Paths of Joy

When writing a poem,
the hardest part is the start
This can also be true
of the process of change

Once we've begun,
all we need to do is continue
But it's the beginning
that determines the ending,
or rather the way we begin
that determines the outcome

A half-hearted effort will never yield
the desired results,
Neither will attempts to fit in
and meet the expectations of others

Some paths we've chosen,
and others were chosen for us
But make no mistake,
our fate is in our own hands

We can choose paths of joy,
paths of pain,
or paths of pleasure

Pleasure is external and fleeting
Joy is something we carry inside
And pain will lead us to joy,
if we heed its message

Sometimes we may find ourselves
Trapped by darkness, pain and fear
We may want to escape,
to be anyone or anywhere else
But lack the courage and knowledge
To walk into the unknown

Take that first step
Take it now
Don't look back
Take heart
And know that rewards will come
to those who are willing
to begin