Why fight the discomfort?

Why ball up your emotions?

Why risk getting hurt?

When you could just go to the ocean

Do other people’s thoughts turn you into a robot?

In my 36 years, I’ve learned this is prison

No matter how I bend, what I wear, what I say, or how I act, I can’t bridge the schism

Other people’s emotions are vipers, hurricanes

Trying to charm them will drive one insane

Maybe there is a reason you like what you do

Nature, travel, dogs, people, music – maybe the Creator put all that in you

Is life an exercise in discipline?

I hope not

I look at my dog and he’s given in

To pig ears, shish kabobs, naps

He’s the happiest soul I know, perhaps

And his existence makes my world better

I’m nicer when I run

My husband when he has a bourbon

Our marriage oddly firmer when we don’t go to church

It’s a strange lesson I’m learnin’

That sometimes it’s good to do what you want

Send people-pleasing through the shunt

You’ll be happier and the world will be better

Go forth – be free! From people-pleasing be released!