If my older self could share lessons with my younger self,
Say, back in the ’70s, or perhaps further back,
What would be the focus I could give
To help me become even better than I am?
Far from perfect, I know many of my flaws and deficiencies.
Surely there’s something else I can accomplish earlier
To make the present so much better?
Elucidate, please, after you think it through.
I know I’m not perfect, and I seldom see myself clearly,
Another’s eyes can see differently, but can anyone see the real me?
Hey, younger self, learn how to get more rest!
Okay. I’ll work on it when I turn 70. Is that all?
Humph. That was easy. Anything else?
Now’s the time for truth! List your successes and faults.
Here goes. Uh oh. I don’t want to share and probably shouldn’t
An introspective review may be downright ugly!
Dirty laundry is never aired; only what’s been well-washed,
Bleached and wrung out so it can be more easily dried.
I’ll keep my results to myself.
Maybe a lesson learned is to have these periods of review.
Every so often, it may be justified to sit back, think and list the thoughts.
But if I never enact the lessons or do what I learn from myself,
Will I ever grow, improve, or be better? Or am I still imperfect?
A version of self that cannot change or improve.
Just because I know doesn’t mean I’ll do
When I learn how to improve and choose not to do it,
Or ignore that nagging voice that says, “Yes, you can!”
Then betterment never comes.
I look to my elders and see their faults and failures and wonder.
How many times through the decades did they do this?
Be conscious about change, and do something about it.
My words are to myself, but they could easily be you to yourself.
Don’t let yourself go without a plan, and know plans are full of faults,
But trying to be your best is always a moving target.
You learn as you go and are the best we often can be.
No magic wand will change you. It comes as a result of growth.
That happens when we see the moment,
Imagine your life a tree, and the rings tell our age,
But analyze those rings, and you’ll find,
Growth happens at every stage.
Our tree needs the struggle, storm, revelation, and fearful nights.
You will never be the result of your wishes. Only action will do.
Our need to change comes from the stress of the moment.
We learn, change, bend, stretch, and become from doing and handling.
And that’s what I have learned.
