Even the darkest days have their turning point. Maintaining positive mental health is essential in managing the down days and accepting yourself for who you are.

BRAND NEW DAY

Today is a brand-new day!

And to be honest, 

I did not think I would see the dawn.

Engulfed in my own darkness, 

I lay in the dark, my life withdrawn.

Not even the light of the twinkling moon.

As I lay surrendered, life immune.

Despondent, and hollow, 

One by one, between finger and thumb,

Lay a bitter pill to swallow.

I had no more tears left to fall,

And I had no more friends to call.

The blackest night turned shallow grey,

Hours of confusion, a surge of blue, then came day.

And in the briefest pause, between the two, 

I saw it all!

I saw the beauty of life itself,

Through the grace of a shooting star!

So assured, 

Painting the sky,

With its magnificent trail so, so far!

I felt its connection as it passed me by,

And in that moment, 

I found the strength,

To give my own life,

One more try.

With that spark, 

The earth held me close.

The wind blew away,

My gathered dust, my lonely ghost.

The morning dew,

Refreshed my repose.

And the sun, 

That bright morning, sun, 

It warmed my soul.

I felt a jolt of life, 

From my head to my toe, 

And for the first time,

In a very long while, 

I felt whole.

I heard a faraway voice, 

From deep inside my mind.

Sit up, stand up, 

Take a breath, be kind.

Accept what is done, 

Pick yourself up,

Get up on your feet, 

You are not giving up!

I push my hands deep into the earth,

My fingers clasp dirt as I feel rebirth.

I have been as far as anyone can go,

Beyond the edge to the point below.

And just before those final feet,

I found the strength,

To take one step forward, and repeat. 

I now understand,

The difference one small step can make.

A friendly hand outreached, 

An apology for a mistake.

I cannot change the whole wide world, 

But I can live my life as me.

I am the change I seek, 

And the world, 

Well, for today at least, 

I am free.

(c) Jay Rose Ana

Woman Volume 2 Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels

Brand New Day Photo by Jonathan Petersson from Pexels