This Life’s Journey

Summary

The text reflects on the challenges and lessons learned from a lifetime of struggles, emphasizing a shift from reliance on the Universe to self-empowerment.

Abstract

The poem "This Life’s Journey" by Lori Carlson delves into the theme of life's struggles and the search for meaning amidst adversity. The author questions the repeated obstacles faced despite setting intentions and taking action. The poem explores the possibility of self-doubt and the need for a sustainable mindset, culminating in a resolution to take control of one's destiny, asserting that the time has come to believe in oneself rather than relying on external forces like the Universe. The narrative is a response to a prompt by Sahil Patel, which invites reflection on the essence of life's journey, acknowledging its beauty, challenges, and wisdom gained.

Opinions

The author feels that despite following advice to set intentions and take action, they are met with continuous resistance and obstacles.
There is a sense of frustration with the repeated advice to "let it go" and trust the Universe, which seems to lead nowhere but to more challenges.
The author ponders whether their intentions are insufficiently clear or whether they lack belief in the Universe's support, hinting at self-doubt.
A turning point is reached when the author decides to take charge of their life, proclaiming themselves the "Queen" of their own landscape and ready to build their path.
The poem suggests that after decades of struggle, it may be necessary to adopt a new, self-reliant mindset to move forward in life.

What a lifetime of struggle has taught me

Life’s Journey — Image created by Ravyne Hawke using NightCafe

Ofttimes, I beg the Universe for meaning Why does every milestone meet such resistance? Boulders, walls, constant uphill battles dot the landscape of my life like a map of uncertainty

Set your intentions and let it go, I am told The Universe has your back and will make it so And O, how many times I have done this! Only to have a huge boulder tossed in my path

Are my intentions not clear enough, not pure? Am I missing some secret ingredient? You need to also take action, some declare And I do, I do! Yet, derailment always occurs

Am I self-sabotaging? Does doubt linger in my mind? Do I truly not believe that the Universe looks after me? With decades of struggles to just be Me, do Me perhaps it is time for a new, sustainable mindset

I am the Queen of my own landscape I have the authority to build roads around boulders smash through towering walls and flatten hills It’s time to believe in me — the Universe had its chance

This poem is in response to Sahil Patel’s July’s First Week Prompt Of Lifeline — Write a poem that captures the essence of life’s journey, focusing on the beauty, challenges, and wisdom gained along the way.

POETRY | PROMPT RESPONSE | LIFELINE

This Life’s Journey

What a lifetime of struggle has taught me

July’s First Week Prompt Of Lifeline

"Life is not a destination, but a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Embrace each step, for it…