IT...

It all begins with self-esteem; a sparkle in one's eye, that certain gleem.
The ability to indulge in a slice of life
which not all people achieve alike.

It has nothing to do with ego and it's not quite vain;
simply enough, one has a little pride which from
childhood was gained.

It only presents itself to those fortunate few
who realize all the good they can do.
Sitting around; chronically regretful of
achievements gone sour decreases one's merit
every  second, minute and hour.

It doesn't amount to a hill of beans
if peer groups criticize what it means.
Strength in numbers, members of a brigade;
ignoring individuality; playing the same game.
No mental growth will occur; personal identity
is only a blur.

It promises longevity and contributes to
the constancy of  youthfulness of one's mind.
Conveying the least amount of doubt
is not very wise.

It gives gratification when goals are
set and obtained.
Don't give up because yesterday it rained.
Fight for confidence and sacrifice the pain.
Grab some self-respect and flush sorrow down the drain.

It never determines the rules of the struggle.
It merely offers choices
and provides pieces to life's puzzles.
Intuition sorts, searches, and fine-tunes the whole picture,
but only knowledge has horizontal and vertical hold.