Faded light, on stone cold wall

White washed stains, where rain would fall

Black and grey in a colorless plane

This is their home, are they insane?

In the corner, by lamplit light

Are their creations, images of delight

Paintbrush, an extension of hand

Bringing color to a place so bland

In this corner, they spend the hours

Painting pictures, skies and flowers

Dreaming always, risk not taking

Sitting, drawing, so painstaking

Walk the stairs, take the plight

Dreams to fill themselves with light

From their corner, they see the way

But in the corner, they will stay

Their paintings are their only friends

But their heart, they cannot mend

Painting forever, life in pretend.

Poem I wrote years ago during a very dark time in my life. Stumbled across it cleaning out my closet. The words still bring meaning even after all this time. Once, I was so afraid, and was happier to just coast through life, in a bubble. That happiness? Is nice. But its only temporary. Real happiness can be achieved, but its up to you. You can either let your demons take hold, and try and drown them out with other things. Or you can face it head on, even if its scary. Tell yourself, "Yes, you can do this. You are stronger than you know. Be your own motivator.

And no, its not always easy. There are days you will stumble. And thats ok too. We all fall from time to time. Dont feel weak, if you need to talk to someone, or cry. Those arent signs of weakness. It takes real strenght to admit you need help. Because you are facing up to your own feelings. That takes real courage.

Love yourself, even when its hard. Wake up every day, and tell yourself that. And if you have a bad day. Thats ok too. Healing is not linear.

You are worth it. And you can be happy.