life is a journey

pushing away 

is a mechanism 

designed to protect.

resistance 

is a reaction to 

keep fear

at a distance.

giving up,

caving in

are ways of 

allowing other 

stories and people 

to take precedence 

without having 

to take personal risk 

or to become 

vulnerable.

wise voices continue to speak 

in my realm of living

reminding me...

pushing away creates a 

false sense of security.

resiting fear 

does not eliminate fear. 

giving up 

caving in 

does not create 

or maintain peace. 

each of us journey through 

these "things"

and to suggest we don't

is an illusion...

is a lie. 

these "things" 

have dictated my life

but for the most part 

that is the past.

i'm not pushing away

resisting

giving up or 

caving in

so much 

anymore.

in the midst of grace

and encouragement 

i am able to write and speak...

i am not afraid of life.

i am not afraid of the future.

i am not afraid of living. 

i am not afraid of living into 

what is ahead of me. 

i still don't know 

what is around life's 

corner...

i just know

i am more willing

to let the story unfold

and my gut reaction is 

not to 

push away 

resist

give up 

or cave in.  

some days are confusing

difficult

aggravating

and more...

but under the surface of it all

i've found

the still waters

and green pastures...

i'm learning

how to live there now. 

i'm not gloating 

or bragging 

i'm just saying

i am more able to 

understand what it means

when it is said...

life is a journey...

some things i give up and let go.

some things i take in and hold.