Thirst for Life

I take a sip

And feel the cool

Of the water

As it goes down my throat

I can see it – even though it is clear

I can touch it – even though it is not solid

I love the way water feels

When it washes over me…

I get showered by

Thousands of drops each minute

And thousands of thoughts

As well

The water flows

And so does my mind…

Ever expanding, moving & fluid

Nothing to stop it

Except the container it’s in

The water is contained in its glass

Until it is emptied

The thoughts are contained in my head

Until I pour them out…

Through my fingertips

They emerge

As printed words on paper

Or typed on the computer

And through my throat

The sound rises up

And escapes into the air

Creating sound

And unleashing the thoughts

That I’ve been thinking.

I think

I’ll take another sip.

Copyright © Cybil Smith

They Are Watching

Their little eyes are watching

What you do each day

And their little ears are hearing

All the things you say

They even see the subtle things

Like body language & facial expressions

They also hear more than the words

…from your tone they pick up suggestions

These little minds are always learning

From what you say and do

So think of what you’re teaching them

As they grow up to mirror you

Monitor yourself carefully…

Your actions speak louder than words

When what you do doesn’t match what you say

Your words won’t even be heard

It’s okay to make mistakes

We all do now and then

But acknowledge & admit it

And they’ll know what to do when

When they grow up & fill your shoes

With little ones of their own

Only then can they realize you did your best

Given all that you had known

Copyright © Cybil Smith

What Are You Pretending?

What are you pretending not to know?
What are you failing to do?
What are you choosing to believe in,
Instead of believing in you?

What are you pretending to believe
Is your purpose for being here?
Or are you ignoring your purpose completely
And living a life full of fear?

Afraid to fail, afraid to succeed
Afraid to even try…
Afraid that any one of these things
Might make someone cry

What are you pretending you deserve?
…Anything less than the best?
You deserve all you want in life
…It wasn’t meant to be a test.

What are you pretending is difficult?
Life does not have to be
And yet we easily complicate it
When simplicity lets us be free

Free to fail, free to succeed
Freedom to simply try
Free to believe in anything
Without having to know why

Who are you pretending to be?
Who are you pretending you’re not?
Now’s the time to answer the question
Because now is all that you’ve got.

Copyright © Cybil Smith

If You…

If you want to be happy,

Focus on the joys.

If you want peace & quiet,

Find escape from the noise.

If you feel like crying,

Let the tears flow.

If you feel like driving,

Pick a road and go.

If you want to dance,

Put on some good tunes.

If you have something to share,

Go out & spread your good news.

Copyright © Cybil Smith

Try and Do

Try…

And it can’t be done

Do…

And it will be done

When we try

We use effort

And we often attract

That very thing

That is holding us back

Perhaps it is fear

Or our insecurity

Possibly discomfort

Maybe all three

So face the fear

Secure in yourself

Knowing

The discomfort you feel

Is part of growing

If you stay

In your comfortable spot

You won’t learn much

And you’ll give up a lot

Opportunities

And possibilities, too

Quite honestly…

You’ll be giving up on you

Give yourself a chance –

Do instead of try…

It’s easier than you think

When you know why…

Why

You want to

Instead of have to

Why

You will

Beats why you won’t

Why

You can

Not why you can’t

And why

You do

Overrides why you don’t

Know the importance

Of being who you are –

Living authentically,

Shining bright as a star!

Copyright © Cybil Smith

What I Like…

I like to feel appreciated

…that what I’m doing means something

I like to know that others see

            All the possibilities I bring

I like to feel important

…that my life is worthwhile

I like to know that people feel happy

            When I share with them my smile

I like to feel included

…that I am wanted around

I like to know that I belong

            Wherever I can be found

I like to feel the pride

…that comes with a job well done

I like to know that I can always

            Feel light-hearted, with laughter and fun

I like to feel the love

…that comes from inside of me

I like to know that in the end

            I am the best me I can be

Copyright © Cybil Smith

I Can’t…

 Copyright © Cybil Smith

You Get What You Give

When you want peace & quiet

Don’t yell and scream

That noise creates noise

And makes quite a scene

Whisper your wishes

~Be calm and quiet

If you think it won’t work

I dare you to try it

When you want to be happy

Start wearing your smile

Then wish others’ happiness

& you’ll feel good in a while

Put on some music

~Let loose and dance

Happiness can come

If you give it a chance

When you want to be successful

Help others to succeed

You’ll often get what you want

When you give to those in need

It’s a simple fact of life

~You get what you give

And if you give generously

A great life you will live