progress
measured in pounds
in inches
in breathes
less labored
today than yesterday

success
measured in
new clothes
longer walks
a staircase
no longer
a mountain
to climb

strength
found in
a treat
not eaten
or perhaps
eaten just a bit
and you
feel proud
because you
can do something
you never thought
you could

pride
walking
with your head
held high
and a strut
in your stuff
because
you feel great
and look better
than you ever have
before
a feeling
that's so hard
to describe
but you know
it's special
and you deserve it
more than
anything else
in the world

confidence
that you can do this
that you will do this
despite every setback
despite every mistep
despite every fear
despite every doubt
because you believe
and you have faith
and a resolve
that you never had before
so success
is there
just waiting for you
to take home

imagine
the way you want to feel
the way you want to look
the clothes you want to wear
the eyes you want to catch
the dream that can be yours
and will be
any day now
even any year now
because you have

patience
lots of it
willing to go the distance
and see this through
become the best you can
and live long
and be strong
and take home the prize
of success
confidence
and pride
a job well done
because you let
nothing,
absolutely nothing
get in your way.


there is a moment
in each day
when i want to give up.
but then i remember
the prize is mine
only if i go the distance.
and it doesn't seem
that hard or
that far away.
and i smile