Life is

 Life is not,

A series of checkboxes,

Ticked off on a list.  

It is a winding path, 

Of wildflowers and thorns,  

Of sunsets and storms.  

The world tells us,

To measure our worth,

By the milestones, 

We've reached.  

But know this:  

Your value,  

Is not in the medals,

Hung on your wall,  

But in the laughter  

That escapes your lips,  

In the quiet moments,

When you feel whole.  

Some dreams,  

Bloom late,  

Some seeds, 

Take time,  

To break through,  

The soil—  

And that's okay.  

Do not rush,  

The beauty,

Of your becoming.  

Do not fret,

Over timelines,  

Drawn by others.  

Trust that the universe, 

Has a plan,  

For your unique journey.  

Celebrate the steps,  

No matter how small.  

Breathe in, 

The present,  

And cherish,  

Your growth.  

Life is not,  

A race;  

It is a dance.  

And you, my love,  

Are learning, 

The steps,  

In your own, 

Beautiful time.