is the quietest voice that softly rumbles from within

I have survived the seas that were stormy and wild

Embraced the pain and the violent winds

My ship was forcefully tossed around

But I stayed the course, reset my sails, and caught the wind

Open the porthole of my soul and let the light pour in

Gaining a treasure chest of knowledge that I could love and protect myself

I am stronger, wiser, now anchored in peaceful waters

Now it’s time to sail again

A new life is waiting to explore, dream, and discover

EMH2022