THE MEANING OF SUCCESS

 

I'd like to ask you - what's your definition of success

When looking in life's balance book so far?

Is it made of numbers, nothing more and nothing less?

The kind of house you have? The make of car?

 

Is it rows of figures sitting neatly in a chart?

Is it measured by the bottom line?

Or is there something dearer in your mind and in your heart,

Something bigger than a dollar sign?

 

Money is a yardstick, a measure of success,

But truly it is not the major part,

For living in integrity, respecting those with less,

Is not within our wallet, but our heart.

 

To be successful should mean we are happy, optimistic,

And view our life with pleasure and with awe.

Success is measured many ways, and being realistic,

Money's quite a good one - but there's more.

 

If our heart is empty, though our wallet's overflowing,

Does that really constitute success?

I'd rather be content and have the wealth of really knowing

I've given hope and helped spread happiness.

 

Enjoy your wealth; you've earned it. Savour what it brings,

But as you do, remember life holds more.

To give compassion, kindness, finding joy in simple things,

You've riches you can't purchase in a store.

 

For at days end the price, my friend,

Cannot be tallied on a balance sheet,

It can't be told by whether you have millions to spend,

Your Who's Who listing or the 'names' you meet.

 

Your worth may be assessed by enduring qualities

Of humanity; your friendship, tact and care,

Not the skilled employment of investment strategies,

But did you invest in life - and did you share?

 

Material success may cease to matter quite so much

If, when auditing your balance sheet you find

It didn't have a column for the lives you helped and touched

And the legacy of love you left behind.

 

I'd like to ask you - what's your definition of success?

Perhaps if we include our peace of mind

The truest wealth's abundant love; and shares in happiness

Pay dividends beyond the fiscal kind.

 

©Jan Hunneybell 26/01/01

 

LOVES BOND

 

The bonds of love that bind us all never fade away

But carry on, stay ever strong, forever and a day.

What we have shared connects us, bonded soul to soul,

And love's ties warm and cheer us, though life's trials take their toll.

 

Even when we physically are no longer there,

Our spirits and our souls live on, constant in their care;

For family ties are forged with love and sharing over time,

Not just one life but many, till we reach the light sublime.

 

We all act out our many plays; we live out many themes,

We learn so much through sharing, caring, following our dreams

Until the day comes when we find that it's our time to go,

To stretch our wings on different planes, find other ways to grow.

 

While waiting there we work and learn, living in the light,

Until that unknown, glorious day, when we will all unite

Once more with love with those we've known so many times before,

Eventually to reach the stage when partings are no more.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, 1998

 

THANK YOU

 

Thank you for the pray-er, the one who sends the prayer,

Thank you to the healer, who channels hope and care.

Thank you to the Mother, who gives her heart with love,

And thank you to the Father, both here and up above.

 

Thank you for the small things that brighten up our day,

Thank you for the blessings that so often come our way,

Thank you for the strength to cope with life when things get rough,

And thank you for the friends you send when hope is not enough.

 

Thank you for forgiveness when we've said or done some wrong,

Thank you for the sweetness and the power of a song.

Thank you God, a million times, for all with which we're blessed,

And thank you for the quiet times when we can stop and rest.

 

Thank you for the chance to learn, to hear, to feel, to see,

Thank you for the knowledge that we're all one family.

Thank you for the chance we have to start each day anew,

And thank you, God, for loving us, no matter what we do.

 

©Jan Hunneybell 29 Aug 02

 

 

SIMPLICITY

 

The best things in life are the simplest things; they are nothing in terms of cost

And yet they're the truly priceless things we don't notice until they're lost.

 

They're the song of the birds in the morning, the sound of the wind in the trees,

The promise of a new day dawning, the scent of a rose on the breeze.

 

They're the warmth of the sun through a window, the smell of the new mown hay,

The colours in the sky and the sun's bright glow as it sets at the end of the day.

 

The best things in life are the simplest things; they are things that you just can't buy,

They're the love in your heart that a cuddle brings; they're the life in a newborn cry.

 

They're the hug from a friend which says, 'I care', the trust in the eyes of a child,

The knowledge that someone is always there when you're lonely and thoughts run wild.

 

They're the smiles you receive as you walk down the street, the chances to lend a hand,

Friendships that grow with strangers you meet, that you feel sure were somehow planned.

