Don’t be Afraid of Living

/ Penny L Howe
Female by Penny L Howe, 2013

“Female” by Penny L Howe, 2013

There are many things to be afraid of

I’ve confronted a few in my day,

The Sun may not rise

the moon may not set

or things will not go my way.

.

The boogie man hiding under my bed

gave childhood nights filled with fear,

But what really terrified

during those scary times

was when no parents were near.

.

Don’t be afraid of living

For this is your time here on earth,

make the most of your day

give thanks ‘long the way’

for the blessing that was your birth.

.

For most of us what really scares us

isn’t a truth or a fact,

But our worries and fears

accumulated through years

Of what we don’t have or we lack.

.

Fear can be a mind killer, you know,

But it comes with a choice that is yours

you can stay paralyzed

and never realize

you can move on and open new doors.

.

Life is all about living

And no, there is no guarantee,

But with the will to survive

you still can thrive

That’s life – how it’s meant to be!

.

There isn’t a magic formula

well maybe … maybe just one,

each waking day

give big thanks and say

I BELIEVE that things will go my way!

(and then really believe it)

~ Penny L. Howe, 2013

47 thoughts on “Don’t be Afraid of Living”

  1. Wonderfully done Penny, both sketch and poem. To believe life is going to go your way is not always an easy thought to have but to practice gratitude for what you do have, I believe, is a great way to approach life.

    Reply

    • Funny you should say that about being left alone, Indira, I think that’s a fear we all have! I know I do too. I do enjoy some alone time, but the need to share (off-line) with others is strong and to have someone share back is equally important – to know there is someone there with you who cares about you! Yes I do agree. And thank you very much for your compliment about my sketch! xo

      Reply

        • Ah but you can still sketch with your mind and your words, Indira. Those are blessings,”in and of themselves” dearest friend, keep sharing your wonderful thoughts and views with others Indira, all my love to you,
          Penny, xo

          Reply

    • Thank you, Lauren, Very much appreciated, most didn’t mention the drawing of which I spent many more hours on, Ah, such is life dear friend. The poem was easy to write because it’s a litany I’ve lived for many years! So it was one that flowed. The drawing was meant to convey the struggles of a woman! There are no pupils in her eyes on purpose as she struggles to “view” her place in life yet with determination on her face to continue on. Thanks again, dear friend, warm hugs to you! xo

      Reply

      • You’re welcome! And since I don’t draw, I can appreciate the time taken and your talent, as well. I did wonder about her pupils because I noticed that one aspect and I should have asked you, but forgot! 🙂 I love your reasoning behind the pupils; very clever and deep, my friend…warm hugs back to you, too! ♥

        Reply

  6. You are so right… Living is a challenge, that´s why maybe we can be afraid of that Journey… But as you have said “Things may go your way”… So let´s take a deep breath and let´s choose to live without fears…
    Hugs to you, dear Penny;
    Aquileana 😉

    Reply

    • Hello Aquileana,
      Living is a challenge, and I finally figured out one day that I was just too busy living and experiencing life to understand I was supposed to be disappointed and discouraged with failure. For me it just made me more determined! Big hugs and much appreciate to you, my friend, you were in my thoughts (good ones) today! xo

      Reply

    • Thanks Celestine, I don’t think I know any other way to be. Don’t get me wrong, I have serious “down” days, but there is always so many wonderful things to think about in life that I can never stay there for long my friend. I hope the week coming up is an especially good one for you and your family dearest friend! 🙂 xo

      Reply

    • Hi Kenley, thank you very much! I was hoping someone would mention the drawing. I put some effort into that one. It represents a female facing life bravely but with no pupils in her eyes as she portrays strength of character but without a clear view of her place in the order of things (my thought on that anyway)! xx

      Reply

  9. I like the simple ordinary everyday words throughout this poem. Sometimes I feel we try too hard to use new words or show off our vocabulary and lose the essence of simplicity.

    Reply

    • My pleasure, I wrote both the poem and drew the picture. My own “adventures” in life have helped me to understand the importance of thinking positive and being creative when you can. I am so glad it was of value to you, Thank you very much! Penny

      Reply

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