Wonder
the first footstep into the forest
engulfs me with a sense of
wonder and breathlessness
massive western red cedar,
western hemlock and Douglas fir —
gargantuan among me and
the low growing plants
that gently brush against me
says, “I am here too”
evergreen conifers are everywhere —
no need to search
look for the unassuming wildflowers scattered
on the floor and up the hills
when I see one with a water droplet dancing
in the light — I stay and glow in the breath
of the forest
dance with me ‘they’ say —
stay in the wonder
a little longer
and breathe
the enchanted forest
Happiness & Grace
imagine
if you truly
gave yourself some grace
made yourself a priority
ignored the inner-critic
congratulated yourself for a job well done
practiced self-compassion
let go of the drama
acknowledged your self-insights
sustained a healthy relationship with yourself
avoided the need for perfectionism
focused on the present and mindful moments
lived up to your own expectations
unleashed your passions
found your purpose
prioritized your own needs
accepted yourself
advocated or yourself
understood that small steps can make a huge difference
and know you can’t control everything
but you can change what’s in your control
imagine
if you truly
gave yourself some grace
You are Enough
ignore the inner-critic —the experts say
the voice that creeps in somehow
to put you down
to make you pause — for all the wrong reasons
comparing yourself to the masses
only amplifies the inner-critic
not young enough
not old enough
not bold enough
not brave enough
not pretty enough
not skinny enough
not
not
not
you are enough!
Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA, multidisciplinary creative & a multifaceted health care leader intersecting clinical practice, health, wellness, media, art, & tech. She’s a writer, international speaker, academic author, & poet based in New York. Her free verse poetry explores themes of nature, self-reflection, well-being, and personal growth.