 

The best things in life are the simplest things; don't let them pass you by,

Those moments in life when your heart lifts and sings; or bring sudden tears to your eye.

 

They're transcendent, resplendent moments of bliss, when we touch on a sense of grace,

Filled with wonder and awe and with tenderness no money or goods could replace.

 

They're in a hug, in a look, in a tree or a book, in a moment of true understanding;

Don't get caught up on desire's cruel hook - simple things are the most undemanding.

 

Yes, the best things in life are the simplest things.  They cannot be bought or sold,

They're not bright trinkets or flash furnishings, but they're treasures more priceless than gold.

 

They don't need to be polished and kept just for best and they don't need to be locked away,

They don't need insurance but earn interest if you use and enjoy them each day.

 

Oh, the best things in life are the simplest things, enjoy all the wonders you see.

If we live life with love and the joy this world brings, what a wonderful life this can be.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, Jan 2000

 

EVERYDAY ANGELS

 

This world is just full up with everyday angels,

They're in every house and down every street,

And if you so choose, you will see there's an angel

Dwelling within everyone that you meet;

 

Some may be angels of love and good fortune,

Others are angels of challenge and pain;

The world's overflowing with everyday angels

And if you can see this, there's so much to gain.

 

If you treat all others as you'd treat an angel,

With tolerance, humour, respect and good grace,

You'll find that you too are an everyday angel,

With kindness and love in the smile on your face.

 

Angels of mercy help when we're in trouble,

They pick up the pieces when we're in despair;

Angels of laughter help brighten the good times,

And help when life's hard and we're getting nowhere.

 

There are angels of love, (they are quite often mothers),

Angels of courage to overcome pain,

Angels of hope and of deep understanding

And angels of comfort who help take the strain.

 

This world is just brimming with everyday angels,

They're found in our neighbours, our family and friends.

Look and you'll find you're surrounded by angels -

It's wonderful what priceless treasures God sends.

 

So, next time you're snappy, or moaning or grumpy,

About to be nasty to someone you love,

I just want to say, 'Never shout at an angel,

They're precious; don't hurt this great gift from above'.

 

You never know when you'll have need of an angel,

So don't be unloving and drive them away;

By seeing each person you meet as an angel

There's guidance and help every step of the way.

 

And finally, know that our children are angels.

Treat them that way and they'll flourish and grow

Into confident, competent everyday angels,

Healing the world with their energy flow…

 

When all are uplifted by angelic graces,

And all hearts pour love out like bottomless springs,

Theyll spread their light out into all the dark places

And by doing so they will all earn their wings.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, Sept 2000  

 

I wrote the next poem after standing outside one lovely morning, listening to the birds and hearing Puffing Billy (a steam train and local tourist attraction) in the distance. Thinking how lucky we are to have 'heaven on our doorstep', I sent copies to family and friends in England, hoping to entice them to visit...

 

HEAVEN ON OUR DOORSTEP

 

We've heaven on our doorstep - just take a look outside,

Breathe the scent of eucalypts in glorious countryside.

The grandeur of the Dandenong's, these blessed, beauteous hills,

Is there for all to share in.  Tree ferns with leafy frills;

The tall and splendid mountain ash and creeks where waters flow

So crystal clear o'er ancient rocks of Dreamtime, long ago.

 

Sherbrooke Forest seems to sing; her music fills the air

With tinkling sounds from Monbulk Creek and birdsong everywhere;

The laughing kookaburra, the cockie's piercing squawk,

The chatter of rosella's and gallah's who fly and walk

In lush enchanted forest…  Oh, the magic of the trees,

With energy that nurtures; soft scents upon the breeze.

 

A place that's close to nature in all her verdant splendour,

It has the great ability to foster and engender

A love for her abundant gifts; a space that's like no other,

That helps tired hearts to swell and lift.  The hills are like a lover

Who keeps the passion fresh and new with constant sweet surprises…

What possibilities to explore; her mystique tantalises.

 

Where, in this paradise, to start? The Rickett's Sanctuary

Is a place to thrill the heart, it is a must to see.

Go when the air is damp and chill to feel a sense profound,

The earthy, primal energy of spiritual ground;

A work of passion, care and love - a legacy to share;

One man's dream inspires us all to look, to feel, to care.

 

Mount Dandenong!  The view across to Melbourne's distant towers

Is just superb - a place to sit and gaze and dream for hours.

