A Better Way

 

As I grow older,

And my vision gets bolder.

I want more of myself,

Yes, more than anything else,

I want for myself -

- to think, speak, act, feel, and just be in this world in a better way.

 

To think, speak, act, feel and be in a better way.

 

A better way to thrive where I'm planted.

A better way to adapt when my surroundings change.

A better way to deal with life's surprises.

A better way to cope with both the expected, and the strange.

 

A better way to know when to seize the moment.

A better way to know when to wait.

A better way to stay patient, optimistic, and faithful.

And to do this even when my chances are faint.

 

A better way to spend the hours I've been given.

A better way to choose my words.

A better way to listen to wisdom.

And a better way to make my own wisdom heard.

 

A better way to treat all living things.

That I meet on my journey through life.

A better way to deal with the darkness of their problems.

And my own countless worries and demons of the night.

 

A better way to walk the path in front of me.

A better way to deal with disappointments and regrets.

A better way to stay balanced.

Through the twists and turns in life, and even the major upsets.

 

Yes, I seek a better way to hold.

And a better way to let go.

A better way to play the hand I've been given.

Even with a future unknown.

 

I know there's a better way to think of everything.

And a better way to show I care.

I know there's a better way for me to be fruitful.

And to bring my gifts and talents to bear.

 

I know there's a better way to think about pleasure.

And a better way to deal with pain.

I know that every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

And if I approach it right,  it will be not just to my,  but to family's, to community's, to country's, maybe even to humanity's gain.

 

I seek a better way to carry my crosses.

The ones that others can and cannot see.

I seek to get to a place.

Where I carry them quietly and with dignity.

 

Yes, I seek a better way to respond to life.

And to find a way to embrace,

All the ups and downs in it.

With thoughtfulness, wisdom, and grace.

 

So always imperfect, dear reader,

I hope I am getting better every day.

In my ever conscious desire,

to think, speak, act, and feel in a better way.