The Rundown

Stepping Back to Move Forward

Trust the lift you can’t see; Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

Try as you might
some things don’t work out.
It doesn’t mean
you should cave to doubt.

Some things are meant,
some meant to let go;
knowing which is
all part of the show.

Planning is wise,
rolling, wiser still.
You never know
‘til truth starts to spill.

Guard your heart close
but keep it open.
Emptiness is
worse than heartbroken.

Leave those who use
buried in the past.
Those who hurt you
aren’t meant to last.

See them for what
they’re truly there for—
to build self-trust
and open your doors.

Eyes to the sky,
prepare for your flight—
head clear as mud,
future is so bright.

---

Even now, I’m still learning.

And I think that’s the trick—always being in a growth mindset. Losses come, and sometimes they can floor you. It’s not weakness to pause and recalibrate; sometimes that pause leads to even greater growth and realization, if you let it.

I’ve realized that, in my deep grief over recent losses, I lost sight of what’s truly healthy for me. Stepping back has helped me see where my priorities had slipped in my sadness and my desire to escape that grief. In seeking connection here, I lost connection with myself.

This is not to say I don’t want to make connections here; I do. However, I realize my own self-worth, and my focus now is on my goals.

I’ll be enforcing healthy boundaries where they’re needed. If my words help you find your way through your experiences, that’s a big part of my “why.” I’m open to engagement and usually respond to comments and messages.

I’m a generous soul who genuinely loves seeing others flourish—a big reason I chose social work as my calling. That said, I deserve the same respect and courtesy I offer others. This is a space for safe, respectful expression.

If what I write resonates with you, I’d appreciate your support. If my words aren’t what you need right now, simply leave them where you found them—no hard feelings.

I’m going to start chasing my own growth a lot harder. That’s my priority. I’ll share that journey as it unfolds, and I hope you’ll find your own reflection or encouragement within it.

In any event, I wish you peace and growth.

—Liora

Thanks for reading this poem. If my work here speaks to you and you’d like to support it:
– Buy me a coffee — a small boost for the human behind the words.
– Feed the kitties — cover a day’s meals for the colony I care for; you’ll get Whiskers in the Dark, a mini-zine, as thanks.
– Grab my chapbook — Through the Fire, Vol. I is out now on Amazon, premium print + digital.

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