The Rhododendron Gardens are a stunning favourite too.

The beauty and the colour; the distant, mountain view,

A place of peace; a haven from the throngs, the madding crowd;

A visit here's a tonic.  Sounds of silence.  Hilltop cloud.

 

A trip on Puffing Billy's a great way to take a look

At glorious hills and bushland tracks from Belgrave to Gembrook;

Picnic at Emerald Lakeside Park; stretch your legs and then

Board the famous steam train back to Belgrave town again.

Kalorama's stunning views; Olinda's shops and stores,

Sassafras for tea and cake - the choices are all yours.

 

There's the peaceful lake at Birdsland; you can walk the Gully's trail,

We've Pirianda Gardens...  More?  Try Cloudehill or Tindale…

Burrinja Gallery for art, Grant's Picnic Ground for birds,

Ridge Road has panoramic views.  This place is beyond words.

It has to be experienced, this glorious countryside;

We've heaven on our doorstep - just take a look outside.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, Oct 2003

 

The following poems are about dealing with loss and grief and are intended to bring some small comfort during those painful times when we try to make sense of the seemingly senseless, and wonder how to carry on.

 

SORROW'S LESSON

 

When sadness arrives on your doorstep and sorrow knocks on your door,

And despair becomes so overwhelming that you feel you can't take any more,

That's when you must have the courage to take a new point of view,

To see all the wonder around you; take pride in the good things you do.

 

It's easy to drown in despondence, to wallow in grief and despair,

Allow it to drag you right under; to give up and say you don't care,

But what is this feeling achieving?  Does it help you to cope with the pain?

The truth is these feelings destroy you. You only see darkness and rain.

 

When sadness and sorrow come calling, accept that they'll stay for a while

But make sure their stay is a short one and pretty soon put on a smile;

A smile that will fill you with courage and help you to face the despair,

And soon, though the hurt is still painful, the damage will start to repair.

 

The wound that is caused by the heartache will start to improve and to heal.

Peace of mind's not an illusion - allow it in; know that it's real.

Whatever the cause of your sadness (and tragedy strikes every day),

Accept all the good things with gladness, for good things do still come your way.

 

You'll find there are still those who love you; be thankful that they are still there.

Although you may feel your whole world's at an end, be glad there are others who care.

Notice the birds are still singing and let their song soothe your sad heart.

Know that the message they're bringing is to still your grief - make a new start.

 

You'll never forget what has happened for life's trials shape who we are.

You'll never forget all those sad times for tragedy still leaves a scar,

But you'll come through this stronger & wiser. With wisdom & help from above

You'll have earned the great gift of compassion to give out as healing and love.

 

When sadness arrives on your doorstep and sorrow knocks on your door

And despair becomes so overwhelming that you feel you can't take any more,

Remember these words I have written.  Let hope and faith live in your heart,

And knowing that love lives forever, look forward. Choose life. Make a start.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, 1997

 

 THE SHINING ONES
(For those whose babies were stillborn, miscarried or lived just a short while)

 

There are a band of special souls that twinkle in the skies,

Many tiny perfect stars formed of teardrops from our eyes,

Made of love and purity, of gentleness and grace,

The difficulties of this world they'll never have to face.

 

Each is very precious; their short journey has been run,

But they chose us before returning to the eternal sun.

They didn't have to live too long to fill their special mission,

They didn't need to spend a lifetime in this earth vibration.

 

Why did they come, these little ones, who were not born to live?

What was their task, what was the message that they had to give?

They showed what true love really is, love right from the heart,

That was their special message; loves truth they did impart.

 

For what is unconditional love but giving without strings?

This is the love that makes us value feelings and not things.

Our most important lessons can be those that break our heart,

But know that through the sadness, true love still plays a part.

 

The unique love experienced for an unborn, unseen child

Is a lesson in what matters most in our material world.

When a little one is taken into God's protective love

You'll grieve, but do not cry too long, for they're with God above.

 

Just understand these precious souls needed very little time

To reach perfection, then return - back to the light sublime.

They teach us much about what counts then, like a pure white dove,

They spend a lifetime in our hearts and shower us with love.

 

Those children who were never to grow old, or sick or grey

Remain in all God's purity forever and a day.

They are our special angels.  They'll watch over all we do,

Not in sadness but with joy and love our whole lives through.

 

©Jan Hunneybell, 1997