Signs Of Joy

How long can we hold on

To what we once had?

How many times do we have to look back

To the transparent images of the past?

You see I know what it is like

To smell, see, hear and feel

The person that was in my presence,

The person that was so real.

Hugs that melted our hearts.

Smiles that brighten our days.

Laughter that brings us joy.

Kisses that felt good in so many ways.

There were some ups and downs.

At times, we had a blast.

We want our moments to be fun.

But still our bond did not last.

The things that part people,

Whether it’s by will or tragedy,

They will leave a deep, painful scar -

But they push us to be strong gradually.

Holding on to bad memories

Is like being stuck in the past.

How long can we carry emotional baggage?

Do we choose to be sad and mad?

Living in the present.

Living in the now.

Some things made you smile.

Some things made you go “wow.”

Stargazing from the Jersey beach.

Watching a mechanical toy train.

A little girl painting a mystical warrior.

A little boy flying like an invincible plane.

Watching the sun rising over a big grassy mountain.

Catching butterflies in an enchanted garden.

Horses galloping in the light gray misty meadows.

Nature makes Earth feels like eternal Heaven.

Bunnies hopping in a field of golden buttercups.

A kitten meowing for endless attention.

An eagle soaring high in the baby blue sky.

A cute puppy begging for unbreakable affection.

Watching colorful fireworks in the beginning of July .

Exploring many different ancient Buddhist temples .

Admiring the cherry blossoms at the Osaka Castle.

Children dancing at the Ohrid Summer Festival.

Feeling the gentle presence of an Oriental soul.

Enlighten a beautiful woman with what you know.

Receiving a gift of a book symbolizing friendship.

Enjoying the wonderful taste of Thai Spring Rolls.

What am I trying to say?

What do all of this mean?

There are so much beauty in this world now -

Even beauty that is yet to be seen.

The beauty that makes you smile are signs.

Signs that it is okay to move on.

Signs that there is hope.

Signs that the past is long gone.

Signs that you are free as a bird.

Signs that you are not a prisoner.

Signs that you can focus on your present

So you can control your own future.

I know the healing process takes time

After death or bad relationships.

But you have proven you are strong

If you can smile at something beautiful during hardships.

Don’t lose the beauty that surrounds you.

A smile brings closer to happiness.

Don’t be glued to the handle with a heavy weight.

Dwelling brings us closer to madness.

So pay attention to the signs of joy ,

Letting you know that everything is okay.

Be brave to move on in life.

You’ll get stronger each day.

This poem reminds me of how grateful I am to have the strength to overcome losses. Even though we all go through our own difficulties (like challenges, heartbreaks, tragedies, etc.), the things that make us smile (even the smallest things) tell us that the world is not that bad at all. Through my personal healing process, I realize that it is up to each of us to make our own world beautiful. Even though joyfulness is everywhere, it actually starts from within.