Poem of the Week: Choosing Joy and Happiness...

The world may be cruel or it may be harsh,

When looking for compassion, it might be sparse.

There may be things that are completely unfair,

Or desperate moments of darkness and depair.

No matter what the challenge or gift may be,

Happiness and success are not a guarantee.

But what we can control is what's inside,

The perceptions and beliefs that we decide.

We choose where to go and where to stay,

And the practices we engage in every day.

Making the choice to fight or walk away,

To hold all of the burden or have faith and pray.

Joining conversations that help us expand,

Being flexible when change arrives unplanned.

Staying grateful and thankful for this life,

Learning the lessons from times of strife.

No matter what's manifesting all around,

It's important to keep one foot on the ground.

Remembering the blessings that life has to give,

We can make the choice to be happy and to live.