Could Have, Should Have, Would Have

This poem was inspired by a conversation that I was having with my significant other.  

I could have been outgoing,

But instead I turned out shy.

I should have been an artist,

But instead I didn't try.

I would have been more prettier,

But instead I turned out plain.

I could have better clothes,

But instead I just complained.

I should have been a long term worker,

Producing and doing well.

But instead they laid me off last year,

It hurts but you couldn't tell.

I should have been real angry,

I had the right to be.

I could have been depressed,

It would have made sense to me.

Instead the door had closed.

It was time to move on now.

I had to figure out what to do,

But I didn't quite know how.

I wrote the resume again

And practiced my interview skill.

I even learned to Twitter

And I volunteered at will.

I trusted that my brand new path

Would be better than before.

I focused on improving my attitude and skills,

And found strength in doing more.

I found comfort in my silence,

And listened to my soul.

I found love and joy and compassion and peace,

It's part of being whole.

Could have, should have, would have,

Does not change what's meant to be.

So I accepted and was grateful

To start new again and be free.

What we learn from any setback helps us to more forward.  This journey is about finding your strength.  Don't give up hope.

Quitting Is Not An Option

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take 

your eyes off your goals.” – Sydney Smith 

Staying inspired and motivated these days takes a lot of effort. The news worldwide and at home have not been pleasant. There is so much pain, sadness, anger, grief, frustration, violence, and the criticizing commentary that someone’s to blame for all of this. Do you ever wonder why you feel hopeless and depressed?

Luckily, you and I can remain inspired and motivated. How? By turning off the news. Read a few headlines just to stay informed, but don’t let the news infuriate and upset you to the point where you have to spread your anger to others. Don’t let this information ruin the rest of your day! Release this negative energy by focusing on something else that’s positive and uplifting. Do whatever it takes to help you feel calmed and relaxed again.

I want to give credit to those people who are still surviving in this down economy. I feel inspired and motivated by what I notice from them. What I observe is courage, strength, faith and hope. I am inspired to apply all my courage, strength, faith and hope because quitting is not an option. I won't give in to the despair and hopelessness, because I know I am strong and won't give up.

To all of us survivors, I acknowledge your spirit to continue. We count on our blessings and move forward towards our goals. I heard a phrase on a news piece last year: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” And we are tough!