Walking along icy sidewalks
is a reminder of how unyielding
our hearts can be
if we carry inside
all the hurts that have come our way.
We hold ourselves tightly
take little steps
and focus on the small area
directly in front of us.
We remember when we last
took a fall
and how bruised we felt.
It’s only when the sun comes out
from behind thick heavy clouds
that we look up
relax, let go,
and immerse ourselves
in its warm rays of hope.
We have to let go
of our old stories
and remember that they are just stories
that we alone have created
and we alone have the power to change and
dismantle.
In effect, we are our own architects
and can build kinder, more forgiving
towers of thoughts.
We can look up and away from ourselves
to experience and revel in the lightness
and spaciousness that comes
when we use courage to view
old thoughts that no longer serve us
hold them up to the sun
and watch them melt away.
~Janice Henshaw
Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016