“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” – Rabindranath Tagore

It is easy to feel weighed down by personal problems or world events but what I know I need to do is turn my face towards the light when the dawn is still dark. Here is my letter-poem to all who have felt the challenge lately.

Dear Phoenix,

Though the world be dark,
Don’t give up.
Let your light shine.

Keep shining your light for your community, 
The world and for yourself.
Your unique light is seen by all.
No matter what physical or mental health state you’re in;
Whether you feel the fire surrounding you as you burn up
Or whether you are picking yourself up out of the ashes
Or flying in the sky.

You know you have inherent worth!
Has anyone told you that lately?
Just think--
We all have worth that is inherent as human beings.
Your worth starts with conception,
The moment you receive the spark of the Divine.
You have value just because you are alive.
What is meaningful and fulfilling
To you now, at this moment --
And how you choose to express it
Is your WHY in life, for now.

Those demeaning voices 
Chatting in the background of your mind,
Questioning your worth, just shut you down
As your forget your inherent worth.

Don’t judge yourself by the lies and insecurities
Knocking on the back door.
Go and do; be who you are meant to be.
Embrace your light and share it.

Recognise the Critic is in each of us
It’s just a shadow part of who we are, 
It has no constructive part in shutting you down 
Or deterring you.  

Say to yourself today ‘I will honour my worth as inherent to me -- as it is in others.’

Know that you are delightful as you let your light shine.

If you are a plumber then do that well,
And if you are a dancer, a teacher, an artist or programmer
Shine and do it well.
Be brave and do it.
I dare you -- risk revealing who you really are.
If you are afraid because you are just starting out
Then take small steps.
Start at the beginning-- but try.
There is nothing wrong with
Falling short of your dream
So long as you pick yourself up
And carry on 
and remember your inherent worth. 

When you keep your balance
On a balancing beam
Core muscles are used.
If you lose your focus,
If you panic, fall off or crash
You need to go inside
literally and figuratively
And find your gold:
Find those muscles that hold you up;
And acknowledge your inherent worth.

I have found my voice --
A deep, calm equilibrium
I do not look for empty flattery
Nor do I take notice of depreciating disdain
But I stay grounded and balanced; this is my truth.

Although these might be dark times,
Let our light shine.

I wish you a deepening joy that fills you up with conviction that your light will shine into dark, discouraging places. I ask that dawn would come in each of our hearts and minds. Remember the sun comes up each day just as it is meant to. Let your light shine.

Remember your inherent worth.