I Used To Be Me

I used to be someone carefree;
I used to be me.

I look in the mirror and trace
The reflection that stares me back in the face.
So many would agree;
I used to be me.

When I was a little girl
Mommy told me I was a precious “pearl”
I would constantly smile with glee;
I used to be me.

Then one day I was thrilled,
Never felt so fulfilled.
With love greater than the sea,
He got down on one knee.
I guarantee;
I used to be me.

Beaming in pride,
I was a beautiful bride.

..But then I was denied
And he constantly lied
I tried and I tried
And I frequently cried
But this only made him cease to provide.
Sooner than later, the love did subside.

Now alone I reside
I feel empty inside.
And I only pray: God, give me the key;
To be me.

Lonely, But Not Alone

Sometimes I feel alone,
Secluded in my thoughts and heart
While there are people all around me;
But I’ve learned to play the part.

Sometimes I feel so forlorn,
Although my face does sport a grin.
The tears well up inside me,
And stay stuck beneath my skin.

Sometimes I feel so empty
When my life’s so full of tasks.
The day’s so rushed – it beckons me
To unveil my shallow mask.

So next time you pass me on the street
And I look so full of pride,
Remember: my alive and happy face
May be hiding a cheerless inside

- AF

Well, Which Is It?

Throughout my life I've toyed with this phrase -- is it a crisis, or is it a challenge? Does it depend on the situation? The circumstances? The person? The environment? One's background? One's temperament? Or solely one's attitude?

Within the last year, especially, I have been faced with many crises.. or should I say challenges? I had two choices; stay afloat, or sink. I opted for choice #1. While at times I was sure I would sink, I didn't.

I created this blog for the purpose of analyzing these issues. Let it be a place to vent, laugh, cry, get inspired, you name it. I'll share stories and feel free to share your own.

Bottom line is, we don't know what life brings our way. What matters is how we perceive things. I often have trouble thinking challenge, rather than crisis... but maybe this blog will help. After all, it's all in the attitude.