After a While

I realize this poem was not written about weight loss.  Nevertheless, it applies to just about anything we're struggling with.  I'm not sure when it came to me, or where it came from, but I love it.  It speaks to my soul when I'm down.

After a While
by Veronica Shoffstau

After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand
and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't
mean leaning
and company doesn't
always mean security.
And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child.
And you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground
is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way
of falling down in mid flight.
After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn
that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth.
And you learn
And you learn
with every good-bye, you learn.