click play to hear me read the poem

This is not the end, you’re just learning how to begin again. 

But there are some things you need to unlearn before you take another next step.

There are some cobwebs and smudges that need to be cleared. 

There are lights that need to be turned on and weeds that need to be pulled and seeds that need to be planted.

There are wounds that need to be kissed and lies that need to be met with truth. 

You are not the only one who feels the way you do.

You are not the only one who feels like they are behind or running out of time.

You are not the only one who feels lost or uncertain.

You are not the only one who wants time to slow down or speed up or turn back.

You are not the only one who is praying for change or who has no idea what’s going on.

You are not the only one who needs to hear that you are loved and forgiven and worthy.

You are not the only one trying to find the courage to take the next step, but you don’t have to have the answer to take the next step.

Life is not something you can win, but something you can enjoy. 

You can slow down and look around and remember that all of this is a gift.

Here, you will hurt and hope. 

You will lose and love. 

You will start and end and get lost and try again. 

And you, no matter how hard it is to believe, will be okay.

You will be okay. 

So, before you move onto the next thing, pause.

Sit with what is.

Just for a moment.

Open your hands and let go of what you’re holding tight.

Breathe deep and exhale the heaviness that’s been trapped inside.

Before you move on, find yourself in these words:

Life is not a race and you are not behind.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.