There may not be a plan
But if you’re lucky, you will encounter
A journey through time and space,
A unique ride to be marvelled.
It will be bitter and sweet.
It won’t be easy.

Moments to cherish and despise
But each step, every breath, is your own.
Each decision, ultimately lays with you.
There will be agonising trials out of your control.
You will make painful mistakes.
Learn from them.

On this ride, open your eyes, heart and soul.
Gasp at the beauty of the world.
Wonder at its magnitude.
Love fiercely. Savour it. Grasp it.
You will experience bitter disappointment.
Make sure you move on.

At times your adventure will be intense.
Exquisite. Excruciating.
Harrowing loss will almost break you,
Intoxication will try to dominate you.
Make sure you enjoy the ordinary.
Grasp contentment.

Relish the unexpected.
Eye contact that makes your insides flip
A delicious leap of anticipation.
Appreciate the seasons, sunsets, leaves,
Beauty is all around you.
Inhale it every day.

Growing old is a gift, not a chore.
Be grateful for it.
Always be kind.
We all need compassion.
Together we can make tears of joy
Outnumber tears of sadness.

  © Sophie Harrington (2017)