Poem: Notes to Self

A member of group kindly shared this poem, written by Beth Kress, entitled "Notes to Self." I found myself pondering much of its wisdom during this stressful holiday season. I hope you also find solace and comfort in its words!

Notes to Self

Impressive, the number of ways

you’ve come up with to drive yourself crazy.

Relax, there are plenty of other people

willing and able to do this for you.

For starters, knock it off already

with the sugar and all the racing around.

Stay hooked on sunlight and cycling instead,

allow more lead time than you need.

How about this for a new plan?

Speak gently to yourself when you screw up

say thanks for all the times you get it right,

Find ingenious ways to be kind to yourself.

Treat yourself as you would a ditsy best friend,

surround yourself with people who glow,

be ready to laugh at your amusing self, 

never doubt your own essential lovability.

Every day do one thing differently, always

be hatching something: a party, a gift, a trip.

Strive for a 100% result; be thrilled with 80.

Seek out brilliance and connections. Be curious.

Make your time count, for heaven’s sake

pay attention to what actually matters

dive into your communities with gusto

lean in to the light; hang out in zones of gratitude.

Linger where you catch glimpses of grace,

fill your spaces with what brings out the ahh in you.

Give or put stuff away. Don’t be afraid.

Surrender to the mystery of it all.

Know that you belong here,

keep making room for more people,

more love, and for the immensity of things.

live deeply, unhurried, with humor.

Fall into the peaceful, powerful rhythm

of your own right life.

(Beth Kress, April 2016)