Keep Your Footing

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry
Taken by my son in Colorado

Sometimes,
the road is
unrecognizable –
life turns slippery,
a little messy,
at times,
a bit menacing,
but whatever happens,
keep your footing.
The intuition
that springs
from your gut
will know
when you should
accelerate or break.
Trust is key,
most importantly,
believe in yourself.
The road will continue,
but the daunting will cease.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope this poem provides consolation
to you who are struggling this holiday season.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stopping by! ❤️

We miss Copper this holiday season, but
we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree,
wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire.
If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone
who would find comfort in this special collection,
please click on the link. Thank you. xo

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their adult son and daughter live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, the family of four remains close. Lauren has published four poetry collections, a memoir, and her first children’s book. Her latest poetry collection is a tribute to her family’s Chocolate Labrador who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in spring 2025. Lauren is a recent Pushcart Nominee and has been a guest on several podcasts. Her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is also shared on Gobblers and Masticadores. Her muse discovers inspiration from her family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

86 thoughts on “Keep Your Footing”

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Cindy. I always think of those who don’t find joy in the holidays. Everyone has a story, and some don’t have happy endings. So this poem came to be when our son sent his beautiful snow photos. Thanks again! Hugs 💞🌻

      Reply

      1. Yes, that’s such a lovely feeling to honor those who are less fortunate! And I love that the word slowed from the photo. I’m hoping mine will start to thaw out in time lol! 😝

  6. A beautiful message in your words Lauren to match the beautiful snow image.
    Copper looks so chill sitting there beside the Santa.
    Have a lovely weekend my friend.
    Love and hugs to you xoxo
    🧑‍🎄❤️🥰🤗🎍💫

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Maggie, and I thought that was a good place for Copper too. Wishing you the same, dear friend. Stay warm! It’s cold here for us, but I’m sure not as cold as what you’re experiencing. Hugs and love to you! ❄️💫💞😍💙

      Reply

  9. Now that’s a snow scene! We have friends outside Boulder – in Erie – who got a bunch of snow and they’re happy about it…apparently loads of cancelled ski trips recently. Love the “trust is key” phrase in your beautiful poem, Lauren! Thank you. ❤️😊❤️

    Reply

    1. I know, right, Vicki? Our son sent three and they’re gorgeous. I immediately became inspired. 🙂 He loves CO, but he’s lucky to work remotely and not have to drive when the weather is crazy. Thanks for pointing out a favorite line also and for your beautiful words. Stay warm and have a great weekend. Hugs 🥰❄️❤️

      Reply

  15. Whatever the road we take, unrecognisable or not, as long as we’re headed somewhere new where there’s hope and excitement. Amazing poem, Lauren. Happy Sunday!

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  16. It is so important… essential, to trust and have confidence, in life, in ourselves…. but it can also be very hard sometimes. Times of struggle and discomfort are only too real in some moments, sometimes paradoxically going in parallel with moments, aspects, life layers that seem and are fine, and that people do not wish to waste, by focusing or giving in to the harder parts… that is something that has always made me wonder and ponder, a balance quite difficult to keep for anyone. As that saying goes… we ought to be kind to others, as we do not always know what they may be going through in their background… your verses also put across that idea, Lauren, and encouragingly too! Especially at this time of year… but then again, all year through. 💗

    Reply

    1. I agree with your thoughts, Nicole. Everyone has a story, so we shouldn’t judge right away or make easy assumptions. I’m so glad you feel that my poem resonates too, and for all year long. Thanks for your wonderful feedback that I always appreciate! Hugs 💖🌷

      Reply

  17. It is a standing joke here in Alaska that winter driving becomes a game called Where is the lane? and its offshoot Where are the parking spaces? I have winter driving pretty well under control- but we have some daredevil drivers up here that scat the …. out of me!

    Reply

    1. I didn’t know you lived in Alaska, Violet. I can’t imagine those kind of winters. Here in the Bay Area, snow doesn’t fall, so when our son sent pics from Colorado, we oohed and aahed. And of course, I became inspired. 🙂 Thanks for chiming in. ❄️

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Dawn! We’ll see our kids in two weeks, so that’s something huge to look forward to. And we got our tree and decorations up, so we’re all festive inside, which feels nice and cozy. Hope you are too! ❤️🎄

      Reply

  27. Great poem, Lauren. You’re right, this time of year is difficult for so many people, whether because of the loss of a loved one or because they’re unable to spend the holidays with family. Your message gives hope and encouragement that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.

    Reply

  33. Hugs Lauren, I needed this today! A big thank you and merry Christmas! I’ve been reading your poetry collection about copper again, because I miss my Nitro boy at this time of year! X

    Reply

    1. Carol Anne, thank you for your kindness and support! I’m so glad my Copper book is helping you. I know how you feel because we’re really missing Copper. This is the first holiday season without him. Sigh. Sending comforting hugs, my friend. ❤️

      Reply

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