There comes a time in life when winning doesn’t seem important. You don’t feel the need to demand the importance you deserve or make another person aware of your feelings. Having the upper hand in an argument or proving your point seems insignificant. It’s not that you’ve stopped understanding right from wrong, but the fact that you have realized life has so much more to offer.

It takes a moment for things to be snatched away, for life to turn topsy-turvy. It takes a lifetime of learning to accept that holding your loved ones close, telling them they matter, and showing them they are cherished is so much more important.

Pausing, walking under the blue sky, soaking your feet in water, playing with waves, gazing at the stars, enjoying nature, swaying to music, reading books, savouring your favourite food… these are things you will always remember with a smile.

The way your partner looks at you, the way you look at them, the way your child holds on to your hand while walking, the way you hold on to your parents—these will be fond memories someday.

Not everyone wants to win the rat race, and not everyone even wants the race. A few of us are happy to walk, stroll, sing, dance, write, read and live every moment of what is left of this beautiful life. The black sheep of the human race, we are the ones who will happily bleat our way through.

There’s no end to greed, to the drive to win, to be the best. How much are we losing during this journey? How much are we actually winning when we find ourselves alone at the top? Pause. Breathe. Live.

Let people say you are crazy. When you think differently from the crowd… you are.

I am grandmother’s silky hair,

her good skin.

I am my dad’s love for reading and

my grandpa’s flair for math.

I’m my mom’s penchant for smiles

and never say die spirit.

I’m my uncle’s height and

my aunt’s ability to make friends.

I’m somebody’s weakness for music

and also the hesitation to dance.

I’m the handed-down gift for writing

with subtle humour to match.

On some days, I’m a heart that breaks easily

and eyes that cry poetry.

I’m anger, I’m impulse and courage

all bundled into one.

I’m just a mosaic of people

Who handed me their tiny bits.