If I work hard, then I’ll be enough. If I save more, then I won’t fall behind. If I’m strong, then nothing can break me. If I’m careful, then I’ll never fall. If she stays, then I’m worthy. If I succeed, then I belong. If I say all the right things— then maybe I'll be accepted. If I'm good, then I'll be loved. If I'm still, then fear will find me. If I'm slow, then they'll forget me. If I'm fast, then I might outrun the ache. It goes on quietly, like background noise. A life built on a ledger of conditions. But today— barefoot at sunrise on the trail behind my house, dirt between my toes, sunlight leaning through the trees— I felt it. There was no "if" in the breeze. No "then" in the birdsong. Just this. Now / Enough. And maybe that's where life waits. Not in the future we're trying to earn, but in the moment we're willing to receive.
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Another inspiring, reflective post ..... as you allow us to walk with you. It makes me think about now living abroad, and reflecting back to the US lifestyle. Because I feel like it is always about reaching that next thing. Buying that one thing that will make me happy. Doing that one thing. Showing that one thing. It is like a hamster wheel to just keep running and reaching. But when do we say, it is enough. I am enough. To be still in our ability to just be ok. To be happy with who we are and where we are. In the simplicity of life. To enjoy life, for the time we have left with it. Thank you .... for your constant drive to find your own peace, and allowing me to be inspired by your openness.
Thank you. There really is no "then" in birdsong. Rereading your poem while I sit in my backyard listening to the bird choir. Nope, not hearing any "then."