Hope Merchant

When in doubt

Be curious about

Your system, for it holds

The golden key to be well,

Even if you're walking through hell.

The treasure lies buried deep for now,

But rather than dig it right out, you’ll bow

To the wisdom of those at the gate

Who work so hard to keep you safe.

With consent, you'll proceed and remember

What awaits in your soul’s darkest chamber.

In the presence of your essence, you may approach your shame,

Though “no pain, no gain” has never been the name of this game.

When it’s time, you’ll know—

Inch by inch, you’ll let it go,

To gently with-ness it, and heal,

So whole again you may feel,

And know, without a doubt:

Leading with the heart is what life is all about.

Hope Merchant is a testament to the wisdom and self-healing capacity of the internal system. The treasure buried beneath—our exiled parts, along with their natural gifts—cannot be unearthed by force. Instead, we honor the protectors standing at the gate, moving only at the pace they allow: the pace of trust. With their consent, and in the presence of Self-energy, we approach what they guard—not with urgency, but with patience and care. This poem reminds us that healing is not about pushing through pain, but about taking gentle steps with permission. Inch by inch, we move forward, retrieving and integrating what was once lost. As trust in Self-leadership is gradually restored, we return to living from a place of love, balance, and harmony.