Lies Within

by Lyn Marinello

Embrace a new tomorrow,
release a tortured past,

change what you are able

if displeased with the role you're cast

Surround yourself with kindness

check bullies at the door

fill yourself with positive

sanctuary at your core

Stand in your convictions

meet conflict armed in truth

filter as you walk your path

to reality from gilded youth

Be thankful for supporters

and for challengers as well

both exist to strengthen you

one to inspire; one to quell

Take initiative when you're able

follow to absorb and learn

seek to see the good in folks

and miracles at every turn

The mirror shows you what you choose

see kindness, joy and grace

your beauty lies within your soul

not etched upon your face

Good

This is not mine,
but needs to be shared.

I believe,

when all else fails

love always wins,

I believe

in practicing courage

every day,

I believe

kindness changes 

everything,

I believe

in telling our messy,

complicated, beautiful stories,

I believe

nothing is wasted

and everything shapes us,

I believe

in letting go

and trusting the process,

I believe

we are all part of 

something beautiful,

something bigger,

something deeply,

profoundly,

astonishingly

good.

Baby Girl

Bows and sass
and 'kiss my ass'
frills and high tops
hiking in tank tops
pink ballerina
embracing inner Athena
pixie dust
and wanderlust
cheeseburgers and petit fours

baby girl, the world is yours

Nothing But Blessings

So I learned a great many years ago
that every experience is either
a lesson or a blessing.

Either function makes a

smarter, better, bolder  me.

Sometimes, the lesson

is wrapped in heartache and pain.

Conversely, the blessing

is swaddled in beauty and joy.

What makes the lesson easier

is to realize that

it's a blessing in disguise.

There is always a silver lining,

a lovely lagniappe,

a sweet surprise,

the grace of God.

So, in every reality,

you've got

nothing but blessings.

Enjoy Every One.

Monday Two-fer

These are not mine,
but I'm lovin' 'em!
Hope you do, too.
Great way to start off
a brand new week
in a brand new year.

Wherever you go,

forget 'only footprints',

leave a heart print.

and

Find your 

very own voice

and sing

your heart song.

A Better Direction

Starting over is hard,
but it's better than being stuck
in a detrimental situation.

A fresh start might be bumpy,

but it's better than sitting

in stagnant waters.

New beginnings can be scary,

but not as frightening

as standing still.

Take that first step.

Believe that you can.

You don't need the whole map;

just the faith

that you are moving

in a better direction.

Be the things

The holidays
are sometimes sad
because we are missing
special folks and family members.
Here's a little something

I truly believe

helps to lighten the load,

lift the spirits,

and keep those folks

forever front and center.

Be the things

you loved most

about the people

who are gone.

Play the games,

sing the songs,

help the people,

laugh and listen,

hug and hold,

learn and grow,

respect and honor.