Wrinkles…

I have a double chin and I never used to have it
And my hands look like my Grandmas,
When did that happen? Damn it.

My back aches sometimes and my feet,
But I’m not giving in.
My body will keep moving
When the Voltarol kicks in.

If I didn’t pluck the chin hairs,
I think I’d have a beard.
I’m not exactly entirely sure
When my top lip disappeared.

I wake up nightly at three am
And get a cup of tea
Then up again at roughly four
For my roughly millionth wee.

I left school just five minutes ago
Full of hopes and dreams and sass
But times flown by and pretty soon
I’ll be using my first bus pass.

But do you know what I’m loving life
Even though I’m fatter.
My heart is full and my head is wise
And the wrinkles just don’t matter.

The most beautiful art from @lisaaisato

Party Years…

You’re in your twenties going out drinking with your friends.
Sharing all the hangovers, thinking friendship never ends.
Then one by one your journeys change
Some choose family, some careers
And suddenly you find yourself out of touch
From those youthful party years.
Be very sure you had those bonds
Even though in a tipsy haze
You strengthened each others girl power
In those wild tight mini skirt days.
And even though you live in different worlds now
Those memories are respected
Our friendships made us what we are
We will always be connected.

Artwork by the brilliant Beryl Cook 

Sing and Dance…

You don’t need to have rhythm to dance.
You don’t need to be perfect to sing.
If you feel the need to do it.
Don’t worry about these things.

Dance like a ballerina light as the wind
Spin and float like your shoulders are winged
Sing like it’s opera, chant like a monk
Twerk like you have the best junk in your trunk
The platform is yours, don’t sit it out.
The professional skills aren’t what it’s about.
It’s the freedom the joy, the feel good pretending
That you’re on stage at the O2
With thousands attending.
We all need to sing and we all need to dance
Do it right now whilst you still have the chance.

Love this artwork from @desbrophy

Let Them Go …

You know those people,
The ones that shine.
Happy vibes glowing,
Making you feel fine.
Surround yourself with them.

We all deserve to feel brilliant.
To bring out our very best.
And those beautiful souls are out there.
You’ll have no time to feel depressed.

Those who nag you and criticise,
You should let them go.
There’s no place for them in your life.
The seed is planted and now you grow.

Learn and laugh and absorb the joy
Keep the right people near.
Then be that warm light for others,
Another feel good pioneer.

Happy artwork from @ingelook.rus

Laughter…

As long as you can make them laugh
Even in the darkest times,
You’re going to make life better
Helping ease the steepest climbs.

Every person in this world
Has suffered loss and pain.
Has lain defeated in the dust
Not caring to move again.

It might seem inappropriate
It might feel really wrong,
But laughter is the medicine
We need as life goes on.

Holding hands and giving hugs
And smiling through the tears.
Be the one, hold out your hand,
The world needs more volunteers.

Artist @aannies.world

Belong If You Must..

Just accept that you don’t have to belong.
To any religion, to any group of friends, to any gender, any culture.
You just have to be happy with yourself.
At home in your own skin, at home with your own morals, certain in your own beliefs.
Happy in your own company.
Belong if you must, if it feels like comfort.
But just know that you matter and you must make your own choices whilst respecting the decisions of others.
Over everything be kind. Always.

Artist @catrin_welzstein

Gossip

Don’t listen to the gossip, the tittle tattle, the toxic words which tumble out unfiltered. Have the presence of mind to try and turn the firing squad into cheerleaders. See it as your challenge to either disagree or walk away. For those little darts of jealousy could very well ricochet right back and cast you in the starring role.

Artist Jacqueline Osborn 

You Will See It…

Fluffy Slippers

Happiness can be simple
And found in the smallest things
Not everyone needs to spend too much,
We don’t have to feast like kings.

You will find it in an autumn day
Dog walking in the rain
Splashing about in puddles
Down a quiet country lane.

You will see it in your children
When they make you proud
When you hug them and they hug you back
And declare their love out loud.

You will feel it in clean cotton sheets
That smell floral and divine
You’ve shaved your legs and moisturised
And had two mugs of wine.

You will love it on a Friday night
Meeting mates down at the pub.
Catching up with gossip
Then dad dancing at the club.

Grabbing your favourite book
And snuggling up in a fleece.
Hot chocolate in a massive cup
Enjoying blissful peace.

All it takes is a little thought
Just think outside the box.
Grab your dressing gown, a G&T
And your favourite fluffy socks.