The Song She Sings

She grew up in a world of chaos, a world that didn't care. Each step she took, every deep breath, countless fake smiles she wore on her face. This was her life. Dreams of a world that cared for her, because she gave so much of herself, became farther and farther away. Love poured out of her soul and gave peace to those around her. "A breath of fresh air" is how she was described. If only they knew the pain she wore inside, the tears she kept hidden, and the exhaustion she fought every step she took. At night she'd pray, she'd pray for happiness and for love, she'd pray for comfort and peace. What does one do when they were taught to give to others, to be selfless and kind, to be the person that other people dreamed they could be?

She was talented. One could only wish they had such gifts as she. Her fingers as she played the piano were faster than lightening, but she could easily slow it down to play a peaceful song on the harp. Why, she had the voice of an angel. Beautiful melodies spilled out of her, and it satisfied the crowds around her. She was athletic, could dance the night away, and was exceptionally talented when it came to doing anything art related. The way she cooked and baked attracted many and often she would give meals to the hungry. Did I mention she was a philanthropist? She loved to volunteer at the local shelters and often created fundraisers and charity functions to help people. She also assisted local business owners with raising money. All of this made her happy, but it also wore her down. The goal to live up to every dream and expectation, the drive it took to accomplish the things she did, it was almost as if she was nothing without all of it.

It's time to give it a rest. What made her once thrive and smile is now the very thing that caused the slow breakage of her soul. Why not take the time and rest? Would it be so bad if the girl who gave everything was now required to rest? How could anyone stress if she took a break to find new things to enjoy? It's time to sleep and time to distance from the everyday commands and find peace withing herself. To give the time and commitment she gave to others, to herself. As she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, she allows herself to just be still. It's a funny feeling to not be doing something. It takes a different kind of energy. All of the world still moves around her, she is merely existing in it. Existing is not living, living requires much more than what she's given herself. Yes, she wakes every day and has another day of life. But is it really her life? Or is she merely a piece in someone else's story? An important piece of someone's life? She now begins to be her own piece of her own story. It will be a life she's never had but has always secretly craved. A life that's hers, and hers alone.

All too often we find ourselves serving others, more than ourselves. While it's ok to help others and give part of yourself to making people, places, and things happier and better, we mustn't forget ourselves. We must make the time to give our souls the things it craves. If you want to sing, sing. You want to hike the Appalachian Trail, do it. Make your goals, your dreams, and your future the most important thing, because once we lose ourselves, coming back can be the most difficult journey you could ever face. That is the song she sings.