Simply to be Present

You’re the strongest woman I know, she said.

But I do not feel it.

The truth is

I am not strong.

I simply put one foot in front of the other

and move forward,

rather slowly these days,

sometimes sure-footed,

but just as often stumbling.

No, I’m not strong.

I’m just here.

I’m simply present.

I shrug—I just am.

It’s said that when Moses asked God’s name,

God answered, “I am.”

Maybe that’s the strongest

anyone can be,

to simply exist

in spite of every wind that blows,

hot or cold,

gentle or fierce,

east, west, north, or south,

to take one more step

and say,

I am.

With all my quirks,

with all I know

and all I don’t know,

I am.

I just

am.

-kh-

Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week:

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Carry the Calm