Life and its meaning

Years have now passed.
Times of anguish and delight have flown past in the blink of an eye.

persons I love
have come and gone, but the world has continued, and we have all moved forward.

Life wasn't always easy, and there were challenges,
filled with moments when it mattered and moments when I didn't give a damn.

I was independent and managed to navigate my way through some tear-filled nights and the beginning of fresh days.

Age has made it quite evident that things I once considered significant weren't the reason I was on this planet.

And how many items I was able to purchase
Were never the things that improved my mood.

And when it was all said and done, the worries and fears that tormented me every day would just vanish.

The real indicator of my success, though, would be how much I extended a helping hand to others when necessary.

And eventually, what would set me apart was how much of my soul and heart I shared.

My view of myself and whether or not I'm at my best are what matters most.

And how much more compassion and love I may manifest before the Lord notifies me that it is my time to depart.