Debbie Jones shared a lovely poem about being kinder to ourselves. I was immediately drawn to it and felt that the message was a universal one that everyone could benefit from hearing.
After Debbie shared an updated reprint a few weeks ago in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, I felt compelled to share it on Surprising Lives. I hope it helps and resonates with you too.
By Debbie Jones:
Thankfully, I have never been in a situation where I’ve thought of taking my own life.
However, like many people, I have had times when I’ve been through some very dark episodes..which are not only scary but very unpleasant places to be, indeed.
They say, if life throws you lemons, make lemonade..it’s not that easy.
In the past, I’ve been the one hoping the ground would swallow me up; whilst “lemons” were thrown hard & often at my head, several times, over a period of years.
I couldn’t even see the tap, let alone have the strength to turn it on, in order to make that lemonade from those ceaseless “lemons.”
But I have no idea how desperate someone feels who has reached a completely different level of hurt & angst.
I do know, through those troubled times, if I was at my best, I’d know that I’d get through the darkness, eventually. I’d know I had a wonderful, loving family & friends who were there for me. I’d know I had done my best. I’d know that not everything is my fault. I’d know not all bad things are preventable. No one promised an easy ride. My best self knew. My vulnerable self was unsure of everything.
We can’t always expect to be our best selves, but when vulnerable, hopefully, we can try to recognise the signs, & be kinder to ourselves.
My Best Self
If my best self could take my hand,
Guide me safely through troubled lands,
The only thing I’d need is me,
Rough seas would part, so I could see,
That life won’t always be like this,
I’d give me a reassuring kiss,
A tender touch upon my shoulder,
To give me strength & make me bolder,
A gentle thought, a caring deed,
Calming words that I would heed,
I’d promise me to treat me kinder,
Sometimes we need a small reminder,
To love ourselves, to know our worth,
And celebrate our earthly birth,
For while we live with what we cope,
We must never, ever give up hope,
Our time here’s gifted for special reasons,
To cross the paths of rhymes & seasons,
So give yourself a warm embrace,
Stand proud amongst the human race.
© 2020 Gloria Smud
Posted initially on Gloria Smud on 22nd August 2019 in honour of September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day. Published here by permission.
Thank you for sharing your insight and motivation, Debbie.
The Tree of Life with Benchman ( with Trev Jones @puntoman )