Real Power

Indian Paintbrush, Grand Mesa, CO, USA, Aug 2017
Photo by Delphina Raven

Real power 
Comes from 
Breaking through barriers
Not asking for handouts

It makes you harder 
And yet softer too
Because you understand
What it takes
And how much inspirational power
It has

Adversity won’t stop you
Not when the fight is worth it
And it is imperative 
For the whole of all of us

Forward progress
Comes from forward momentum
In spite of life’s
Challenges and adversities
And because of life’s
Intricate beauty 

Difficulties are essentially
Growth opportunities
An innate drive
To be an optimal version of who you are

It needs not
More add-ons
But stripping away of
Nonessential baggage
Expectations
Fancy adornments

Dig deep
And there you recognize
That fiery strength
Merge it with raw courage
That has always existed
An oft-ignored gift inside yourself

No need for more
For you have everything you need

Be self-disciplined
Have self-control
Let experiences become foresight
No matter how painful

Become responsible for yourself
Compassion and understanding
Flow through
For all