Stealing Joy

Comfort equals complacency was a life motto for a very long time.

Creating steel walls around what feels good became a love of mine.

Sitting too long with a book or a friend…

Invited red alerts; what panic this drove until it had to end.

Growth does not come from rest and relaxation.

Who has time for a summer vacation?

From this comes a beautiful house and a few nice cars.

But no time to enjoy and a whole lot of scars.

Very few friends left to enjoy a nice meal.

Why is there no happiness; an onion I must peel.

Now it is time to take a step a few steps back.

And look at this creation to acknowledge what lacks.

Hot baths, some wine, and a warm fuzzy blanket.

Or attending a sports event or even a banquet.

Seeing the smile on my teenage son’s face.

There really is nothing else that can replace.

Why did I spend so many decades refusing?

To let this peace in and stop confusing.

Complacency is not an output of comfort.

But a tool that keeps the joy from us first.

And now that I know that comfort means joy.

I will forever be vigilant from this dangerous ploy.