52 Week Creativity Challenge, Week 7- Beat

"Beauty in the Grey" taken on a Lumix camera, no editing
by S.Clark

I've realized that for the past few years, at least, I have a career crisis in January and February. This crisis takes the form of questioning my skills, my competence, and my effectiveness.  I also question if I am making the world a better place and if all the work I have done is worth it.  I begin to contemplate other careers; teaching, gardening, writing...anything but therapy.  Thankfully, this year I have realized that this a pattern, which suggests that there is nothing wrong with my career.  These feelings are more likely a reflection of my struggles with winter, how it grinds on my mood and degrades my coping skills.  Once the daffodils begin to bloom, all will be right in my world again.  Until then, I will try to find the beauty in these grey Pacific Northwest winters.  This poem is meant as a pep talk to myself.

Beat

I am not beat up,

by life

or people

or otherwise.

I am not beat down,

by hardship

or misunderstanding

or whatever.

I will not be beat by

my limitations

or challenges 

or anything.

I will not be beat,

because I am a fighter and a lover,

I meet adversity with compassion and strength. 

I will not be beat.