When you feel caught in a vacuum
Because people didn’t see the value,
You brought to the kitchen table,
Won’t change the fact that,
You are more than capable.
Your worth is immeasurable.
You are very valuable.

In a world that may seem unstable,
Don’t let doubt make you retract,
You have the power to impact.
You are stronger than you think,
And you are more than enough.
You are loved even on the days you feel worse. 


Keep running.
Always believe in yourself, don’t hesitate,
You have the potential to create.
I know you can do it!
See, you’re already doing it!
 
Give yourself grace
To run your own race.
If you keep the faith alive,
I know you will survive.

-From Reflections of a Hopeful Romantic by Stephanie Anyaoha

Growing up I never got the talk about the birds and the bees
Are those the people that find happiness sexually?
Living in a single parent household
I had nothing but love that surrounded me
The joy of spending time with my family
Always brought pure happiness to me
Even though I lacked my father’s presence
I appreciated each and every thing my mom did for me
The variations of what makes me happy
Truly varies from day to day
But most importantly I am happy that God saw fit to wake me up today
The opportunity to make the world a better place
By spreading positivity and living in my purpose
Makes me feel blessed to say the least
Finding love and being loved
Allows me to be prosperous with spreading love daily
I used to say my smile doesn’t often dictate my happiness
These days I add to people’s happiness
By providing great customer service to them adding a smile goes a long way
It makes a huge difference in people’s day
My happiness isn’t always contingent on others
But it sure feels great when I’m happy
And I spread happiness endlessly to those around me
How did I forget to mention that poetry and music also brings me happiness
Being able to write and share my story with people near and far
Is a dream come true
A journey worthy of praise
‘Cause people sometimes tear you down
When they don’t support your vision
Lacking happiness hinders their judgement
Or they don’t understand how to clap
Even if they aren’t the one winning at the moment
Without question music has always been
A vital part of me
Whether it was inspiring me to write poetry
Or my calm when I needed reassurance
It has got me through good days and sad days
Whether it was the melody, beat, lyrics or artist
I always admired how I could relate it to me
Finding happiness in all that I do and the people that surround me
Makes me know that I embody happiness just by being me
So let me ask you:
What does happiness mean to you?

The beauty of a sunrise that melts into our brain
and colors the rest of our day

The sound of music rising within, expanding our heart
with feelings and emotions we can’t even name

The exuberant jumping around the room we call
dancing when no one else is home

The love in the smile of a friend that fills you
with certainty and makes you feel safe

The absolute wonder and magic of the act of
breathing that keeps us alive

The realization that you really do have enough
and could help someone who doesn’t

The power in each of us to make our world better
as we walk into our day with gratitude and joy

That’s it!
I’m done!
It’s over!
You won!

I’m tired of fighting!
I’m tired of losing!
I’m tired of running!
I’m tired of using!

I’m sick of the lies!
I’m sick of this plug!
I’m sick of not sleeping!
I’m sick of these drugs!

Something has to give!
Something has to break!
Something has to change!
Before it’s too late!

I know I can do this,
I just have to try!
I know that it’s in me,
I don’t want to die!

I’ll do what I have to,
just tell me the way!
I need your help,
and I need it today!

If I wait til tomorrow,
I know I won’t last!
These demons inside me,
are pulling me back!

So God, if you’re there,
can you do it again?
Say “Let there be light,
inside of this man!”

You’re all that I have,
and all that I need.
So please, Lord, help me…
I’m down on my knees.

When the world goes to sleep
And I am left awake
With my lonely thoughts
And subtle, soft heartbreak
I can only breathe
And readjust myself
To the passing of time
A picture on a shelf
Non sum qualis eram
Maybe something more
Who I left behind
Is running out the door
Nothing lasts forever
A former life was I
Not solid on the ground
Nor between the earth and sky
In this newfound skin
Is a person I’m not yet
A new soul has been given
But my blood has not been let
Hope, it takes a hold
Persistence is the key
Of learning my new world
And everything in me
So with these hands I pray
For a new life to begin
There’s nothing I can do
But to love myself within

Do you think that I’m alone?
Do you think that I’m unique?
Do you think that I’m the only addict,
with a good heart underneath?
Look beyond the drugs,
the sores and the blisters…
We’re mothers, we’re fathers,
we’re brothers, and sisters.
It may be hard to see,
I know you can’t tell.
Cause I was there too,
and we hide it so well.
The addiction takes over,
and you watch them disappear.
Into another world,
like the other side of the mirror.
But there is a way out,
They can become so much more, you see!
A lesser travelled path,
That we call “Recovery”.
It’s not an easy road,
and many won’t even try.
Unless they reach the point of change,
some will use until they die.
So next time you see that junkie,
or that drunkard on the street.
Pray that they get better,
That, God they finally meet.
Because I am not alone,
and I am not unique.
I am just another junkie,
Who got back up on his feet.